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—The number of protected areas in Mongolia has increased fourfold since the country’s transition to a market-based economy over a decade
ago; however, many of these protected areas have yet to realize their intended
role as protectorates of biodiversity. Given the prevalence of (semi-) nomadic
pastoralists in rural areas, effective conservation initiatives in Mongolia will
likely need to concurrently address issues of rangeland management and
livelihood security. The case of argali management in western Mongolia is
illustrative of a number of challenges facing protected areas management and
wildlife conservation planning across the country. In this study, results from
interviews with pastoralists in a protected area in western Mongolia indicate
that local herders have a strong conservation ethic concerning the importance
of protecting argali and are generally aware of and support government protections, but may not be inclined to reduce herd sizes or discontinue grazing
certain pastures for the benefit of wildlife without compensation. Because past
protectionist approaches to argali conservation in western Mongolia have
not achieved effective habitat conservation or anti-poaching enforcement,
alternative management strategies may be necessary. Results from this study
suggest local receptiveness to integrated management programs incorporating
processes of consensus building and collaboration to achieve pasture management and biodiversity conservation and providing direct local benefits.
(source:Abstract)