CODEP organized a 3 day Press trip to Khovd aimag for the journalists from Green Planet Club near the Mongolian Press Institute. The purpose was to strengthen capacity of environmental journalists to report about desertification, introduce them (and through them to public) potential ways to tackle the problem and last but not least to advertise CODEP activities aimed at supporting local initiatives to combat desertification.

The journalists visited several site activities implemented by Water Users Groups such as shelterbelt establishment, construction and use of water pond for effective use of water resources, lining of irrigation water channels with plastic sheet and stones for reducing water loss, testing of other soil and water conservation technologies. Participants witnessed how the farmers are joining their forces to reduce trend of desertification for their improved livelihoods and proper use of natural resources. The farmers were proudly explaining their works and saying that combining the forces leads to tangible results and further to satisfactory living environment.

Trip team attended a meeting of the members of Pasture Users' Groups in Duut soum in Khovd aimag. There, the members were reporting on their recent achievements and discussing future plans during the upcoming year. The herders were very much curious in a short play by local artists on the topic of effective pastureland use. The journalists were agreeing that such plays can be an effective tool to explain any problems to the herders instead of too scientific and theoretical lectures.

The team met with school children from an eco-school supported by the Project. It was obvious for them that school administration, teachers and children all together besides making greeneries around the school can from the childhood educate environment friendly men for the future.

The journalists based on what they have seen and witnessed started reporting on the solutions locals are attempting to undertake to combat desertification and improve their livelihoods at the same time. They will report how effective results can be achieved if to have a common vision and interest.

In the future CODEP will be closely collaborating with the journalists from Green Plant Club and other journalists to build and strengthen their capacity and improve their knowledge to write about desertification and what is very important to report about existing solutions against this threat.