Mongolia
Another programme that we are funding commenced in 2007 in Mongolia. The women of Yamaat Valley formed themselves into a herder group which consisted of 16 households with 77 members. By setting up a herder self help organization they were aiming to improve their living standards uniting their labor force and agreeing on better pasture management that avoids overlapping wildlife habitat. Mostly herders in this valley raise yak, sheep and goats. They have 580 sheep, 1954 goat, 47 horse, 117 yaks. Conflict exists in the region between the herders and predators. In 2007 they lost 144 animals to snow leopards and wolves.
Participating in 'Snow Leopard Enterprises' (SLE), they make handicrafts such us pet toys and ornaments out of their sheep wool which brings them about $ 1500 annually. With the income, herders use it for their needed expenses such as children’s education, food and medicine.
