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CAMDA WELL PROJECT
Mongolia has an incredible diversity of natural features, from mountains, to forests, steppe, and desert. Water in the form of rivers and lakes abounds in the northern regions, but further south where steppe gives way to desert, this precious resource becomes more and more scarce. It may look inhospitable, but nomads can and do make a living on the desert fringes. Grass is sparse, and water - from wells - not easy to find. Most are of the pit-well variety, perhaps 5 or so meters in depth, and many of these were dug in the past, with some still providing water today. But far too many fell into disuse, especially after the country became independent in 1992. Until then wells would then have been managed by central Communist control, but now the country's struggling economical situation lacks such resources. Data recently obtained by us indicates that in one area there are some 150 pit-wells out of use, many of which could be reinstated by refurbishment. We have a Well Project doing just that, providing local herding communities with materials which may include a pump, lining material, and timber for capping. For some exposed locations an exterior housing of timber or metal will be added, so too might a trough. When available local sources of stones or timber will be made use of. Local communities provide the labour, and once a well is completed they will appoint a person to be responsible for its maintenance. This ensures that the well continues to provide essential water for a long time ahead. In places such as Erdenedalai and Gurvansaikhan, fringing the desert, our project has refurbished some 20 wells, with several more to be completed 2006-7. Even in the desert, the ground in winter can be too hard to work on, so must await the thaw. But with so many more wells in need of refurbishing, our fundraising must be increased. One serious effect of insufficient active wells is that herders need to drive their animals further to find water. This damages what sparse grasses there are to be found. It is leading to over-grazing, and in turn, to increased desertification, which with added damage caused by infestations of insects and rodents, leads to even poorer pasture. And obviously this has its effects on herd sizes, depending on how capable the terrain is of supporting them. CAMDA is working hard to provide the funds for more wells to be refurbished, with your help. |
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