Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – As countries across the globe mark World Water Day on Saturday 22 March, Mongolia’s Gobi desert remains part of a global debate about water use and protection.
World Water Day calls on nations around the world to outline their actions in 2014 and beyond to promote sustainable practices to protect and save water.
The Gobi is home to Oyu Tolgoi, the largest mining project in Mongolia so the impact of mining operations on humans and animals in the surrounding area is a crucial issue for mining operations and local people alike. Regular monitoring of the quality of water and the level of sub-surface and underground water is essential.
Oyu Tolgoi’s extensive monitoring programme includes a participatory scheme, involving both local residents and the local government. Every effort is also made to improve water access for local herders for whom a sustainable future to a large measure depends on the quality and availability of water.
In the last three years, substantial time and funds have been invested, together with local herders and government agencies, in sinking new wells and improving and repairing the existing artisan wells in Khanbogd, Manlai and Bayan Ovoo soums situated close to Oyu Tolgoi mine. Pandiisamba Bold, Community relations officer at Oyu Tolgoi said: “Two years ago, we began by repairing wells in Khanbogd soum but the latest work involves sinking and repairing wells in Manlai and Bayan Ovoo soums as well. We’re focusing on watering points used by animals and herders in the pastoral areas.”
When herders identify a need for improvements to water supplies, they make their request through their community leaders. Once the work is completed, they take responsibility for ongoing maintenance.
D.Amgalan, a herder from Manlai soum said: “Anyone who needs to draw water from this well is free to do so. Herders appreciate the work that has been done.” B.Bayarmaa from the local government office which oversees pasture and farming issues said: “We receive a lot of complaints from herders that they have no wells to provide water for their animals. The support being given by Oyu Tolgoi to address the water shortage in the Gobi is appreciated.”
According to L.Ulziijargal, CEO of Bolor Us LLC, one of the several local companies contracted by Oyu Tolgoi to build and repair wells, new water points with ferro-concrete linings have a life of at least 50 years.
A total of 40 wells in Khanbogd, Manlai and Bayan Ovoo soums have been improved, leading herders to feel reassured about water supplies when they are on the move in search of pastureland for their animals.
While World Water Day is a global event, it is important for each and every person on earth. Local action, by individuals or organisations, can make a difference to how the world deals with this crucial issue.
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