Pasture use patterns and sustainable development in Mongolia

Abstract

The livestock sector remains a traditional and fundamental pillar of Mongolia’s economy. As nearly one-third of the population depends directly on livestock-based livelihoods, the sector continues to play a vital economic role even amid growing mining and industrial development. Mongolia, ranked 18th globally by land area, has over 80% of its territory covered by pastureland and is one of the few countries in the world that has preserved a traditional nomadic herding system. Historically, nomadic herders utilized pastures seasonally through regular migration, a practice that played an essential role in maintaining ecological balance and pastureland sustainability. However, in recent years, the livestock sector has faced increasing challenges due to climate change and human-induced pressures. In particular, the tendency among herders to increase livestock numbers without considering pasture capacity has led to overgrazing, pasture degradation, and loss of ecological stability. This study examines how traditional practices related to pasture use and mobility contribute to maintaining ecological sustainability. Using comparative analysis between two ecological zones, the research highlights variations in pasture use patterns and assesses the extent to which traditional herding customs are upheld to ensure sustainable rangeland management.