In recent years it has become clear that pastoralism as it has been practiced on the Mongolian Plateau does not just conform to the local natural environment; rather it also serves the functions of creating and maintaining a distinctive grasslands ecology. However, today along with the transition to a market economy and the advance of globalization, as pastoral peoples have to give priority to choices based on social activities, preservation of the natural environment is becoming impossible.
Against this background, this research project will gather together researchers on pastoralism from the natural sciences and cultural anthropology, so as to consider policies which while protecting the environment will also encourage viable pastoral activities. We will research and develop specific examples concerning the creation of an eco-economy, which is being discussed on a global level.