Freshwater Conservation and Availability in Mongolia and Various Organizational Contributions Towards a Solution Gina Alward; B00546593 INTD

2001.3/GEOG 2201 November 21st, 2011

The conservation and availability of freshwater is an international issue that affects the overall development of a country. In Mongolia, it is an extremely important development as the depletion of water is progressing rapidly. I, therefore, find it important for the reader to understand this issue, while looking at its causes and potential solutions. Thus, throughout this essay, I plan to explore the efforts of international organizations, national governments and local, non-governmental organizations that contribute to solving this issue, and whether or not their efforts are successful. Freshwater shortage is an alarming issue that affects many areas of development. According to the Human Development Report, the human right to water is indispensable for leading a life in human dignity and for the realization of other human rights which include an adequate standard of living, food, health, etc. (Basandorj, 2010) For this reason, solving water shortage within countries is an important aspect in furthering development. According to the United Nations Development Programme, 1.1 billion people in the world lack access to safe drinking water and, in Mongolia, the number of dried-out lakes and rivers continue to increase (WWF, 2007). Looking specifically at this problem, there are a number of reasons that one can identify to explain why water has become so scarce. These include Mining and Gravel Extraction, Overgrazing, Deforestation, Water Pollution, Urbanization, Climate Change, etc. (Basandorj, 2010). Mongolia also has very limited water resources, mostly which are limited to lakes, and 60% of Mongolians lack access to this water (Basandorj, 2010). The distribution of water is as followed: 52% for agricultural use, 27% for industry, and the remaining 21% for domestic use (WWF, 2007). These resources continue to decrease rapidly based primarily on human activities and climate change. Thus, freshwater conservation and availability is an international (as well as a national) responsibility that needs to be undertaken in order for Mongolia to progress in development.

Looking at this issue from an international perspective, there are many organizations in which have taken such a responsibility and who have made various contributions toward a solution. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) suggests that countries must spend at least 1% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to improve water supplies (Basandorj, 2010). However, the Mongolian Government has only invested 0.25% in this sector, compared to other development sectors (Basandorj, 2010). As shown in Figure 1, 34% of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) funding focuses on international waters and executes projects to prevent and reverse the degradation of water systems, including rivers and lake basins that are similar to those in Mongolia (UNOPS, 2011). The United Nations Environment
[Figure 1] Retrieved from: http://www.unops.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/Factsheets /English/Focus-areas/GBL_FAFS_ENV_EN.pdf

Programme (UNEP) has specifically adapted five key recommendations for Mongolia in

order to preserve its freshwater. The first recommendation is to develop an Integrated Urban Water Management plan for the Tuul River Basin (one of the three largest river basins existing in central and northern Mongolia) which includes information on land use and human activities; the second recommendation is to increase investment and rehabilitate water supply networks for

domestic water supply; the third recommendation is to provide steps in increasing the populations security against extreme weather events, as conditions such as drought and flood contribute greatly to the lack of funds available to conserve freshwater in Mongolia (see Figure 2); the fourth recommendation is to expand the limitations in improving water quality; and the fifth is to provide better legal enforcement on water supply, disposal and wastewater treatment (UNEP, 2011). Also, with foreign investments through the World Bank and the Asian Development

[Figure 2] Retrieved from Basandorj, 2010

Bank, pipelines of safe water, as well as methods of water distribution (i.e. water purification and water distribution kiosks) were constructed since 2005. Organizations such as these, as well as others such as US-AIDS and the World Wildlife Fund, strive to conserve freshwater and to improve the distribution of this resource in Mongolia, as well as in other countries around the world. Although these organizations have created specific projects to help Mongolia, I feel it is important for the government to confirm that such plans are put into motion in order for development to progress. The Mongolian government has implemented various laws and organizations to ensure the conservation of freshwater. The Environmental Protection Law was established in 1995, in which Article 3 includes six resources which are to be protected by law including land and soil, underground resources and mineral wealth, water, plants, animals, and air (Bagabandi, 1995).It was also specified that the term water shall include surface and ground water resources

including rivers, springs, ponds, mineral waters, and glaciers, as well as natural and manmade water courses within the territory of Mongolia (Bagabandi, 1995). It is important to know exactly what is included in this law when it comes to protecting water resources as there were no legal infrastructures specific for sustainable water management at this time (WWF, 2007). Water management is important in solving this issue as there is important data, such as the volume of water consumption, that is lacking throughout reports of freshwater depletion and distribution, and which is vital in moving forward with development and conservation (Basandorj, 2010). Therefore, the laws in which Mongolia has implemented in 1995 to protect freshwater are not greatly enforced and other resources, such as underground soil and mineral wealth, have become of greater importance to the government (Basandorj, 2010). Needless to say, the conservation of freshwater and its importance to the government is still greatly reflected on funded organizations and sectors including the Ministry of Nature and Environment, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, and the National Water Committee. The Water Agency, which falls within the Ministry of Nature and Environment, has the authority to create and implement water policy, approve larger water projects, and set environmental standards regarding use of water resources (USAID, 2011). Monitoring these standards within Mongolias freshwater management structure is extremely weak as availability continues to be an issue in the Gobi desert, desert-steppe, and eastern steppe regions (USAID, 2011). The Mongolian Government did, however, implement a new Law on Water in 2004 to provide a greater focus on freshwater quality. They also adopted the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) as a model for improved governance in the water sector (Bagabandi, 1995). This model helps the government to improve the Water Agency through a political process allowing them to distribute and regulate water more rationally and equally. The Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry (MoFALI) shows that, in 2007, a total design

of 39, 843 hand-dug wells, of which 51.8% of them were intended for watering livestock, as well as drinking water sources for herders where registered in rural areas (Basandorj, 2010). The Government Action Plan (GAP) focuses on projects related to the improvement of water supply and, between 2004 and 2008, the government established a public agency which specializes in water supply, water purification, sewerage, sanitation, hot water supply, and the construction of wells (Basandorj, 2010). Although conservation and availability of freshwater seemed to progress at a national standpoint, it is important to note that existing laws are still poorly enforced, and thus have an effect on government-funded programs such as the National Water Program, Master Plan for Development Meteorology and Hydrology, Mineral Water Program, Water Renewtion-21 Program, Improvement Drinking Water Quality Program, etc. (Basandorj, 2010). In order to achieve progression in development through the conservation and availability of freshwater, international organizations as well as national governments need to work collectively with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO). Some of these NGOs consider a broad overview of water conservation such as the Environmental Parliament. Others such as the United Movement of Mongolian Rivers and Lakes (UMMRL) focus on the
[Figure 3] Received from Basandorj, 2010.

specific contributions to freshwater conservation and the causes of freshwater

scarcity in Mongolia. Figure 3 shows a map of Mongolia and provides a visual of the rivers and lakes within this country. It is important to understand how valuable their preservation is, and how scarce freshwater really is in Mongolia. Thus, a Non-Governmental Organization such as the UMMRL is extremely important for Mongolian citizens as they become more aware of the processes in preserving and distributing freshwater. The mission of the UMMRL reflects this: to protect and/or to rehabilitate watersheds of rivers and to provide environmental and legal education to local people (UMMRL, 2011). One of the major successes of the UMMRL was in lobbying the passing of a law prohibiting mining operations at headwaters of rivers, protected zones of water reservoirs and forested areas by sending a petition to Parliament and participating in their own hunger strike (UMMRL, 2011). Other local NGOs that specifically focus on freshwater conservation and distribution include Water of Mongolia, Mongolia National Water Programme, etc. However, because freshwater scarcity is an issue that has many various attributing factors (such as mining, climate, deforestation, etc.) there are other local NGOs, such as the Amanda Marga Universal Relief Team (AMURT), the Mongolian Society for Range Management, the Development Solutions, Collaboration and Innovation Association (Ulemj Tsog), as well as the Mongol Environment Conservation that must be recognized as organizations striving to provide a solution to the problem of freshwater scarcity. Throughout my research, I have been able to look at this issue with a thorough understanding that has helped developed an educated opinion on the programs many organizations have developed, as well as the responsibility in which the government has taken to ensure that this issue is dealt with. I thoroughly agree with the five recommendations outlined earlier by UNEP, however, I find these steps to produce an impossible outcome without the cooperation of the Mongolian Government, as well as national and international programs, and organizations. That being said, there is an issue I wish to discuss in terms of mining as a factor of

freshwater pollution. As outlined in my previous essay, there seems to be a potential and vast economic growth within Mongolia concerning untapped minerals. The annual consumption of water for mining industries is 157.2 million cubic meters of water; a number which will increase if new mining potentials are constructed (Basandorj, 2010). The reason I mention mining, specifically, is because of the overall importance the Mongolian government has put on this particular resource. The potential of a growing economy is appealing to the government, especially when the profit can abolish existing debt. But the focus, I believe, should not be on uncovering mining possibilities over safe drinking water. Although mining would be an important
[Figure 4] Total Water Consumption by sector in Mongolia. Retrieved from: Basandorj, 2010.

Tourism 0.45

Green I.spa resorts 0.2%

Drinking 16%

Industry 54%

Agricultur e 30%

contribution to development, the reason for my belief is simple: freshwater has a direct impact on poverty. According to Basandorj, safe drinking water influences good health and time savings for the poor, which in turn reduces the loss of income for adults and the ability to provide children with a better education in the future (2010). Unsafe drinking water also leads to health risks including cancer, damage to the immune system, kidney damages, and, a problem many Mongolians are currently facing, Hepatitis A (Zaslow and Herman, 1996). It seems that conserving and equally distributing freshwater is an important requirement for human development that translates into health and education sectors. The World Health Organization (WHO) echoes this statement by pointing out that 1$ invested in water and sanitation translates into benefits worth 6$ due to these multiplier benefits (Basandorj, 2010). Thus, I believe that organizations at an international level, as well as non-governmental organizations, are doing all that they can and are successful in certain respects (such as UMMRL and contributions from

foreign donors). I also believe that the strategies and goals outlined in each organization are well thought out and have helpful recommendations. The problem therefore seems to be at a national level considering the lack of enforcement on Water laws, Environmental laws, water performance-monitoring and water management (USAIDS, 2011). I believe that development cannot progress without the co-operation of all three levels: internationally, nationally, and locally, which is why I believe that the Mongolian Government should be doing much more to ensure the conservation of freshwater, equal distribution as well as the enforcement of environmental and water laws. Although international organizations and local NGOs can outline programs, and projects to increase the opportunity in conserving freshwater, their effect can only be so great without more co-operation and enforcement from national governments. For a resource which seems to have such an impact on various aspects of development, it seems to me that freshwater conservation and availability should be the primary focus of the Mongolian Government. The programs have been established, the plans thought out, but with such a focus on resources such as mining (a production which conflicts with the conservation of water), it is difficult to imagine this issue being solved. In conclusion, I find freshwater conservation and availability is a very important international issue that affects the overall development of a country in which more awareness should be raised. While exploring the efforts of international organizations, Mongolian governments and local, non-governmental organizations, it is now apparent that, although there are many programs and organizations provided to protect freshwater, more needs to be done in order to do so (particularly by the Mongolian government). Based on the information gathered in this essay, I believe that a greater enforcement on environmental and water laws need to be implemented in order for national governments to be on par with international and nongovernmental organizations to procure the conservation and equal distribution of freshwater.

Works Cited 1. Bagabandi, D. (1995) Environmental Law of Mongolia. Retrieved from: http://www.investmongolia.com/law12.pdf in November, 2011. 2. Basandorj, D. (2010). Water and Human Development. Poverty Research and Employment Facilitation for Policy development MON/01/U01. Retrieved from: www.google.ca in November, 2011. 3. Herman, G., & Zaslow, S. (1996). Health Effects of Drinking Water Contaminants. Water Quality and Waste Management. Retrieved from: www.bae.ncsu.edu 4. Mongolia Faces Critical Water Shortfall Warns UNEP Report. United Nations Environment Programme. Retrieved from: http://www.unep.org/roap/Portals/96/Documents/MongoliaWaterReport2011.pdf in November, 2011. 5. Mongolia. United Nations. Retrieved from: http://www.un-mongolia.mn/web/ in November, 2011. 6. Mongolia. USAID Land Tenure and Property Rights Proposal. Retrieved from: http://usaidlandtenure.net/usaidltprproducts/country-profiles/mongolia/countryprofile-mongolia-1#Key_Mongolia in November 2011. 7. Mongolia: Country Environmental Analysis. (2004). Asian Development Bank. Retrieved from: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Studies/Ctry-EnvironmentalAnalysis/Mon-Crty-Environment.pdf in November, 2011. 8. Non-Governmental Organizations. Mongolia Today. Retrieved from: http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/links/non-governmental-organizations/ in November, 2011. 9. United Movements of Mongolian Rivers and Lakes. The River Movements. Retrieved from: http://www.rivermovements.org/index.php?lang=en&webpage=2 in November, 2011. 10. UNOPS and the environment. UNOPS operational existence for results that matter. Retrieved from: http://www.unops.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/Factsheets/English/Focusareas/GBL_FAFS_ENV_EN.pdf in November, 2011. 11. WANGO: Connecting and serving NGOs beyond boarders. Retrieved from: http://www.wango.org/resources.aspx?section=ngodir&sub=list&newsearch=1&r egionID=30&col=F85038 in November, 2011.

12. WWF Mongolia Programme Office. (2007). Freshwater Issues in Mongolia and WWF Mongolias planned contribution towards a solution. Retrieved from: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:3fNzOy4zHZYJ:assets.panda.org/ downloads/freshwater_issues_in_mn__march04.pdf+freshwater+in+mongolia&hl =en&gl=ca&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgiZd1Arwc9vIZwxcwKrrmIRsOw4fSqoLE B9Jj4Y-nCW0HkoViwlqXT4Mc2OixrQ6SJX8d7W7QckD8OLfHkUR1YpCVoMwh1stTayd_vkIymtIMGCCEaKPba92iEVCqHlm70lB&sig=AHIEtbSbPugRCUeEeQ5fu5 8A1FSmhUUfbw in November, 2011.