Community-Based Rangeland Governance in Mongolia

The chapter explores the role of community-based rangeland governance in addressing Mongolia’s socio-economic and environmental challenges. It examines national governance frameworks and the principles of community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), emphasizing their relevance to Mongolia’s rangelands and herder communities. The analysis highlights the implementation of community-based governance, evaluating supportive and obstructive policies, socio-economic benefits such as improved livelihoods and conflict reduction, and environmental gains like enhanced ecosystem health and sustainability. Despite challenges such as institutional limitations, resource constraints, and conflicting interests, the chapter argues that community-based rangeland management offers the most viable path forward for Mongolia. By empowering local communities, fostering collaboration, and integrating traditional knowledge, this approach aligns with Mongolia’s cultural and ecological context. The chapter concludes with recommendations for policy support and capacity-building initiatives to ensure the long-term sustainability of rangelands and the resilience of herder livelihoods, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners engaged in sustainable natural resource management.