Sustainability Leadership Fellowship Cohort: 2014-2015

Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship

Research Summary: Tungaa’s research contributes to addressing rangeland degradation and poverty of herders in Mongolia. Herders are carriers of nomadic culture, the identity and the source of pride for Mongols. They comprise 30% of the labor force, 40% of voters, and produce 18% of GDP. Herders’ livelihood is highly dependent on rangeland resources. Community-based rangeland management or CBRM is sought to be an alternative option that encourages participation of herders in resource management. However, her results show that herders need better access to information, training, empowered leadership, knowledge exchange, and cooperation. Once these conditions are met, there will be more effective resource management institutions that reduce burdens of local government. If successful, CBRM will contribute to the improvement of resource condition and herders’ well-being through promoting democracy and equal access to resources.