(Source: Desertification Study Centre of Geo Ecological Institute)

Desertification is degradation of arid, semi-arid, dry sub humid regions,
and a result of climatic and human actions

Factors for desertification are of natural and anthropogenic origins. Anthropogenic factors include poor natural resource management (poor pastureland management and overgrazing, deforestation, inappropriate use of land and water resources and mining. Natural factors include climate change that leads to increased frequency of droughts, drying up of rivers and lakes as well as wind erosion of fertile top soil. 

At the grassroots level, local people are undertaking simple protection measures to saveguard their livelihoods that are threatened by land degradation, sand dune expansion and loss of eco-systems. Local initiatives to cope with desertification, like planting windbreaks are undertaken on an ad-hoc bases with little skills and lack of professional support.

Responding to a demand of the Mongolian Government, in 2006 SDC initiated the Coping with Desertification Project (CODEP) which has the objective to support Mongolia's capacity to improve the effectiveness of national and international efforts on coping with desertification and promote sustainable livelihoods in arid and semi-arid areas. 

The overall goal of CODEP is to contribute to increased livelihoods of the population of Mongolia and to maintain the environmetal integrity of the country as a basis for economic and social development in rural areas. The Project is in line with the development objectives of Mongolia and the SDC cooparation strategy for Mongolia. 

Related links on desertification and land degradation: