The nomadic lifestyle in Mongolia
The nomadic lifestyle is a way of life that is rooted in the philosophy of harmony among nature, climate, and livestock. Mongolians have practiced nomadic herding for thousands of years. Mongolia is home to one of the few remaining nomadic cultures in the world, with a significant portion of the population living a traditional, nomadic lifestyle. They rely on their animals for their livelihoods.
The nomads and sustainability
Nomadic herding is inherently sustainable as by moving herds, nomadic herders allow pastures to recover, which prevents soil erosion and overgrazing. The movement also improves the quality of the grasslands. The nomads possess deep knowledge of their land and resources. They use techniques like rotational grazing to manage the environment effectively and avoid sensitive areas.
The nomads and animal welfare
The nomads cherish their animals and raise them in the most humane and ethical way, without compromising their wellbeing because they're essential to their lifestyle.
The nomads and the yaks
Yaks are very important part of nomadic lifestyle. Nomads puts every part of yak to use. Yak milk is used to make butter, cheese and other dairy products, yak meat is a staple, yak hide is used to make boots, bags and leather accessories, yak bones are used in traditional games and yak tails are used as brooms, yak dung is used as fuel, the coarser outer hair is used to make ropes and tents.
Importance of yak khullu
The inner hair – yak khullu is one of the most important sources of income for the herders to provide for their own needs, to raise their children, and to educate them. Without them, they will not be able to maintain their nomadic lifestyle.
Threat to nomadic lifestyle in Mongolia
Climate change, land loss due to urbanization and modernization is threatening nomadic lifestyle which in turn affects the grasslands. By recognizing the value of nomadic lifestyle, empowering the herders and incorporating their traditional knowledge to develop sustainable herding strategies will help us preserve both nomadic lifestyle and the grasslands.
Nomé's contribution
We at Nome are part of the business (yak wool and cashmere) which is essential for Mongolian nomads to maintain their nomadic culture without financial disruption.
We at Nomé use the highest quality yak down to produce the most luxurious organic, eco-friendly and sustainable yak wool apparels and accessories which is only possible because of the nomads and how they tend their yaks with care and love.
