ABSTRACT

Herders in Mongolia have adapted to changing environmental conditions over thousands of years through innovations in pasture and herd management practices, knowledge, collective institutions and mobility strategies, yet they now face unprecedented climate risks threatening their livelihoods, economies and ways of life. This paper presents the results of a study into how herder communities adapt to climate change and the potential role an ecosystem services approach could play in informing the development of effective adaptation strategies. The findings are based on semi-structured interviews with herders, key informants, focus group discussions and a survey of nomadic households in Northeast Mongolia. The benefits of pasture ecosystem services have changed considerably due to climatic and socio-economic changes in the Mongolian steppe resulting in degradation of the pastureland and water resources. The ways that traditional ecological knowledge and practices can support adaptation to climate change are explored. In particular, the seasonal movement of nomads represents a valuable form of knowledge and practice of adaptation in response to the changes in temperate dryland ecosystems. To continue to maintain mobility as part of adaptation strategies other adaptation actions are required, such as the implementation of an appropriate livestock insurance systems that addresses climate and weather risks, and restoration of dryland ecosystem services, notably through reforestation and improvement of water supplies. Further changes in the pastureland ecosystems may lead to further adaptations in nomadic livelihoods, leveraging nomadic herders’ knowledge of local ecosystem services.

摘要

数千年来，蒙古的牧民通过牧场和牧群管理实践，知识，集体机构和迁徙策略的创新，适应了不断变化的环境条件，但如今他们面临着前所未有的气候风险，威胁着他们的生计，经济和生活方式。本文介绍了关于牧民社区如何适应气候变化的研究结果，以及生态系统服务方法在告知有效的适应策略发展中可能发挥的潜在作用。调查结果基于对牧民的半结构化访谈，关键信息提供者，焦点小组讨论以及对东北蒙古游牧家庭的调查。由于蒙古草原的气候和社会经济变化，导致牧场和水资源的退化，牧场生态系统服务的收益已发生了很大变化。探索了传统的生态知识和实践可以支持适应气候变化的方式。特别是，游牧民的季节性运动代表了应对温带干旱地区生态系统变化的一种有价值的适应知识和实践形式。作为适应战略的一部分，要继续保持机动性，就需要采取其他适应行动，例如实施应对气候和天气风险的适当牲畜保险制度，以及特别是通过重新造林和改善水源来恢复旱地生态系统服务。