Mongolia — Site Assessment Report — Herder Encampments 1 (6—14 March 2018)

While seasonal migration by nomadic populations is a key migration pattern in Northern Mongolia, the rising incidence of severe droughts and dzuds (harsh winters) in Mongolia are making mobility conditions increasingly difficult and forcing herders to either travel larger distances to find pasture or to move to urban centres. In response, IOM Mongolia, working with the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) and supported by the IOM Development Fund, has deployed IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) and tested site assessment tools tailored to the Mongolian context. The purpose of the assessments was to better understand migration trends of nomadic populations in Mongolia and monitor population movements caused by slow-onset disasters and climate change.  The project aims to contribute to strengthened migration management in Mongolia by improving the knowledge and skills of government officials to use DTM; and by building evidence and data on current migration flows to improve future response planning. The project also aims to improve coordination between key stakeholders and produce an agreed upon Plan of Action to further strengthen coordination efforts and the use of evidence in decision-making. IOM Mongolia conducted site assessments in 10 herder encampments between 6-14 March 2018. 30 key informants, including regional officials and livestock and veterinary experts, were interviewed for the purpose of the assessment.