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Day 22

A sea buckthorn seedling for a gardener in Mongolia

Planting future prospects for young Mongolians Planting future prospects for young Mongolians

A sea buckthorn seedling for a gardener in Mongolia
Day 22
Sea buckthorn reforestation against overgrazing and unemployment

Khaliun Sum in Mongolia is surrounded by the 3,000-meter-high mountain ranges of the Altai Mountains. The area is a barren grass and desert steppe. Only a few plants thrive here. It is also becoming increasingly difficult for the herds of nomadic cattle breeders to survive under the harsh conditions. Climate change is becoming increasingly noticeable with very cold winters and short, hot summers as well as great drought. Although the climatic conditions are worsening, the herds are growing. Overgrazing is becoming increasingly prevalent. The young people of the nomadic families cannot feed themselves with the proceeds of the nomadic economy, as was once the tradition, and need other ways of earning a living. The STEPPENKIND initiative supports young people in planting sea buckthorn. Sea buckthorn represents a new source of income, as it is in demand all over the world and can be processed into a variety of products. Sea buckthorn also grows under the extreme climatic conditions of the Mongolian steppe and also counteracts desertification.

Sea buckthorn reforestation against overgrazing and unemployment
need
Jobs and livelihoods for young Mongolians in Khaliun Sum.
activity
Local NGO buys seedlings and equipment, leases cultivation areas, young gardeners plant and manage the sea buckthorn plantation.
Measurable performance
5,000 sea buckthorn seedlings were planted, watered, cared for and monitored as they grew. Two gardeners received a month's salary for this.
Result
The management of the sea buckthorn plantation provides work and support for 2-4 gardeners. The topsoil is kept moist and protected against erosion.
Systemically relevant impact
Young people are given alternatives to secure their livelihood in their home region and are no longer forced to leave their home and family.
background

Until around 1930, before the period of communist collectivization, nomads migrated long distances so that their animals could find fresh pastures. After the collapse of the socialist centrally planned economy in 1990, livestock farmers were left to their own devices. Unfortunately, the traditional expertise that had proven itself over centuries had largely been lost during the years of dependence. The number of animals was increased, regardless of the soil conditions, in order to feed the larger families. This in turn increased overgrazing of the soil, for example through an excess of cashmere goats. The impact of market laws and globalization - for example dumping prices for livestock products - also led to lower yields. In addition, climate change is contributing to the impoverishment of nomads in the barren Altai region and other parts of Mongolia.

Because many young people no longer have opportunities in their home region, they migrate to the capital Ulaanbaatar and are bitterly disappointed there. Unemployment is also high here. Very often they seek solace in alcohol. Alternatives to livestock farming in their home region are urgently needed.

Khaliun Sum, Gobi-Altai Aimag
Day 22 Day 22
The good deed

A sea buckthorn plantation of 5,000 sea buckthorn seedlings on 5,000 square meters will be planted by young people who have previously successfully completed a specialist training course. Initially, two young gardeners will be able to work in the plantation and earn a living. Later, 3-4 more jobs can be created through the management of the plantation, which will be self-sustaining after 3-4 years.

AboutMongolia
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar
Capital city
2 959 100
2 959 100
Population
3 946 USD
3 946 USD
Gross domestic product per capita per year
90
90
Human Development Index (Human Development Index)

Mongolia is extremely sparsely populated, with only 1.73 inhabitants per square kilometre, and in remote provinces in the west and south the figure is even lower (less than 1.5).
About the organization and further information

organization

Steppenkind/InitiativeGroup eV

Website

http://www.steppenkind.de

Further links