The role of Mongolia's nomads in sustainable eco-tourism
Mongolia is a country of undeniable great beauty. Epic landscspes capped by intense blue skies; rugged mountains, forests, lakes, vast steppes and the awesome Gobi Desert. Tourists and travel writers alike praise these and its many other attractions including outstandingly its great culture, steeped in colourful history since Genghis Khan and still visibly present, celebrated not only on special occasions but in the everyday lives of many citizens.
This culture descended through countless generations of nomadic pastoralists, with still some 750,000 - around 30% of the population - scattered thinly across those landscapes. They live by herding goats, sheep, yak and camels, skilfully managed with superb horsemanship.
But herding has its limitations and hardships. Climate extremes are bringing their own misfortunes; many herders give up and migrate to towns only to find an equally - if not more - uncertain world of urban existence. Younger family members find it hardest, lured by the superficial attractions of urban life but lacking the skills to take advantage of what few jobs there are to be had.
Mongolia is a country of undeniable great beauty. Epic landscspes capped by intense blue skies; rugged mountains, forests, lakes, vast steppes and the awesome Gobi Desert. Tourists and travel writers alike praise these and its many other attractions including outstandingly its great culture, steeped in colourful history since Genghis Khan and still visibly present, celebrated not only on special occasions but in the everyday lives of many citizens.
This culture descended through countless generations of nomadic pastoralists, with still some 750,000 - around 30% of the population - scattered thinly across those landscapes. They live by herding goats, sheep, yak and camels, skilfully managed with superb horsemanship.
But herding has its limitations and hardships. Climate extremes are bringing their own misfortunes; many herders give up and migrate to towns only to find an equally - if not more - uncertain world of urban existence. Younger family members find it hardest, lured by the superficial attractions of urban life but lacking the skills to take advantage of what few jobs there are to be had.
The Mongolian Government has long recognised that in spite of its country's rich potential wealth in mining, its benefits are too distant (and too vulnerable to global market fluctuations) to alone provide economic growth. It sees eco-tourism as a viable means of boosting the economy and directly benefiting nomadic communities who will otherwise continue to migrate to already over-populated and overstretched urban settlements.
Many of Mongolia's attractions and rich culture lie beyond city boundaries, so how better than to tour the natural way, by river, by horse, camel or ox-cart. Tourists learn of the unique culture by staying in traditional gers in the company of true nomads, visiting places of historical or cultural attraction, experiencing at first hand the friendly nomadic lifestyle, in unspoiled natural settings, often of great beauty.
This growth in tourism creates need for guides, drivers, cooks, translators, horse-handlers, and other staff to suit the nature of different locations. They will be drawn from herding communities, be given appropriate training ensuring that their holiday guests get the greatest satisfaction from their Mongolian experience
CAMDA recognises the need for nomadic communities to supplement their income by taking advantage of eco-tourism, importantly without harm to their surroundings or environment. As the industry grows so will communities benefit further, leading to greater self-sustainability with more jobs, better education, and the encouragement for younger generations to continue herding as their natural way of life. This in time could slow down the current trend of them migrating to towns, only to find an uncertain future there. We are looking at funding to extend such tourist holidays in the province of Dundgobi where we already have aid projects.
Many of Mongolia's attractions and rich culture lie beyond city boundaries, so how better than to tour the natural way, by river, by horse, camel or ox-cart. Tourists learn of the unique culture by staying in traditional gers in the company of true nomads, visiting places of historical or cultural attraction, experiencing at first hand the friendly nomadic lifestyle, in unspoiled natural settings, often of great beauty.
This growth in tourism creates need for guides, drivers, cooks, translators, horse-handlers, and other staff to suit the nature of different locations. They will be drawn from herding communities, be given appropriate training ensuring that their holiday guests get the greatest satisfaction from their Mongolian experience
CAMDA recognises the need for nomadic communities to supplement their income by taking advantage of eco-tourism, importantly without harm to their surroundings or environment. As the industry grows so will communities benefit further, leading to greater self-sustainability with more jobs, better education, and the encouragement for younger generations to continue herding as their natural way of life. This in time could slow down the current trend of them migrating to towns, only to find an uncertain future there. We are looking at funding to extend such tourist holidays in the province of Dundgobi where we already have aid projects.
