Cashmere: sustainable industry established in Mongolia 

By

Anne-Sophie Savenier

Published
Oct 22, 2014

Mongolia is the second largest producer of cashmere following China. Once a luxury material, this fabric has now become more accessible, leading to an increase in the number of goats and grazing, which is causing irreversible consequences for both the environment and the people of Central Asia. 

With this in mind, Agronomists and Veterinarians Without Borders (AVSF), a French NGO has partnered with local actors in order to create the first sustainable cashmere network.

The goal? To produce quality cashmere that doesn't compromise the environment or the people. 

AVSF has established a program to fight against the degradation of pastures in the Gobi Desert, by working with cooperative volunteer herders from the Bayankhongor Province, which has the largest population of goats in the country. 

In the region, nomadic breeders are particularly aware of ecological and social threats. They are moreover committed to preserving their culture and ancestral skills that will save their natural heritage. 

However, implementing best practices is not enough. It’s also essential to identify market opportunities that are decently paid. The NGO has decided to assist in this regard as well. 

More and more nomadic breeders have joined together to form new cooperatives.

They have also applied sustainable methods and pasture management, which requires the application of demanding pastoral programs, a guarantee of space preservation, better food for the goats, resulting in a superior fiber. 

Through greater transparency and the preservation of traditional knowledge, the industry has already attracted the luxury sector. 

The spring 2015 harvest is in fact already pre-booked, which is a good sign for nomadic herders from Bayankhongor who have chosen to be part of a sustainable industry.