Projects
It became clear after the first series of dzud disasters from 1999-2003 leading to huge livestock losses, that many herders would need support, having to cope with great hardship but unable to fend for themselves. State support was minimal due to the collapsed economy following democratic transition. Currently around 25% of the population depend on livestock as their sole means of living.
The support best seen to help maintain their fragile way of life in an unforgiving climate was to boost the resources on which their vital livestock depend. Stocks of winter fodder can be extended by provision of mechanised grass cutting equipment, and in areas where water is scarce, particularly Gobi Desert regions, the refurbishment of shallow pit wells that have fallen into disuse can save herds trekking long distances to find enough water.
It became clear after the first series of dzud disasters from 1999-2003 leading to huge livestock losses, that many herders would need support, having to cope with great hardship but unable to fend for themselves. State support was minimal due to the collapsed economy following democratic transition. Currently around 25% of the population depend on livestock as their sole means of living.
The support best seen to help maintain their fragile way of life in an unforgiving climate was to boost the resources on which their vital livestock depend. Stocks of winter fodder can be extended by provision of mechanised grass cutting equipment, and in areas where water is scarce, particularly Gobi Desert regions, the refurbishment of shallow pit wells that have fallen into disuse can save herds trekking long distances to find enough water.
VETERINARY AID (to be shelved after 2011 - see footnote)
Our first mass-inoculation project - originally created and liberally funded by WSPA began late in 2003 with 2 mobile vet units bringing veterinary aid to the northern provinces of Bulgan & Khuvsgul. 29,000 horses were given health-enhancing inoculations.
2004 onwards saw the project extended to Dundgobi - a desert region with sparse vegetation, and similar veterinary needs. In 2007, 2008 and 2009 between 45,000 - 50,000 horses in 3 provinces
Our first mass-inoculation project - originally created and liberally funded by WSPA began late in 2003 with 2 mobile vet units bringing veterinary aid to the northern provinces of Bulgan & Khuvsgul. 29,000 horses were given health-enhancing inoculations.
2004 onwards saw the project extended to Dundgobi - a desert region with sparse vegetation, and similar veterinary needs. In 2007, 2008 and 2009 between 45,000 - 50,000 horses in 3 provinces
Wells
In Gobi regions water is perennially in short supply and any unusable but viable wells in need of repair are renovated, or newly dug if necessary, to help restore more localised grazing. Herders and animals then travel less to reach water, avoiding long treks that cause loss of valuable body weight, and soil disturbance from herd trampling is also reduced. Renovated wells are afterwards maintained by locals.
The project was first funded by SPANA in 2003 and from then on by several other Trusts and organisations, and we have to date refurbished 124 shallow wells - 29 during 2011, extending and improving the pastures for many more livestock. The project brings much needed water to people and animals living in the fringes of the parched Gobi Desert, and is currently funded by Waterloo Foundation and Franciscan Aid. SPANA wil be funding 10 wells in Dundgobi during 2012.
A further need for water was identified in the northern province of Khuvsgul. Climate change in part led to contraction of rivers, streams and lakes, and changes to customary transhumance patterns is causing overcrowding at some watering points. Banks and verges are eroded, and localised overgrazing results from competition between herding communities seeking vital resources.
With a generous grant from Jephcott Trust we have for the first time been able to extend the Well Project to three soums in Khuvsgul province with 15 wells during the summer of 2011.
In Gobi regions water is perennially in short supply and any unusable but viable wells in need of repair are renovated, or newly dug if necessary, to help restore more localised grazing. Herders and animals then travel less to reach water, avoiding long treks that cause loss of valuable body weight, and soil disturbance from herd trampling is also reduced. Renovated wells are afterwards maintained by locals.
The project was first funded by SPANA in 2003 and from then on by several other Trusts and organisations, and we have to date refurbished 124 shallow wells - 29 during 2011, extending and improving the pastures for many more livestock. The project brings much needed water to people and animals living in the fringes of the parched Gobi Desert, and is currently funded by Waterloo Foundation and Franciscan Aid. SPANA wil be funding 10 wells in Dundgobi during 2012.
A further need for water was identified in the northern province of Khuvsgul. Climate change in part led to contraction of rivers, streams and lakes, and changes to customary transhumance patterns is causing overcrowding at some watering points. Banks and verges are eroded, and localised overgrazing results from competition between herding communities seeking vital resources.
With a generous grant from Jephcott Trust we have for the first time been able to extend the Well Project to three soums in Khuvsgul province with 15 wells during the summer of 2011.
Grass Cutting Equipment
In the north, provision of simple mechanised grass cutting machines helps speed up and boost the hay crop during the short harvesting season, so increasing vital winter fodder reserves. This provides extra fodder for long winters, and especially when these are severe (dzud conditions) with deep frozen snow preventing access to what little grass there may be beneath. SPANA (Society for Protection of Animals Abroad) have been most generous in funding this project, as also did WSPA during their support of our Veterianary Project
A SPANA grant for summer 2011 provided 4 grass cutting tractors and 2 fodder storage units, given to herder communities in Selenge and Tuv aimags, areas where grass is sufficiently abundant. Some 60 extra tonnes of hay were produced.
In the north, provision of simple mechanised grass cutting machines helps speed up and boost the hay crop during the short harvesting season, so increasing vital winter fodder reserves. This provides extra fodder for long winters, and especially when these are severe (dzud conditions) with deep frozen snow preventing access to what little grass there may be beneath. SPANA (Society for Protection of Animals Abroad) have been most generous in funding this project, as also did WSPA during their support of our Veterianary Project
A SPANA grant for summer 2011 provided 4 grass cutting tractors and 2 fodder storage units, given to herder communities in Selenge and Tuv aimags, areas where grass is sufficiently abundant. Some 60 extra tonnes of hay were produced.
were treated with spring and autumn inoculations. WSPA funding ceased in 2007, the project since dependent on other sources of income, mainly being raised by sponsored events. The 2010 dzud disaster further strained funds which led to a cut to 2 provinces,
with The Brooke funding Dundgobi province later in that year, and ESA funding the spring 2011 programme. A funding review found it necessary to further limit the scope to just one province - Dundgobi, but fortuitously in September 2011 the Mongolian government introduced legislation to develop a nationwide veternary scheme to safeguard all livestock free of charge for the next three years.
Footnote: With a state-funded livestock welfare scheme announced by the Mongolian Government it enables CAMDA to shelve this project after 2011 as it is not within its constitution to support what has officially become a state responsibility.
with The Brooke funding Dundgobi province later in that year, and ESA funding the spring 2011 programme. A funding review found it necessary to further limit the scope to just one province - Dundgobi, but fortuitously in September 2011 the Mongolian government introduced legislation to develop a nationwide veternary scheme to safeguard all livestock free of charge for the next three years.
Footnote: With a state-funded livestock welfare scheme announced by the Mongolian Government it enables CAMDA to shelve this project after 2011 as it is not within its constitution to support what has officially become a state responsibility.
OTHER AID - GOBI OASIS
The cessation of veterinary aid coincides with a decision to bring other support measures to herders and their communities in Dundgobi province, it being already established in our Well Project, and known as having many low income families there.
On the outskirts of Mandalgobi - the chief town of the province - is a conservation project called Gobi Oasis, where for many years a Mongolian family have been planting drought-resistant shrubs to form a small plantation that has gradually increased in size consolidating the ground with its network of roots. Dust storms are common but areas of shrubs help reduce their effect.
The cessation of veterinary aid coincides with a decision to bring other support measures to herders and their communities in Dundgobi province, it being already established in our Well Project, and known as having many low income families there.
On the outskirts of Mandalgobi - the chief town of the province - is a conservation project called Gobi Oasis, where for many years a Mongolian family have been planting drought-resistant shrubs to form a small plantation that has gradually increased in size consolidating the ground with its network of roots. Dust storms are common but areas of shrubs help reduce their effect.
In addition it's possible to grow vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions and turnips - nutrionally beneficial to local families when their diet is largely meat from their animals.
In 2011 CAMDA with further funding from Franciscan Aid, gave support to this project, and by summer's end hundreds of new tree seedlings were planted and around 400 kilos of vegetables had been harvested. It is hoped to support this further in 2012 subject to available funds.
In 2011 CAMDA with further funding from Franciscan Aid, gave support to this project, and by summer's end hundreds of new tree seedlings were planted and around 400 kilos of vegetables had been harvested. It is hoped to support this further in 2012 subject to available funds.
It's hard work in the heat of the Gobi Desert but from this parched earth (picture left) the dedication applied by the couple running this project - Byamba & Radnaabazar - and with a variety of helpers through the growing season, crops of vegetables can be produced to be distributed locally. Over many years plantings have been made of saxaul trees that, once matured after about 5 years their roots will spread laterally and help to consolidate the loose soil (first picture of article).
If you would like to contribute to this conservation project please make a donation via the DONATE link above (top left) and note it GOBI OASIS in the message box.
If you would like to contribute to this conservation project please make a donation via the DONATE link above (top left) and note it GOBI OASIS in the message box.
Providing aid to Mongolia's nomadic herders
C A M D A
Cambridge Mongolia Development Appeal
Charity No: 1086778
Cambridge Mongolia Development Appeal
Charity No: 1086778