TİKA Opens Clean Water Wells in Mongolia’s Region Fighting Desertification

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has opened clean water wells in five districts of Govi-Altai Province, which is battling desertification in Mongolia.

Located approximately 1,100 km from the capital Ulaanbaatar, Govi-Altai Province lies in the Gobi Desert region. The province, which has been severely impacted by the effects of global warming in recent years, faces water scarcity in 79% of its area due to desertification. As a result, local nomadic populations, who rely on animal husbandry for their livelihoods, struggle to find clean water.

To address the drinking water shortage in Govi-Altai Province and provide access to clean water for both people and animals in rural areas, TİKA opened water wells in the Biger, Tsogt, Hohmorit, Chandmani, and Erdene districts. These wells now provide access to clean water for local communities.

Arildiibaatar Geleg, a shepherd who brought his animals to the newly opened well in Chandmani district, shared his experience: “I used to travel long distances to water my animals. Sometimes, when we went too far, some of my animals could not handle the journey and would fall ill or die. Now, with this well, we no longer have to travel such long distances. I would like to thank the Turkish people.”

With this project, approximately 13,000 people in the Biger, Tsogt, Hohmorit, Chandmani, and Erdene districts will have access to clean water from wells that reach a depth of 150 meters. Additionally, 2.5 million animals will benefit from these water wells, alongside the local population.