On October 1, the Inception Workshop: “Managing Peatlands in Mongolia and Enhancing the Resilience of Pastoral Ecosystems and Livelihoods of Nomadic Herders” took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
“Managing Peatlands in Mongolia and Enhancing the Resilience of Pastoral Ecosystems and Livelihoods of Nomadic Herders” project is a collaborative initiative led by the Climate Change Research and Cooperation Center under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia (MECC) and the International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry (ICR) (Norway), World Reindeer Herders (WRH), and UArctic EALÁT Institute with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Mongolia is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as desertification, extreme weather conditions, and biodiversity loss. Reindeer herding peoples globally share the challenges of land degradation, loss of traditional grazing lands, and the need for policies that protect Indigenous rights and promote sustainable practices. The project addresses these challenges by providing tools and capacity for long-term climate resilience planning and fostering collaboration between local, national, and international stakeholders.
The event brought together the project’s key stakeholders to present the project’s objectives and expected outcomes, report the progress, discuss the project’s implementation, and facilitate dialogue on potential risks, challenges, and solutions to ensure effective execution.
The project aims to build Mongolia’s and reindeer herders’ resilience to climate change by enhancing institutional capacity, improving greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring, and promoting sustainable development practices, particularly in managing peatlands and ecosystem services. The Reindeer Herding and Resilience Component (Component 3) aims to create a sustainable future for reindeer herding communities, ensuring their traditional practices are preserved and integrated into modern land management strategies.
The Inception Meeting was attended by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), Climate Change Research and Cooperation Cente (CCRCC), International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry (ICR), World Reindeer Herders, UArctic EALÁT Institute, UNEP, reindeer herders, environmental and community-based organizations representatives, renewable energy, agriculture, and forestry sectors.
The workshop began with formal opening speeches by E. Battulga, the State Secretary of MECC, and Mr. Johan Robinson, Senior Programme Officer, UNEP. Mr. Battulga emphasized peatlands’ critical role in Mongolia’s broader environmental strategy. He noted that the project aligns with Mongolia’s long-term goals for sustainable development and climate resilience, particularly in rural areas where the livelihoods of nomadic herders depend on the health of the ecosystems.
A report on the project’s Reindeer Herding and Resilience Component followed the opening. ICR Executive Director and WRH Secretary General Anders Oskal overviewed reindeer herders’ cooperation through historical context, cultural significance, and geographical spread. Ms. Marina Tonkopeeva, project coordinator, ICR, UArctic EALÁT Institute, gave an in-depth presentation on the progress and development of the Reindeer Herding and Resilience Component. Ms. Tonkopeeva emphasized the role of youth as agents of change in promoting the resilience of reindeer herding communities. It was noted that Component 3 aimed to build up a global knowledge base and capacity for reindeer herders to sustainable landscape management.
Ms. Khongorzul Mungunshagai, a Dukha reindeer herding youth representative, shared her experience attending international platforms and educational programs to communicate the challenges of the Dukha reindeer herders.
Ms. Davaasuren U., in her presentation, outlined the project’s main components: Institutional Capacity Building, GHG Monitoring, Ecosystem Services, and Sustainable Livelihoods. Ms. Davaasuren highlighted the importance of integrating traditional knowledge from nomadic and reindeer herding communities into modern climate resilience strategies, ensuring the active engagement of local stakeholders in the project’s implementation.
Mr. Buyangerel’s presentation highlighted the critical role of Mongolia’s peatlands in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation while noting their degradation due to unsustainable land use and climate change. He detailed methods for rehabilitating these ecosystems, including hydrological restoration, reforestation efforts, and the introduction of sustainable land use practices.
A panel discussion followed the speakers’ session. The participants discussed project beneficiaries, socio-economic research of peatlands, protected natural areas, and others.
As a result, the Inception Workshop emphasized gender equality and inclusivity in sustainable peatland management in Mongolia, integrating gender-sensitive strategies to benefit both men and women in reindeer herding communities and empower women and youth. The workshop established a shared understanding of project goals and fostered stakeholder collaboration, leading to agreement on critical next steps. These steps include developing essential documents and strategies, conducting baseline studies, ensuring continuous stakeholder engagement, and scheduling follow-up meetings to track progress and address challenges.
Photos by B.Munkh-Erdene
More pictures of the event can be found in the Gallery.