2.3 Nomadic – like pastoral systems keep traditions alive in the former global power (Mongolia)
Taking care of Yak (relative of cow) is an important agricultural heritage in deep Mongolia.
Ideas that inspired us
Since ancient times, traditional pastoral specialists are taking care of the iconic animal called the Yak. It is one of the 4 iconic animals in Mongolia (i.e. horse, camel, yak and sheep).
Looking a bit like cattle, they live only in unpolluted areas, with green pastures and clean water.
Looking for the right pastures for the Yak is part of the so-called “transhumant” pasture system in what once the most powerful global empire.
The skills to keep the yak are known only to a very few.
The caring of the yak is one of 11 examples of potential agriculture heritage system that is now under threat of unregulated modernization.
Example of a remarkable community /association: Yak producers in Arkhangai Aimag, Mongolia Yak Association
Mongolia. The mighty Mongol Empire (in yellow) under Genghis Khan and dynasty once covered an area very much larger than Mongolia today (Reference: image from Columbia.edu)
Key Features
A rapidly done thumb sketch of the traditional “transhumant “pastoral system – the cyclical movement of herders and their animals, guided by traditional knowledge to access essential grazing resources. Grazing resources are maintained though traditional in situ conservation of agrobiodiversity. (summer camp, winter camp, spring camp)
Mongolian family based traditional herders keep the traditional system alive. Here, homemade dairy products are produced and placed on top of the multipurpose “Ger “. The Ger is a big circular family tent like dwelling designed for the harsh cold environments. They are portable to suit the transhumant patterns.
The all-purpose Ger (traditional tent like dwelling of families who take of grazing animals like the yak)
My personally taken photos do not do justice to the science, art, functionality involved in building and maintaining a traditional Ger. This image above (almost similar to where I stayed) is from a reference only (notesofnomads.com)
The Yak transhumant pastoral system is only of the short list of traditional systems which we once studied together with Mongolian agricultural system experts. The list above involves potential candidate systems for national and global recognition i.e. Globally Important Agricultural Heritage system (FAO GIAHS) Ref: This above diagram was derived from the original list originated by systems expert Dr. ERDENEBAATR Batjargal.
Above is another traditional system involving the care and use of horses which was an important element of empire building in the past. Horseback riding prowess continues in modern times. (Ref From Dr. ERDENEBAATR Batjargal)
Mentors and Co-travelers
GIAHS, ERDENEBAATR Batjargal, The Mongolian Yak association
Personal Insights
One can only respect the great pastoral skills of the herders in Mongolian steps.
Mongolian pastures depend on the conservation of agrobiodiversity of pastures and grasses.
This all involves “Transhumance” (e.g., moving animals to highland pastures in summer and valleys in winter).
The transhumance skills to keep the yak are known only to a very few villagers.
(“Trans” – across, humus – “rich ground/soil”) – need to dynamically conserve this practice, applied to the yak. This is definitely a candidate GIAHS site.
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