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Focus Area: Community Based Conservation

Community based conservation
Recognizing Mongolia’s vast landscapes, ZS Luujin has empowered local herders as community rangers, equipping them with training and tools to monitor biodiversity, prevent poaching, and protect key wildlife populations. This model fosters environmental stewardship while strengthening local livelihoods, leading to near-zero poaching, reduced illegal logging, and stable wildlife populations.

Community based conservation



Key Initiatives & Milestones:

  • DI project 2018-2021
  • IWT CF project: 2021-2024 
  • LPA management: 243k ha Khoid Mogoin Gol-Teel LPA in Bulgan Arkhangai 
  • Managed by Union of Conservation Communities: federal structure, 19 CBOs (9 created in 2022) with 312 households/582 herders
  • SMART patrols: Volunteer Rangers, 38 VRs with CMC of Arkhangai (9 org)
  • Biodiversity monitoring: musk deer, birds, and marmots
  • Forest cleaning in clear-cut areas
  • Support for forest natural regeneration, spring protection

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Forest clean up efforts by locals at North Mogoi River

Community-based conservation outcome

ZS Luujin places strong emphasis on community-based conservation, working directly with local herders and community organizations to protect wildlife and manage natural resources sustainably. In remote and ecologically sensitive areas, local communities are often the first line of defense for nature. By providing training, tools, and ongoing support, we empower communities to take an active role in conservation through activities such as biodiversity monitoring, patrolling, forest regeneration, and species protection. This inclusive approach has led to measurable outcomes:
  • Near zero poaching in key project areas
  • Significant decline in illegal logging activities
  • Visible increase in bird populations
  • Stable populations of musk deer and marmots
  • Improved community wellbeing, with increased knowledge, pride, and participation in conservation
Community-based conservation not only helps protect Mongolia’s unique species and landscapes but also builds stronger, more resilient communities who see themselves as guardians of their environment.
Protecting forests:  Halting unlawful pine nut harvesting
Locals learning to spot and count wildlife. Locals undergoing SMART system training

Jump to our other focus areas

Tackling 
IWT

Canine Conservation Program

Protected Area Management

Community Banking - VSLAs

Research and 
monitoring

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