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[INTERNATIONAL] · Mongolia · 7 sources

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Mongolia faces severe threats from desertification and climate extremes

Climate change and land degradation are severely threatening the traditional nomadic way of life in Mongolia. According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), between 70% and 76% of Mongolia's territory—approximately 36 million hectares—is suffering from desertification and soil degradation.

Nomadic herders, such as 57-year-old Batchuluun Maamun, face increasing instability due to extreme weather events. Maamun reported significant livestock losses during extreme winters known as 'dzud,' including the loss of 700 out of 1,300 animals in 2010 and a 20% reduction in his herd during the 2020 dzud.

Factors contributing to the crisis include overgrazing, mining, shrinking water sources, and extreme temperature fluctuations. These environmental pressures jeopardize the ecosystems that pastoral communities depend on for survival.

Entities

Batchuluun Maamun · Hustai National Park · Mongolia · Ulaanbaatar · United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

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