Local Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development of Durvuljin soum

With financial support of KTT, Durvuljin soum has developed its Sustainable Development Plan (2017-2025). Thus, it is the first soum of Zavkhan province that has endorsed its long-term sustainable development policy. KTT provides all the support needed to implement this plan. Three main priorities were outlined in the Plan: economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Strengthening community governance and improvements of livelihood 

In order to achieve conservation goals and promote community-based sustainable management of natural resources, four herder communities have been established, involving local herders from Onts and Tavantolgoi baghs with a specific purpose to protect and utilize berry resources of Sea-buckthorn naturally growing along Zavkhan River. To strengthen community governance, KTT organized training in forest management, community governance and household business for members of these communities. They oversee protection, taking care of and rehabilitation of buckthorn forests and exercising control on harvesting. Communities sell berries harvested from their respective areas directly to a buckthorn berry processing plant set up by KTT in Durvuljin soum and thus, their participation and cooperation are growing.

Successful livelihood development initiatives which deliver biodiversity conservation

Community benefits from wild sea-buckthorn harvesting

In order to promote alternative income generation for locals in addition to traditional livestock breeding, KTT established a Sea-buckthorn processing plant in Durvuljin soum in 2018. “Khomyn Talyn Chatsargana” Co.,Ltd which runs the plant has started selling buckthorn berry juice, buckthorn oil and other products at the local market. The communities and local people are involved in the business development by selling the berries they harvested, to the plant, in this way increasing their household income while preserving the natural forest of Sea-buckthorn growing along the river Zavkhan.

Supporting household income generation

Within the framework of reintroduction work, for the purpose of increasing household income of local herders, some training on handcrafts making and crop-growing was organized by KTT. Handcrafts making training for local women took place in 2011. Since then, women complete the orders for up to 22 kinds of felt items placed by Association TAKH and deliver their products to France every year. KTT helps to ensure their handcrafts meet quality standards and requirements, and administers the export process.

Yearling camel wool export to France

Based on the tripartite contract between Brun de Vian Tiran, a French manufacturer, Association TAKH and KTT, the finest wool combed from yearling camels in Khomyn Tal has been exported to France since 2017. Brun de Vian Tiran initiated “Khomyn Tal” brand of yearling camel wool products such as plaids and shawls which have been highly appraised in France and European countries.

Public awareness and Environmental education for locals

Summer school

Summer school has long been an awaited popular event for children in Khomyn Tal. The event has been organized annually for local children and members of eco-clubs. During the summer gathering, children enjoy classes about wildlife and nature, play games and enjoy the company of each other. The purpose of this event is to contribute to raising an environmentally-friendly generation of local people. 

 Herder Forum

KTT has conducted herder’s forum since 2006. The forum enables local herders to participate in the conservation work and contribute to decision making on natural resources utilization, express their positions, share information and seek cooperation opportunities.

 A Mobile library 

A Mobile library has been operating since 2018 upon KTT initiative. Ten boxes of books have been compiled and rotated among the households to promote reading and access to information. Herders’ suggestions to include publications on health, nomadic livestock breeding, traditional conservation practices, household enterprise, small and medium enterprise, and fiction have been taken into consideration. The residents can also order books which can be put into the boxes for communal use.

Learn more about our work

Takhi Reintroduction
Wildlife Conservation
Research Program
National Park Management
Major Achievements