Mongolia, with a total land area of 1,564,120 km2, is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, with a population of 3.4 million. The leading economy of Mongolia has traditionally been based on nomadic pastoralism and agriculture. According to the animal census 2023, in the country totally 64,7 million head of livestock (goat, sheep, cattle, horses and camels), and 247,8 thousand herder’s households, from which 85,9 thousand herder family in average with 51-200 animals (considered to be poor) and 30,0 thousand households in average with 501-1000 animals (meddle level herders) , 8,9 thousand families with more than 1000 animals (richest herders) and others.

Currently there are more than 1,600 Pasture User Groups (PUGs) using 62.5 million ha pasture land, and about 1,200 Forest User Groups (FUGs) managing more than 3,0 million ha forest land by the community based co-management arrangements with local governments

PASTURELAND DEGRADATION

Unsustainable pastureland practices -- including animal pressures beyond vegetation recovery and an absence of seasonal rotations -- are widespread and lead to pastureland degradation. The current common-use regime encourages the chaotic use of pastures in which a few wealthy herders (the urban rich and corporate interests) expand their grazing rights at the expense of other herders’ rights, thus increasing social inequality. Moreover, the regime encourages improper practices that neglect the interests of local herders by transforming pastureland for use in other commercial purposes such as mining, infrastructure, and tourism. The direct impact of pasture degradation is evidenced by declined forage supply, animals' increased malnutrition and exposure to risks, and decreased quality and productivity. Herders, as a result, must find ways to survive with decreasing incomes and increasing losses in assets.