Mongolia

Population: 2,791,272 (July 2005 est.)

Capital: Ulaanbaatar

Environmental Issues: limited natural fresh water resources in some areas; the policies of former Communist regimes promoted rapid urbanization and industrial growth that had negative effects on the environment; the burning of soft coal in power plants and the lack of enforcement of environmental laws severely polluted the air in Ulaanbaatar; deforestation, overgrazing, and the converting of virgin land to agricultural production increased soil erosion from wind and rain; desertification and mining activities had a deleterious effect on the environment

Life on the Mongolian Steppe

The rolling steppe of Mongolia , part of a great plain, is home to the ancestors of Ghengis Khan. Although 800 years have passed, you will find many Mongolians still living in gers (tent like structures) and practice animal husbandry today. They are self sufficient and strong and have little access to the modern comforts provided by electricity and running water.

The vast steppe that has supported generation after generation in Mongolia is slowly changing. The resources that nomads depend upon such as fresh water for drinking, generous pastures for animals and trees for ger construction and cooking are becoming harder to find.

The interviews for Mongolia were made possible with the assistance of the Ongi River Network. Just 6 years ago the Ongi River supported over one hundred thousand people and one million head of cattle. Today the Ongi does not reach Ulaan Lake , its final destination. The memoirs in this chapter tell the stories of individuals and families that were dependent on the Ongi and its tributaries.

	Sodnom
	Sodom has lived within the walls Mongolia 's oldest and most famous monastery, Erdene Zuu, for 46 years. He recalls the traditional nomadic teaching of his mother and a time when children had a greater understanding about their natural environments.
	Mr T.
	Tomorbaatar is one of 10,000 illegal workers that operate on the fringes of private mining land. Many Mongolians work under these harsh work conditions due to the loss of farms and competition for productive farm land.
	Erinbayar
	Erinbayer used to live on the fertile land with his family. The drying of the Ongi has forced him to reduce the number of animals he farms, due to the lack of water and pasture. His family has had to move away in search of richer pastures.
	Sharkhuukhen
	Through political and environmental circumstances Sharkuunkhen and her family lost their family farm. She remembers a time when the Ongi flowed through her town and wild gazelle roamed the fields. She misses being able to swim and play on its' banks.
	Image Gallery