ULAN BATOR, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The China-aided technical assistance project has become a key milestone in the conservation of Mongolia's national treasure -- the critically endangered Gobi bear, or Mazaalai.
In a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua, Choijin Bayarbat, director of the Administration for the Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area, shared insights into the remarkable achievements of the China-aided Mazaalai conservation project.
He emphasized how this collaboration has significantly strengthened conservation strategies, enhanced habitat conditions, and advanced monitoring techniques -- crucial factors for the survival of this rare species.
"The China-aided Mazaalai conservation project, implemented in the Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area from 2018 to 2024, is especially significant as it marks the first major foreign-funded initiative providing technical assistance for wildlife conservation in this protected area," Bayarbat explained.
"The Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area is the largest protected area in Mongolia, spanning 4.6 million hectares. Out of the 33 mammal species listed in the Mongolian Red Book of Endangered Species, 15 are found in this area," he noted, underscoring the importance of providing technical assistance to such a vital zone.
As part of the project, Mongolian and Chinese researchers conducted seven types of studies, including using genetic methods to estimate the population of the Mazaalai bear.
"When fur samples from the Mazaalai bear were collected and genetic methods were applied to estimate the population, it was previously believed to be just 22. However, the study revealed that the actual population is 52," Bayarbat said, adding this discovery was a groundbreaking achievement.
Moreover, 30 Mongolian conservationists and experts received training in China as part of the project.
Bayarbat also highlighted that China's donation of GPS devices, cameras, motorcycles, and other essential equipment has been crucial in strengthening not only the Mazaalai bear conservation efforts, but also wildlife conservation across the entire protected area.
In addition, the project assessed the growth patterns of the plants that the Gobi bear primarily feeds on, projecting their distribution through 2060.
"This data has been invaluable," Bayarbat explained. "It has greatly assisted the Administration for the Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area and Mongolia's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in developing a strategy to maintain a stable Mazaalai population through 2060."
Bayarbat commended the Chinese researchers' methodology and their responsible approach, noting that Mongolian researchers and experts have gained invaluable knowledge through this collaboration. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese side for their significant contributions.
In 2023, the Mongolian government passed a resolution designating the Mazaalai bear as a "Mongolian national pride animal." Since then, Bayarbat said, substantial funding has been allocated to Mazaalai protection efforts, including public awareness campaigns and habitat improvements.
Mongolia's Minister of Environment and Climate Change Saldan Odontuya had praised the fruitful and flourishing cooperation between Mongolia and China in combating desertification, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change.
She highlighted the success of the joint project aimed at protecting the critically endangered Gobi bear, which has enhanced research conditions and fostered collaboration between Mongolian and Chinese scientists.
A Chinese researcher also shared his insights about the project.
The Gobi bear technical assistance project represents the Chinese government's first wildlife protection initiative, said Xiao Wenfa, deputy director of the Chinese Academy of Forestry and lead coordinator of the "Mongolia Gobi Bear Technical Assistance Project."
Xiao emphasized that it is one of the flagship projects of the Belt and Road Initiative for nature conservation cooperation. He stated that it promotes mutual learning and growth with friendly nations like Mongolia, focusing on efforts to save the world's rarest species and protect global biodiversity. ■
