The Standing Committee on Security and Foreign Policy discussed pastureland and water issues on Monday.

Deputy Minister for Food, Agriculture and Light Industry J.Saule said that 70 percent of Mongolia’s pastureland has been degraded. She noted that Mongolia had 90,000 herders and 25 million heads of livestock in 1990 when Mongolia transferred to a market society. Now the nation has 160,000 herders and 37.2 million heads of livestock. J.Saule said pastureland has been damaged due to the irresponsible activities of mining companies and illegal “ninja” mining operations. Pastureland has been reduced by nine million hectares in recent years. But Parliament has postponed discussion of a draft law on pastureland that has been submitted by the Government. Parliament believes the draft law needs to be improved.

The Deputy Chief of the Water Office said water in the country is disappearing due to climate change, with 551 rivers, 483 lakes, and 158 springs dried up, according to a 2011 water survey.

The official added that 40 percent of Mongolia’s water is consumed by power plants and mining companies, while the population uses 15 to 16 percent and the agriculture sector uses 12 percent.

Participants emphasized that a unified water policy has been lacking in the country.