Thursday, 10th January 2008
It is possible to evaluate rangeland condition and quality of Mongolia using 17 indicators of Rangeland health assessment method.
The methodology is designed to evaluate rangeland current condition and its future development trend in a short term based on the intricate assessment of soil, water and biotic organism characteristics. It is said the methodology is a result of long term hard study of US scientists since 1598. USA and Japan has plenty of experience of rangeland health assessment methodology.
Depending on different ecological zones adoptable indicators are selected for making assessment.
Technical papers, monitoring methodology are developed together by rangeland research institutions, donor projects, and specialists. Revised terminological interpretation and other concerning technical papers are disseminated to public.
In September 2007 rangeland health assessment research carried out in 9273 ha area of pasture representing different ecological zones of the country. The research released that normal condition pasture didn't leave in the steppe zone.
Research team suggested establishing monitoring reference site in every ecological zone of Mongolia and preferred to apply assessment indicators in to small scale possessed area.
In 2008 rangeland health assessment study is continuing and herders and specialists will be trained in the methodology. Working group for rangeland health assessment activities will be established.
