COMMUNITY CONSERVATION INITIATIVE
+1 971 202-6931
+976 99830710
ABOUT US
OVERVIEW
Mongolia, once the cradle for the great empire of Genghis Khan, is steeped with rich cultural heritage. With a country population of 3 million, almost half live in the sophisticated capital of Ulaanbaatar. The remaining half live in the countryside - many as nomadic herders who are still immersed in the values, customs and traditions of their forefathers.
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The economic activity in Mongolia has traditionally been based on herding and agriculture. Even though the country has extensive mineral deposits, the global downturn in resource markets has had an impact on prosperity.
Rapid urbanization and industrial growth have seen Mongolia's environment deteriorating and now becoming a major concern. The burning of soft coal by individual ger (tent-like mobile structure used as a home) owners, power plants, and factories in Ulaanbaatar and other urban centers has resulted in severely polluted air. This is impacting detrimentally on human health.
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Deforestation, overgrazed pastures, and efforts to increase grain and hay production by ploughing up more virgin land have increased soil erosion from wind and rain. With the rapid growth of newly privatized herds, overgrazing in selected areas also is a concern. As of 2016 only 5% of land remains forested.
In response to some of these issues, Spirit Mongolia, Local Community Association (LCA), NGO was established in the Arkhangai province in 2014.
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Since then, the forest conservation group has been working together with the local herder community on the prevention of illegal wood logging, poaching and illegal nut picking in it’s protected area. In 2016, after many months of determined effort with the local government, the LCA achieved its mission in having the surrounding area of 166,000 hectare territory declared a Legal Protected Area (LPA). It is situated just south of Tsetserleg and located approximately 470 kilometres west of the capital, Ulaanbaatar.
MISSION
The purpose of our organization is as follows:
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Reduce air pollution by eliminating the use of coal in heating and cooking.
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Improve the wellbeing of the local people by creating sources of income.
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Build on the brand MONGOLIA and attract international tourists to experience the nomadic lifestyle and natural surrounds of the country.
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Grow new forests and assist in the preservation and regeneration of existing forests.
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Leverage our cause with Government and Industry to gain their understanding and support. Become a successful pilot to be replicated nationally and internationally.
STRATEGY
Establish a biofuel production plant and supply the community with a sustainable form of fuel.
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The establishment of a biofuel producing facility would eliminate illegal logging and restore the nomadic tradition of using animal manure and converting it to fuel. Further biomass would be obtained from the clearing of fallen deadwood in existing forests that in turn would assist in the regeneration process. The community’s use of biofuel would have an impact in reducing air pollution.
Establish an ecotourism operation that will promote and practice the principles of ecotourism: uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel.
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Ecotourism is believed to account for 25% of global travel. Attracting international tourists to the natural areas will help in many ways. It will showcase the endeavors to preserve and conserve the environment and to participate in conservation projects. It will also assist in the commercialization of the community’s skills and trades. They will be able to generate income from their engagement in camp operations and sale of local art, crafts and other goods.