Management Changes and Strategies to Improve the Environmental Services from Grasslands in Northern China and Mongolia

Management Changes and Strategies to Improve the Environmental Services from Grasslands in Northern China and Mongolia

The grasslands of Mongolia and northern China are part of the vast Eurasian grasslands that extend from east Asia to eastern Europe, with many common problems. Grassland degradation and herder livelihoods in the steppe regions of China and Mongolia are widely acknowledged as major issues that need to be improved. The core problem is too many animals are now grazing grasslands, initially driven by significant policy changes, and decisions that assumed more animals would lift herder incomes. Problems are accentuated by poorly defined property rights over the land. The effectiveness of current Government Programs aimed at reducing grazing pressures has been questioned, especially for their ability to deliver better environmental outcomes without impacting herder livelihoods. This panel session examines ways to understand the opportunities for improvement of grasslands. This first paper outlines some general aspects of the pastoral sectors, and management responses and strategies that can improve the services from grasslands.