SDC in Mongolia Country Director Felix Fellmann pledged CHF 500,000 in humanitarian relief from Switzerland to Prime Minister Mr S. Batbold on 19 March 2010 to assist dzud-affected herders.

During the meeting at the Government House, Mr Fellmann outlined the proposed SDC dzud relief project, which will target more than 9000 herder households (36,000 people) in the 20 worst-affected soums throughout Mongolia. 

“This aid will be distributed to through self-governing organisations of herders, who will themselves identify their needs and decide how to best make use of the relief support,” Mr Fellmann said.

 “This approach is also in keeping with Swiss development practice to empower its beneficiaries with the freedom to choose. This proved to be effective in SDC’s “Cash for Herders” humanitarian projects implemented from 2002-2006.”

 Prime Minister S. Batbold said he appreciated SDC support at a time when Mongolia was suffering its harshest winter in the past 30 years.

“It is substantial support to help the herders economically. But more importantly it is moral support that gives them confidence to decide for themselves how they will rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

“I know that Swiss development aid is very focused on herders’ livelihoods and  dealing with their social and economic issues. Mongolia is grateful to Switzerland for its generous support.”

The dzud - a natural disaster in which summer drought is followed by heavy snow and abnormally low temperatures in winter - has affected an estimated 200,000 herders throughout the country. SDC responded to the Mongolian Government’s appeal to the international community to assist in providing immediate aid.

The SDC dzud relief project is aimed at preventing vulnerable herders from falling into deeper poverty. It will provide much-needed humanitarian relief to herders to help address their most pressing needs, including food, energy, medical supplies and cash assistance to buy animal fodder and medicines.

The project will be implemented by the Mongolian Society for Rangeland Management (MSRM) NGO in cooperation with local governments. MSRM, through SDC’s Green Gold - Ecosystem Management Project, has facilitated the establishment of self-managed pasture users’ groups (PUGs) in 55 soums throughout the country.

In the implementation of this project, PUGs in Zavkhan, Arkhangai, Tuv and Dundgobi aimags will play an important role in distributing the Swiss aid.

“While SDC is dealing with the immediate needs of affected herders in the aftermath of the dzud, its long-term goal is to ensure sustainable pasture and herd management by increasing livestock productivity, addressing overgrazing issues and promoting alternative income sources for herders,” Mr Fellmann said.

“SDC is continuing its support to MSRM in developing pasture management legislation in cooperation with other stakeholders that will ensure a sustainable future for Mongolia’s livestock sector.”

Prime Minister S. Batbold agreed that the efficiency and sustainability of animal husbandry practices needed to be improved.

“Herders need to be strong enough to survive the harsh winters and be less vulnerable to climatic conditions.”

SDC in Mongolia Media and Communications  

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For more information:

Matthias Meier – SDC Deputy Country Director and Focal point for dzud intervention
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D. Soyolmaa – Media and Communications Officer
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