Problems and approaches

Often do the nomads use rare plants for heating due to a lack of other materials. Two decades ago the saxaul was a plant which was often seen in the Great Gobi B. Now the number of saxaul is enormous decreasing. Due to that fact the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared Saxaul as “critically endangered”. To protect the saxaul the International Takhi Group started projects with focus on alternative and sustainable sources of energy.

Their livestock builds the basis of the nomads live. But it gets more and more difficult for them to earn money solely by that. The most important livestock are goatsand sheeps. Through this animals a family gets the things they need in everydays live: meat, milk, cashmere, wool and skin.

The International Takhi Group is working on projects to support the production of the local products. The production of traditional Mongolian stuff like felt, carpets, leather and carvings should give the nomads a second income.

Another problem in the strictly protected area Great Gobi B is the poaching of the khulans and black-tailed gazelles. The International Takhi Group works together with local people and the Mongolian ministry for Nature, Education and Tourism (EMNT) to train rangers protecting the Great Gobi B. We also support schools for educational issues.

Public informations on special topics, sustainable use of energy and alternative incomes beneath the livestock is the way to a peacefull live of people and animals in one habitat.