Ä¢¹½´«Ã½

The Asian Development Bank has launched several initiatives aimed at building climate resilience in rural Mongolia. One such initiative is the TA project "Improving Climate Change Adaptation Strategic Planning and Community Resilience in the Environment and Natural Resources Sector".

The initiative has gone beyond protection, enhancing the area with leisure facilities like a campfire site, a bin, a bridge, improved water access, a gazebo, and flowerpots. These additions aim to promote community engagement and responsible use of the spring, transforming it into a valued natural space.

Mongolia's rural communities, scattered across the vast steppes, rugged mountains, and harsh deserts, are deeply connected to their land. Their livelihoods, particularly pastoralism, depend on the health of livestock, water sources, and pastures-all of which are under threat from climate change. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are making it harder for these communities to maintain their way of life.

To address these challenges, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched several initiatives aimed at building climate resilience. One such initiative is the Technical Assistance project "", which focuses on three aimags: Arkhangai, Bayankhongor, and Selenge. The project identified three primary areas of support for rural communities in these aimags (provinces): the vulnerability of water resources, the degradation of biodiversity and ecosystems, and the implications of climate change for tourism.

One unique aspect is the emphasis on small grants given to 28 local civil society organizations to support local adaptation initiatives, which yielded remarkable results. They have improved access to water, promoted sustainable agriculture and livestock management practices, and created new economic opportunities for rural residents. The approach is rooted in the belief that local communities are best equipped to identify and implement solutions that will benefit their own people and environment. By providing financial and technical support, ADB helped unlock the potential of these communities and build a more resilient and sustainable future for Mongolia.

"Let me tell you a short story. I remember when I was fourteen years old, I nearly drowned in the Tuul River, which flows beside Ulaanbaatar. People saved me, but even now, I still don't understand how I survived. These days, when I talk about the Tuul River, people find it hard to believe that a four-teen-year-old, only 1.10 meters tall, could nearly drown in it. They look at me like I'm telling a lie. But what was once a river that could easily drown someone my height, or even taller, is now shrinking and at risk of drying up, a mere thirty years later. As long as the Tuul River exists, as long as all the rivers in Mongolia exist, we Mongolians, along with our nomadic lifestyle and culture, will survive."

Batbayar Zneemyadar, Acting director of Water Authority of Mongolia, Ministry of Enviroment and Tourism, Government of Mongolia

"As the Country Director of ADB's Resident Mission in Mongolia, I am dedicated to helping Mongolia navigate these challenges. There is no single solution to these complex issues, this is why cooperation and collaboration with various stakeholders are crucial. Our Country Partnership Strategy (2021-2024) focuses on three main goals: promoting inclusive social and economic development, building climate-resilient infrastructure, and encouraging sustainable, green growth. ADB's assistance has contributed to the development in many sectors, including education, health, social pro-tection, environment, finance, energy, transport, urban development, and agriculture. To date, ADB has committed 371 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance totaling $4. 1 billion, helping Mongolia achieve its sustainable development targets and meet its national determined contributions to mitigate climate change impacts."

Shannon Cowlin, Director, Mongolia Resident Mission, Asian Development Bank 

"Of course, climate change is a multi-faceted issue. It is now being discussed across all sectors and levels of society. Therefore, the issue of water scarcity affecting local residents is not just a problem for them alone, and protecting biodiversity is not solely the responsibility of local government authorities. Rather, it should involve collaboration among local communities, residents, government authorities, non-governmental organ-izations, businesses, and policymakers in Ulaanbaatar. Among these, the involvement of various government agencies and sectors is crucial. This necessity has been keenly recognized and tackled through the recently implemented technical assistance project. Our country aims to designate 35% of its land as specially protected zones and national parks. There is very little time left to achieve this goal. In addition, a new trust fund for the protection of biological diversity has been established. I hope that Mongolia will achieve this goal in the near future."

Choikhand Janchivlamdan, Director of CCRCC and National Focal Point of Mongolia for GCF, Government of Mongolia

A water lifeline for Gobi herders

The livelihoods of many rural communities in Mongolia depend heavily on livestock, making them vulnerable to water scarcity, particularly in arid regions like the Gobi Desert. Around Orog lake, water has always been scarce. The subtle but persistent shifts in precipitation and temperature patterns have led to noticeable changes in river flows, raising concerns about the long-term availability of freshwater and the health of the delicate ecosystems in the region.

The ADB small grant in Jaran Bogd, Bayankhongor aimag, has provided a crucial water supply solution. Previously, a high mountain stream would vanish into the ground before reaching local pastures, leaving herders struggling. Thanks to a cement enclosure that collects water upstream, a 5.6 km pipeline, and a metal storage tank downstream, this vital water now reaches the pastures, revitalizing the land and livelihoods. The success of this initiative highlights the transformative power of community-led adaptation and targeted interventions in building climate resilience. The local herder, governor, and project coordinator expressed satisfaction for the successful initiative.

"I have been herding animals for 60 years, from the age of 15 to my age now of 75. I am very grateful to ADB support for bringing all this abundant water here. Before, I used to spend all day watering the camels. I am grateful that now I can save this time. Thank you very much for bringing this water here. I am also very grateful to you and to the Government of Mongolia."

Togookhuu Khasag, herder

Eco-tourism in the Ikh Khairkhan National Park

After 15 hours of driving from Ulaanbaatar and another two hours offroad from the nearest urban center, visitors eventually arrive at the Ikh Bogd Khairkhan National Park in the Bayankhongor aimag. Despiteits remoteness, the National Park does attract a steady flow of visitors over the summer months. Main destinations are the Oyu and Nomin Lakes, which formed due to an Earthquake in 1957. But the tourism infrastructure and capacity to manage the visitor flow are challenging in such remote areas.

"Through various training programs within the scope of our project, we have conveyed to the residents that collaboration is the most important factor. Overall, I'm confident that even after establishing the model region in Bayankhongor Province, we will be able to continue developing ecotourism."

Sodnomsamdan Dagvachulten - Head of the Environment and Tourism Department, Bayanhongor aimag.

"People from our province’s tourism department were the ones who initially proposed the training from the project implemented by the ADB. We've learned quite a lot from the training. During the training, the first point mentioned was that travelers look for a comfortable environment. Following this advice, we provided thick mattresses and placed them in the rooms. Then, we placed mirrors. Previously, we kept the beddings always set in the gers (traditional Mongolian tents) , after the training we provided them only when requested."

Oyunchimeg (Oyunaa) Khoojoi, Private tourism camp manager

Eco-tourism and conservation at the Khaluit Mineral Spring

Mineral springs play an important role in traditional Mongolian medicine, valued for their natural healing properties. Like the Khaluit mineral spring in the Bayankhongor aimag, they are often nestled in remote and pristine areas, and are known for treating a variety of ailments, from digestive issues to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Each headwater at Khaluit is said to serve a unique medicinal purpose. The small grant enhanced the area's ecological sustainability while accommodating the needs of visitors.

"In the past, there were no cars or vehicles; people traveled by horse-drawn carts from their locations. People can now travel by car even from distant locations. Before this was simply an empty, open area. Thanks to the small grant, this area was developed with a playground. Visitors are very pleased and satisfied. People used to visit the riverbank frequently. However, enforcing regulations before was very challenging. Now, people willingly move when asked, follow the rules, and clean up trash and debris. The situation is improving significantly."

Bayarjargal Suuri, herder and camp operator

The camp is open to all herders in the area to rent their gers to visitors for additional income. The initiative successfully improved the trail that leads down to the spring to protect surrounding vegetation. The direct access to the spring was also improved. A designated camp zone away from the Baidrag River now features additional amenities, including an upgraded latrine, a fireplace, seating area, trash cans, gers for rent and even a basketball ring and volleyball field, accommodating overnight visitors. Trees were also planted to serve as windbreaks, with additional planting covering 10% of the site. Within the project, water and soil were also sampled to ensure full compliance with environmental regulations.

The camp is open to all herders in the area to rent their gers to visitors for additional income. The initiative successfully improved the trail that leads down to the spring to protect surrounding vegetation. The direct access to the spring was also improved. A designated camp zone away from the Baidrag River now features additional amenities, including an upgraded latrine, a fireplace, seating area, trash cans, gers for rent and even a basketball ring and volleyball field, accommodating overnight visitors. Trees were also planted to serve as windbreaks, with additional planting covering 10% of the site. Within the project, water and soil were also sampled to ensure full compliance with environmental regulations.

Protecting spring headwaters

The pastoral nature of livestock keeping in Mongolia often leads to the pollution and damaging of spring headwaters by the animals themselves, resulting in a reduction of valuable water resources. To mitigate this, the small grant to Protect Jamgan Spring in Erdenebulgan soum, Arkhangai aimag, has fenced the Avkhain spring and implemented several additional elements around it, including planting 300 elms. The fencing now serves to prevent livestock from accessing and polluting the spring, ensuring the water source remains clean and safe for consumption.

"The ADB brought us all together to protect and enclose our natural spring. We are very grateful for this support and are thrilled to be drinking such clean and fresh water. Since we plan to settle in this area permanently, we will also protect it. It's gratifying to see the well-maintained trees and beautiful flowers. Our relatives and friends always commend on how beautiful and lovely everything is when they visit. Their compliments make us proud. On behalf of our family, we would like to express our gratitude and appreciation."

Nergui Sugjinlkham, Herder

The initiative has gone beyond protection, enhancing the area with leisure facilities like a campfire site, a bin, a bridge, improved water access, a gazebo, and flowerpots. These additions aim to promote community engagement and responsible use of the spring, transforming it into a valued natural space.

Combining herding and hosting

In Tariat soum, Arkhangai aimag, the Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake is experiencing a surge in tourism. However, dzuds threaten herders' livelihoods when they decimate entire herds. To mitigate the risk of dzuds, preserve traditional pasture management, and provide visitors with an authentic experience, ADB is supporting local herders to maintain traditional herding while transitioning to sustainable eco-tourism livelihoods and high-quality dairy production. This shift aims to protect both the environment and cultural heritage, while ensuring economic stability.

"Before this initiative, packaging for my dairy products was very basic. I soon realized that people like buying products with nice packaging, so that needed improvement. I have participated in numerous competitions and won. As a result, my dairy products are selling very well. They are now being sold by order. I used to go to the city to sell them myself, but now that is no longer necessary. I simply receive orders by phone and send them out."

Bat-Ochir Sodnomtseren, Herder

Through the "Eco Khorgo" initiative, a small community is developing an eco-tourism model that showcases local traditions. A key aspect of the project involves branding their yak dairy products with distinctive packaging, offering tourists a genuine taste of Mongolian culture.

Visitors can also witness traditional yak herding and milking, the production of local dairy products, or even Mongolian vodka. The project empowers local women through training programs, enabling them to promote their products and manage the eco-tourism camp, ensuring their active participation in this new venture.

To better accommodate tourists, ADB has assisted the herders in establishing an eco-tourism camp with comfortable, eco-friendly amenities. Gers are equipped with beds, fireplaces, and tables, and outdoor areas have been enhanced with a gazebo, a handwashing station, dry toilet, and trash bins.

Combining community, tree-nursing and sea buckthorn

Selenge aimag, Mongolia's agricultural powerhouse, is known for its fertile lands. To grow sustainable agriculture in the region, the "Bor Tolgoi Tree Nursery and Fruit Tree Planting" initiative in Bayangol establishes a tree nursery, plants fruit trees, and installs a new green house for more efficient water use.

Poplar branches, gathered locally, have been planted as windbreaks, and fellow seeds planted in April have successfully germinated among the sea buckthorn plants as well as 200 blackberry bushes. Poplar seedlings are then sold for planting elsewhere. The nursery also serves as a unique plantation, employing senior citizens to assist during the sea buckthorn harvest. This initiative not only supports sustainable agriculture, but also strengthens the social fabric of the community. By engaging senior citizens in the harvest, the small grant provided them with meaningful work and a sense of purpose.

"This place was once a grain field. Due to erosion and soil degradation, this land was abandoned and wasn't used for a long time. But because of our work, what was once an eroded, barren sandy land has now been transformed into a beautiful green space with trees and flourishing plants. We are confident that it will continue to flourish in the future."

Nyamsuren Regjiibuu, Tree breeder

Aforestation for biodiversity and soil retention

In the Yeree area in the Selenge aimag, efforts to combat soil erosion have culminated in the successful establishment of a tree windbreak, led by the Bayan Shugui NGO. This initiative was designed to shield the land from harsh winds, a critical step in preserving the local ecosystem. As part of the initiative, the project team rehabilitated existing fences and planted trees strategically along the windward sides to serve as a protective barrier.

"Currently, we have established windbreakers on the northern and eastern sides of the field. The remaining areas on the south and west sides are yet to be worked. We are determined to continue and remain committed in protecting our field. This is beneficial in many ways and essential for us so we are working with enthusiasm and dedication toward our goals. This initiative provided us with significant benefits and great opportunities, which has greatly motivated us."

Tsetsegee Balgansuren, Coopereative supervisor, Russian language schoolteacher

The true impact of these efforts will only be visible after a few years, once the trees have matured and the windbreak begins to fully protect the area from soil erosion. Ongoing care, particularly watering, is crucial during this period to ensure the trees' survival and growth. The recent completion of a protective gate around the planted area marks an important step in maintaining the integrity of the project site.