Of the approximately 3.5 million inhabitants of Mongolia, only a small part lives outside the cities. This is also true for the two Aimags surrounding the Great Gobi B reserve “Khovd” and “Gobi Altai”, where most of the non-city dwellers lead a traditional nomadic life.
During the year, nomads seek out the best possible grazing grounds for their herds (mostly sheep and goats). The criteria for their seasonal migrations are as follows: rich vegetation, little snow in winter and spring, sources of water and cool, mosquito-free areas during midsummer. Migration in the Gobi B reaches its peak in spring (April-June) and is limited to two north-south axes that connect the mountainous regions of the Mongolian-Chinese border with those of the Altai Mountains in the north.
Nomads have a close relationship with horses, which is embodied by the traditional Mongolian Naadam celebrations, where horse racing, along with wrestling and archery, are the main activities.
Families meet at Naadam and Tsagaan sar (Mongolian New Year), where festive meals (buuz, airag, khorkhog) are served, games (shagai) are being played and the families sing along to songs played on the traditional horsehead violin (morin khuur).
Research has shown that more than 80% of local nomads earn between 75 and 100% of their income from animal husbandry. The gathering of cashmere wool is the most important branch of the economy, even though the nomads make a rather small profit compared to western cashmere prices. Felt handicrafts made from sheep’s wool are very popular in Mongolia and are being produced increasingly for tourists by small cooperations. It is important for the nomads to have several economic mainstays.
The nomadic life is demanding. The expenses of the Mongolian nomads must primarily cover food, travel to other settlement and shopping locations, clothing, and the education of their children. Nomad children often have long journeys to school and from high school onwards, they usually live in the city with their relatives or in boarding schools and only come home during the holidays.
Using regulations and the management plan, the Mongolian state created a legal framework for the protected areas and provides financial support if they are complied with.
As a result of the direct democracy of Mongolia, the local aimags, bags and sums can incorporate the wildlife conservation policy of the central government and implement it in their areas, giving the regional and local authorities as well as the ITG a lot of leeway. However, this demands a great deal of responsibility as well: Everyone is asked to pursue their interests independently, assuming that they contribute to the preservation and the maintenance of the protected area.
This democracy is lived intensely in the area around the Great Gobi B. The park administration is in regular contact with the local and regional authorities. In the case of major decisions and changes, local meetings are organized with the stakeholders, where the topics are discussed intensively until a consensus is found.
Since 2018, Lena Michler has been studying how the nomadic use of the Gobi B is compatible with its protection goals. Initial surveys show, that many local nomads support these goals and hope for even more cooperation with the park administration. They have already been informing the park officials if any unusual incidents regarding the takhi and the protective regulations are observed. Observations of other wild animals in the Gobi B are also regularly reported.
In order to increase the understanding of the protected area, eco-clubs were founded in local and regional schools, in which the concept of wildlife conservation is conveyed and deepened through excursions. Rangers visit schools and organizations regularly to talk about the Gobi B and the challenges of protecting the ecosystem.
Additionally, the park administration is in close contact with the governments of the individual administrative subdivisions such as aimags, sums and bags.
