VSS | Community-based management for Buffer Zones at Hustai National Park by Tsermaa Nyamdavaa

Event: ACMS Virtual Speaker Series | Онлайн цахим илтгэл

Full title: Implementing community-based natural resource management for protecting the Buffer Zone rangelands at Hustai National Park, Mongolia

Speaker: Tsermaa Nyamdavaa, Ph.D. candidate at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, College of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, USA

Abstract:
The community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) approach, as implemented at Hustai National Park (HNP), has not resulted in success in protecting the Buffer Zone rangelands nor has it ensured the long-term sustainability of neighboring herders’ communities. This research investigated how CBNRM principles have been implemented at HNP, Mongolia as a means of protecting its buffer zone rangelands. The presence, execution or absence of each principle was investigated to determine each principle’s efficacy. The research utilized the case study approach with a mixed method design to obtain a comprehensive understanding the CBNRM principles for protecting the critical buffer zone rangelands. Sixty questionnaires (phase I) and forty interviews (phase II) were performed with the main stakeholders responsible for managing the buffer zone rangelands. The stakeholders included officials of HNP, members of current and previous Buffer Zone Council, and members of herders’ communities located within the Buffer Zone of HNP. The research findings showed that more than half of the principles were inappropriately employed and that each herder community actually set their own rules. In
addition, the research identified that the uncertainty of regulations and laws in Mongolia made the implementation of CBRNM principles challenging. Therefore, CBRNM principles have not been successful in protecting the Buffer Zone rangelands of HNP.

Speaker bio:
Tsermaa Nyamdavaa was born into a herder’s family in Ulziit soum, Uvurkhangai province, Mongolia. Her academic training consists of a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the School of International Relations and Public Administration (SIRPA), National University of Mongolia (NUM) in 2015, and a master’s degree in Business Administration from School of Business, NUM in 2017. She worked as a research assistant and teaching assistant at the Public Administration Department, SIRPA, NUM between 2016 and 2018.

American Center for Mongolian Studies (ACMS) is a non-political, non-profit educational organization of 501(c)(3) category that supports the development of Mongolian Studies and academic exchanges with Inner Asia. The activities of the ACMS include the development of academic resources, student and research support and the fostering of academic partnerships in all fields of study related to Mongolia

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the American Center for Mongolian Studies.