Dry land Processes Studies WorkshopDry land Processes Studies WorkshopNovember 7November 7--8, 2006 Beijing, China8, 2006 Beijing, China

EcologicalEcological situation in situation in Dry Land of MongoliaDry Land of Mongolia

Academician D. Academician D. DorjgotovDorjgotovDirectorDirectorThe institute of GeographyThe institute of GeographyAcademy of Sciences, MongoliaAcademy of Sciences, Mongolia

Dr. Purevsuren Dr. Purevsuren ShSh..ResearcherResearcher

General informationGeneral information

Mongolia has a population of 2.6 million Mongolia has a population of 2.6 million people spread over an area of 1.564 people spread over an area of 1.564 million square kilometer and itmillion square kilometer and it’’s s population growth rate 1.6% per year. population growth rate 1.6% per year. With 1.5 people per square kilometer, With 1.5 people per square kilometer, Mongolia has lowest population density Mongolia has lowest population density in the world.in the world.

Physical mapPhysical map

Natural zones of MongoliaNatural zones of Mongolia

Climate changeClimate changeThe almost annually occurring droughts cause damages of 5The almost annually occurring droughts cause damages of 5--10 million 10 million $ if the indirect damages are taken into account as well. About $ if the indirect damages are taken into account as well. About 200 200 thousand animals are lost every year because of heavy snow and fthousand animals are lost every year because of heavy snow and frost. rost. During the last 40 years, ecosystems have clearly changed as a rDuring the last 40 years, ecosystems have clearly changed as a result esult of climate change and human activities. Examples include of climate change and human activities. Examples include desertification, soil erosion, and water resource loss and biodidesertification, soil erosion, and water resource loss and biodiversity versity degradation.degradation.Natural disasters such as drought, heavy snow fall, flood, snow Natural disasters such as drought, heavy snow fall, flood, snow storm, storm, wind storm, extreme cold and hot temperature are recurrent wholewind storm, extreme cold and hot temperature are recurrent whole year year round. The frequency of such extreme events has significantly round. The frequency of such extreme events has significantly increased during the past 30 years. The forest and steppe fire increased during the past 30 years. The forest and steppe fire frequency is increasing because of the extremely dry spring.frequency is increasing because of the extremely dry spring.The economic losses of these extreme events are estimated to be The economic losses of these extreme events are estimated to be 1 to 1 to 3 million $ per year. In 1998, abnormal weather phenomena caused3 million $ per year. In 1998, abnormal weather phenomena caused a a loss of 17.5 million $.loss of 17.5 million $.

PrecipitationPrecipitation

DeforestationDeforestationThe current total forest area is 13 million hectares The current total forest area is 13 million hectares

(less than 10% of the total land area).(less than 10% of the total land area).Impact of human interference over the years has Impact of human interference over the years has resulted in forest loss and forest degradation in the resulted in forest loss and forest degradation in the Gobi region. Gobi region. Some 1.6 million ha of forest area have been lost Some 1.6 million ha of forest area have been lost between 1974 and 2000 due to fire, overgrazing, between 1974 and 2000 due to fire, overgrazing, mining activities, improper and illegal logging and mining activities, improper and illegal logging and also due to pests and diseases causing severe also due to pests and diseases causing severe ecological stress in some regions. ecological stress in some regions.

DegradationDegradation

41.3% of the country41.3% of the country’’s total territory is s total territory is occupied with Gobi deserts. The extent occupied with Gobi deserts. The extent of soil erosion and degradation of of soil erosion and degradation of territory is divided into three categories territory is divided into three categories as follows:as follows:Pasture occurrence and desertificationPasture occurrence and desertificationErosion in arable areasErosion in arable areasloss of forest.loss of forest.

DegradationDegradation

Mongolia is a country, which experiences Mongolia is a country, which experiences serious drought and desertification. More serious drought and desertification. More than 40% of the territory is composed of arid than 40% of the territory is composed of arid and desert areas and as a recent estimates and desert areas and as a recent estimates 70% of which are degraded moderately.70% of which are degraded moderately.The area covered by sand has increased by The area covered by sand has increased by 40000 hectare (8.7%) during last 40 years.40000 hectare (8.7%) during last 40 years.

Land degradationLand degradationLand degradation has been identified as one the priority Land degradation has been identified as one the priority concerns. Causes of land degradation can be divided into concerns. Causes of land degradation can be divided into two categoriestwo categories--human induced and natural causes. Natural human induced and natural causes. Natural causes include droughts with frequency of 2causes include droughts with frequency of 2--3 years, 3 years, natural drying, deficit in soil moisture, very thin layer of natural drying, deficit in soil moisture, very thin layer of sandy loam soils, strong wind whole around a year sandy loam soils, strong wind whole around a year specially in spring in dust storm forms. During the last 40specially in spring in dust storm forms. During the last 40--50 years human activities have significant contribution to 50 years human activities have significant contribution to the land degradation. These include an impact due to rapid the land degradation. These include an impact due to rapid development of mining industry, overgrazing specially development of mining industry, overgrazing specially around the settlement areas and water points.around the settlement areas and water points.

Land degradationLand degradationNearly 30 million livestock graze 117 million hectare of Nearly 30 million livestock graze 117 million hectare of pasture, approximately 75% of the territory. The economic pasture, approximately 75% of the territory. The economic hardships resulting increased a pressure on a grazing land. hardships resulting increased a pressure on a grazing land. Especially in a desert steppe regions where soils are thin, Especially in a desert steppe regions where soils are thin, excessive grazing has led to erosion of topsoil, compaction excessive grazing has led to erosion of topsoil, compaction of subsoil, and eventually to the replacement of the most of subsoil, and eventually to the replacement of the most edible plant species by less edible species. edible plant species by less edible species. According to research estimates, 25% of the total pastures According to research estimates, 25% of the total pastures are threatened by land degradation. Due to overgrazing, are threatened by land degradation. Due to overgrazing, the diversity of plant species in areas near towns has fallen the diversity of plant species in areas near towns has fallen by 80%.by 80%.

DesertificationDesertificationOvergrazing in the dry region, degraded pasture exists Overgrazing in the dry region, degraded pasture exists primarily as a result of livestock concentration around the primarily as a result of livestock concentration around the water sources and settlement areas. water sources and settlement areas. Wind and water erosion of mountain areas.Wind and water erosion of mountain areas.Disturbances from the intensive mining industries.Disturbances from the intensive mining industries.Vehicle tracks: This may seem negligible in a vast country, Vehicle tracks: This may seem negligible in a vast country, but it can easily be observed that most valleys are marked but it can easily be observed that most valleys are marked by the formation of this tracks. The vegetation is very by the formation of this tracks. The vegetation is very vulnerable to the tracks. vulnerable to the tracks. Rodents and insects also cause serious damage to natural Rodents and insects also cause serious damage to natural vegetation, which in combination with other negative vegetation, which in combination with other negative factors has aggravated the situation.factors has aggravated the situation.

DesertificationDesertificationThe size of area covered by sand has increased by 40.000 The size of area covered by sand has increased by 40.000 hectares during the last 40 years. Around 1 million hectare hectares during the last 40 years. Around 1 million hectare of land has been covered with vehicle tracks.of land has been covered with vehicle tracks.0.6 million ha of land has been severely eroded due to 0.6 million ha of land has been severely eroded due to mining and technical activities.mining and technical activities.As desertification continues to affect more land, it is now As desertification continues to affect more land, it is now very critical that over 70% of pastureland has been very critical that over 70% of pastureland has been degraded and depleted. degraded and depleted. Vegetation growth rate has already decreased by 5 times Vegetation growth rate has already decreased by 5 times and the number of plant species has reduced 6 times last and the number of plant species has reduced 6 times last 40 years. 40 years. The yield from severely degraded pasture has decreased The yield from severely degraded pasture has decreased by 5 times.by 5 times.

MiningMiningOne the serious impact to the ecosystem is a quick expanding ofOne the serious impact to the ecosystem is a quick expanding of the the mining industry in the region. Mongolia is rich in mineral resoumining industry in the region. Mongolia is rich in mineral resources: rces: 8000 mineral deposits bearing over 600 mining sites have been 8000 mineral deposits bearing over 600 mining sites have been discovered including coal, iron, tin, copper, molybdenum, gold, discovered including coal, iron, tin, copper, molybdenum, gold, silver, silver, tungsten, zinc, lead, phosphates, fluorspar, uranium and nickel.tungsten, zinc, lead, phosphates, fluorspar, uranium and nickel.In addition, over 200 deposits of construction materials (marbleIn addition, over 200 deposits of construction materials (marble, , granite, etc,) have been discovered and these are currently in granite, etc,) have been discovered and these are currently in operation. operation. The The ErdenetErdenet coppercopper--molybdenum mine oremolybdenum mine ore--processing complex, which processing complex, which produces annually about 0.5 million tons of copper concentrate fproduces annually about 0.5 million tons of copper concentrate for or export, dominates the mineral sector.export, dominates the mineral sector.For instance For instance OyutolgoiOyutolgoi deposit has the biggest copper resource in deposit has the biggest copper resource in

Asia and Asia and TavantolgoiTavantolgoi deposit has 5bill tons of coal near the border to deposit has 5bill tons of coal near the border to China. China.

Water resource issueWater resource issueThere are more than 3,800 rivers and streams with regular runThere are more than 3,800 rivers and streams with regular run--off in off in Mongolia. 3500 lakes covering total surface area of 15,600 sq. Mongolia. 3500 lakes covering total surface area of 15,600 sq. km. km.

There are three major drainage basins: rivers in the west drThere are three major drainage basins: rivers in the west drain to the ain to the enclosed basin of Central Asia; rivers in the north drain to Arcenclosed basin of Central Asia; rivers in the north drain to Arctic Ocean tic Ocean Basin; and rivers in the east drain to Pacific Ocean Basin. Basin; and rivers in the east drain to Pacific Ocean Basin.

The potential water resources of the country are estimated tThe potential water resources of the country are estimated to be o be about 36.4 sq. km. About 78% of the river runabout 36.4 sq. km. About 78% of the river run--off is formed on 36% of off is formed on 36% of the territory in northern, western and norththe territory in northern, western and north--eastern mountainous areas eastern mountainous areas and 22 per cent is formed on 64% of the territory in the south oand 22 per cent is formed on 64% of the territory in the south of the f the country.country.A decrease by 25A decrease by 25--33% of the discharge of such rivers as 33% of the discharge of such rivers as BaidragBaidrag, , TaatsTaats, , TuiTui and and OngiOngi, and over 100 rivers and streams, their tributaries, , and over 100 rivers and streams, their tributaries, flowing from the north to the south in the Gobi zone is dried. Iflowing from the north to the south in the Gobi zone is dried. It is the t is the major cause of drying up of 5 Gobi lakes.major cause of drying up of 5 Gobi lakes.

Soil resourcesSoil resources

Fodder resourceFodder resource

Loss of biodiversityLoss of biodiversityMongolia harbors the last remaining population of a number of spMongolia harbors the last remaining population of a number of species ecies internationally recognized as threatened or endangered, includininternationally recognized as threatened or endangered, including the g the snow leopard, Argali sheep, wild ass, snow leopard, Argali sheep, wild ass, saigasaiga, , bacterianbacterian camel, Gobi camel, Gobi bear and others.bear and others.The dry land zone diverse and distinctive vegetation includes anThe dry land zone diverse and distinctive vegetation includes animportant part of Asiaimportant part of Asia’’s plant life. The flora includes almost 150 s plant life. The flora includes almost 150 endemic plants and nearly 100 relict species. Over 100 plant speendemic plants and nearly 100 relict species. Over 100 plant species cies are listed in the Red Book as rare or endangered. are listed in the Red Book as rare or endangered. Fauna includes nearly 100 species of mammals, 400 birds and Fauna includes nearly 100 species of mammals, 400 birds and

numerous invertebrates.numerous invertebrates.However, the biological resources are facing substantial and However, the biological resources are facing substantial and

increasing threats. Growing population coupled with urbanizationincreasing threats. Growing population coupled with urbanization, , economic development, and an increasing per capita demand for economic development, and an increasing per capita demand for natural resources. natural resources.

Natural disastersNatural disastersZudZud is a phenomenon in severe winter conditions when livestock is a phenomenon in severe winter conditions when livestock

begins to weaken and perish in great quantities, as it is unablebegins to weaken and perish in great quantities, as it is unable to have to have access to grazing. In winter and spring, formation of thick snowaccess to grazing. In winter and spring, formation of thick snow cover cover due to heavy snowfall combined with low temperatures and frequendue to heavy snowfall combined with low temperatures and frequent t strong winds prevents access to grazing pasture. This phenomenonstrong winds prevents access to grazing pasture. This phenomenon is is called called ““zudzud”” (severe winter conditions). (severe winter conditions). According to historical data, it occurs mostly during a period fAccording to historical data, it occurs mostly during a period from late rom late October till the end of November and late March till early AprilOctober till the end of November and late March till early April. . Magnitude of a disaster caused by Magnitude of a disaster caused by ZudZud is evident in the loss of over 8 is evident in the loss of over 8 million heads of livestock, i.e. one third of the national herd million heads of livestock, i.e. one third of the national herd of Mongolia of Mongolia in 1944in 1944--1945. 1945. There is a 3There is a 3--5 year5 year’’s cycle of s cycle of zudzud occurrence in the steppe and the occurrence in the steppe and the

GobiGobi--desert region.desert region.

BlizzardBlizzardBlizzardBlizzard is one the most disastrous meteorological is one the most disastrous meteorological phenomenon that in very brief time causes greatest phenomenon that in very brief time causes greatest damages to an economy. Damages and losses recorded damages to an economy. Damages and losses recorded during post blizzards are given below:during post blizzards are given below:During a heavy blizzard on April 15During a heavy blizzard on April 15--21, 1980 which 21, 1980 which extended to a half the territory, the wind speed reached extended to a half the territory, the wind speed reached about 180about 180--200 km per hour and the blizzard lasted over 200 km per hour and the blizzard lasted over 6060--70 hours killing 43 persons and 0.9 million cattle. 70 hours killing 43 persons and 0.9 million cattle. The blizzard in March 19The blizzard in March 19--22, 1987 that occurred on the 22, 1987 that occurred on the territory of territory of KhentiiKhentii, , SukhbaatarSukhbaatar and and DornogobiDornogobi aimagsaimagsclaimed the lives of 19 people and 37 thousand cattle.claimed the lives of 19 people and 37 thousand cattle.During the heavy blizzard raged on May 5During the heavy blizzard raged on May 5--6, 1993 covering 6, 1993 covering the territories of 6 central the territories of 6 central aimagsaimags, 16 people lost their lives , 16 people lost their lives and about 100 thousand cattle perished.and about 100 thousand cattle perished.

Dust stormsDust stormsMongolia is regarded as a country where dust storms are very coMongolia is regarded as a country where dust storms are very common. The mmon. The dust carried with the winds from the Gobi desert has definite imdust carried with the winds from the Gobi desert has definite impact upon the pact upon the counties of Eastern Asia. counties of Eastern Asia. The Mongolians call a strong dust storm that can be seen in the The Mongolians call a strong dust storm that can be seen in the Gobi as Gobi as ““ugalzugalz””. In the Gobi the number of dust storm days is 30. In the Gobi the number of dust storm days is 30--60 per year. The 60 per year. The dustiest place is the Mongolian sanddustiest place is the Mongolian sand’’s southern edge where annually the s southern edge where annually the amount of dust storm days accounts for 600 hours. The media repoamount of dust storm days accounts for 600 hours. The media reported several rted several times the dust storms have been reached to the Korea up to US wetimes the dust storms have been reached to the Korea up to US west coasts st coasts and causing economic loss.and causing economic loss.On November 27On November 27--30, 2004 when a strong dust storm achieving 12030, 2004 when a strong dust storm achieving 120--150 km 150 km per hour swept through territories of the whole country, approxiper hour swept through territories of the whole country, approximately 50 mately 50 thousand square km of arable lands were left bared without topsothousand square km of arable lands were left bared without topsoil.il.On November 27On November 27--30, 1991 when a strong dust storm achieving 12030, 1991 when a strong dust storm achieving 120--150 km 150 km per hour swept through territories of the whole country, approxiper hour swept through territories of the whole country, approximately 50 mately 50 thousand square km of arable lands were left bared without topsothousand square km of arable lands were left bared without topsoil.. According il.. According to the estimates from the meteorological institute 4000 tones ofto the estimates from the meteorological institute 4000 tones of sand and dust sand and dust are being carried away into the atmosphere out of an area of thare being carried away into the atmosphere out of an area of the region of e region of ZamynZamyn ––UdUd, , DornogobiDornogobi aimagaimag annually. annually.

DroughtDrought

Over 90% territory is referred to as arid, semi arid, Over 90% territory is referred to as arid, semi arid, moderate arid and moisture deficient regions. moderate arid and moisture deficient regions. 41.3% or 0.647 million square kilometers of its 41.3% or 0.647 million square kilometers of its territory is occurred by a Gobi desert region. territory is occurred by a Gobi desert region. Drought regularly occurs in 2 year cycle in the Drought regularly occurs in 2 year cycle in the desert zone.desert zone.

According to a drought assessment index the According to a drought assessment index the drought tendency increases since 1940. drought tendency increases since 1940.

Conclusions and recommendationsConclusions and recommendations

The result of the impact assessment shows that the global warminThe result of the impact assessment shows that the global warming will g will adversely affect on livestock husbandry in the country. In termsadversely affect on livestock husbandry in the country. In terms of of forage resources, the standing biomass is expected to slightly forage resources, the standing biomass is expected to slightly decrease in the dry zone in the future. Expansion of the Gobi dedecrease in the dry zone in the future. Expansion of the Gobi desert sert areas toward the north will possibly reduce the pasture for animareas toward the north will possibly reduce the pasture for animals. As als. As estimated the total population of the country will be increased estimated the total population of the country will be increased about 2 about 2 times by 2020. Therefore, it is needed a new agricultural policytimes by 2020. Therefore, it is needed a new agricultural policy and and strategies in the 21st century including:strategies in the 21st century including:Educate the herders to breed more productive animals. Educate the herders to breed more productive animals. Determine an appropriate combination of pasture management and Determine an appropriate combination of pasture management and intensive livestock production is required. intensive livestock production is required. Define impact of natural disasters and identify risks associatedDefine impact of natural disasters and identify risks associated with with climate change.climate change.Formulate and implement policies for improvement of grassland usFormulate and implement policies for improvement of grassland use e and protection management.and protection management.

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