Pastureland degradation is one of the most pressing environmental problems in Mongolia. In fact, nature is very vulnerable to climate change effects which bring frequent droughts, practically every summer. In addition to climate change, domestic livestock is a main made contribution to pasture land degradation.
The grant supports community actions on rehabilitation of 22 ha of pastureland and on cultivation of fodder in the rehabilitated area to control soil erosion using water from Hunheree River. The river itself has a problem with sand shift which threatens to block or fill in river channel with shifting sand.
The local community has mobilized 106 women and men from the surrounding communities to clean up river channel from shifting sand. They worked 4 days and had removed 110 ton of sand from sections of the river channel where it was going to be blocked. They also constructed a small protective dam with local construction materials including 35 tons of concrete sheets and blocks. As the river channel is now cleaned up, an additional 18,500 ha. Of pasture is used. Training on rotational and sustainable use of pasture was conducted among 28 herder families. 360 elm seedlings were planted in the river bank to support the flow. 2.5 ha area with seedlings and plants was fenced and protected.
There is co-financing from Gobi Initiative Programme of the USA and from the Green Wall Programme of the Government of Mongolia. Community Education and Culture Centre was established by the Gobi Initiative and about 2000 fruit tree seedlings were planted by the Government?s Green Wall Programme.