DEVELOPMENT OF FORESTS AND THE GENE POOL OF LOCAL FOREST TREE ECOTYPES IN MONGOLIA

Duration: 2015-2017

Implementer: Forest Management Institute Brandýs nad Labem, the Czech Republic

Project partners:

• Ministry of Finance of Mongolia
• Ministry of Environment, Green Development and Tourism of Mongolia, and its Forest Research Development Centre
• Forest Unit in Khongor
• Khongor district
• Sharyngol district
• Mongolian State University of Agriculture Plant Science and Agricultural Research Training Institute in Darchan
• Vocational Training and Production Center of Selenge Province,

Budget provided by the Czech Republic: CZK 24, 579, 976  e.g. USD 983,199

 

In view of climate change and increasing desertification, forests play a major role for Mongolian people. Mongolian forest management lacks modern tools for long term forest development planning within the framework of sustainable management and a robust system that would ensure the preservation and reproduction of the gene pool of local forest tree ecotypes. Introducing and applying these tools based on experience from the Czech Republic and with the help of Czech experts will help stop the depletion of overall forest areas and above all ensure reforestation of damaged areas (fire, pests etc.), eroded lands or lands affected by desertification while using reproductive material of indigenous species and ecotypes corresponding to local conditions.

In the framework of the project, Czech and Mongolian experts will elaborate tools for long term planning - Regional plans for forest development (RPFD). These will be based on the principles of sustainable forest management (SFM) and will also include, inter alia, system for location, identification, and recognition of Mongolian indigenous forest tree ecotypes in order to preserve and develop their gene pool in Mongolia. Based on field surveys, Czech experts will cooperate with Mongolian colleagues to elaborate educational materials and methodologies, and train local workers in routine work practices.

To kick-start the production of quality reproductive material, two model centres for the production of container grown plants will be established, with co-financing from Mongolian partners. Czech experts will be providing expert assistance during the establishment and operation of the centres during the project duration. Employees of the centres, as well as other Mongolian experts, will receive training in the gathering of cones and seeds, taking care of seed material, establishing and operating nurseries and seed orchards, reforestation and plant protection.

The project will have educational and public awareness components. Training of pedagogical staff by Czech experts will build capacity of participating institutions. Pedagogical staff will also have the opportunity to participate on other project activities and gain practical experience. Project activities and outputs will be regularly presented to all relevant stakeholders. In cooperation with local NGO and through suitable means, sustainable forest management principles will also be introduced to the general public. Additional information are available at the project website – www.forest4mongolia-cz.net.