WE ARE
SAVE THE TOOROI
A NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION FOCUSED ON REFORESTATION AND FIGHT AGAINST DESERTIFICATION
Our organization is dedicated to saving the poplars (Populus diversifolia Sсhrenk), known as the “hero trees” or “Heart of the Gobi Desert”. With their remarkable ability to resist extreme conditions, including drought as long as groundwater levels remain about four meters beneath the surface, the poplars play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the Gobi oases and deserts in Mongolia. However, increasing desertification and soil degradation have put the poplars at risk of extinction. It is our mission to investigate the causes, determine the exact boundaries of their distribution, protect, restore, and revive the poplar populations. Under the leadership of Nanzaddorj. Ts, Dr. Haulenbeck, Head of the Research Center for Combating Desertification, Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Bumbar. N “Save Tooroi” NGO was established and has launched an initiative to study the distribution and population of these trees in 2006.
Our Vision
A thriving, diverse, and sustainable Mongolia where agroforestry practices flourish, rare trees and plants thrive, and communities prosper.
Our Mission
To combat desertification through agroforestry by planting one million Populus diversifolia Schrenk trees, restoring diversity, and empowering communities through education and engagement.
Growing Hope, Leaf by Leaf, Tree by Tree, Building a Better Future, Step by Step
OUR TIMELINE
'Save the Tooroi' NGO was established by Nanzaddorj.Ts, Dr. Haulenbeck, Head of the Research Center for Combating Desertification, Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Bumbar.N
Research Phase I
Research team of 'Save the Tooroi' NGO and 'Garag' production studio traveled about 6,500 km across the Gobi Desert, prairies and mountains of Mongolia, increasing the range of rare and endangered woody plants, especially poplars (Populus diversifolia Schrenk), by more than 400 km for the first time. Previous researchers had estimated a population of 25,000, which increased by the survey results to more than 80,000.
Research Phase II
The research team of "Save the Tooroi" went on a research trip to determine the easternmost point of distribution and location of poplars in Mongolia, and identified it as Saihandulaan Sum, Dornogovi Province.
Research Phase III
The research team of "Save the Tooroi" went on a research trip to determine the westernmost point of distribution and location of poplars in Mongolia, and identified it as Yolkhon oasis, Uyench Sum, Khovd Province.
Research Phase IV
An experiment and research team of Nanzaddorj.Ts, Head of 'Save the Tooroi' NGO, Dr. Bumbar.N, Coordinator of the NGO, Dr. Haulenbeck.A, Dr. Batkhuu.N, travelled to Gobi-Altai Province and met with the Governor's Administration and the Heads of the Department of Environment to propose the planting and cultivation of poplar trees in the Olonbulag Bagh Otun Sum area of the Aimag and received an approved response.
Research Phase V
Our NGO received 2000 seedlings of poplar in "Haya Hudag" of Olonbulag Bagh, Khaliun Sum, Gobi-Altai Province, from the Umnugovi Province and planted 1,700 seedlings at the prepared site.
Research Phase VI
We have successfully completed some crucial tasks, such as, extensive experience in cultivating poplars and smooth silver poplars, maples, elms, and driftwood in the village of Bayantooroi, as well as collecting and preparing around 2000 mature seeds of poplar from oases in Bayantooroi.
Research Phase VII
- 8 facilities of the Test and Research Center were built and fully commissioned
- Between 20 and 200 species of trees were replanted from the "Elsen Tasarkhai", Ovorkhangai Province, including maple, Salix rhamnifolia Pall, elm, Sambucus manshurica Kitag, Amygdalus mongolica Maxim, Ribes diacantha Pall, Cornus alba L, Cotoneaster mongolica Pojark, Ulmus macrocarpa Hance and lilac
- Planting rare and endangered trees and shrubs in the Gobi Desert and
"Poplar's Festival" was organized to promote awareness of the features of oases. - Akatsi White Rubinia: for the first time in Mongolia, nearly 1,000 seedlings were prepared to grow woody plants from seed.
- In 2019-2020, "dendrological" studies were conducted on the growth of planted poplars and Elaeagnus Moorcroftii Wall by about 30%.
Experimental research and implementation work - Phase VIII
- With the help of local residents, a protective fence was erected, a well was drilled, and a solar power source was installed to power the well.
- Expanded our operations with equipment to facilitate labor.
- Modern advanced irrigation technology has been incorporated into our operations.
OUR STRATEGIC GOALS
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Increase Forest Cover
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Biodiversity Conservation
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Community Engagement
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Climate Mitigation
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Financial Sustainability
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Research and Monitoring
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Advocacy and Awareness
Establish a target for planting 1 million of trees in 10 years, and track progress towards meeting this goal
Focus on planting and preserving rare and endangered tree species, to ensure the protection of biodiversity in the Gobi region.
Work with local communities to educate and involve them in the reforestation process, building a sense of ownership and stewardship of the land.
Track and measure the anti-desertification potential of the reforestation projects, and work to maximize their impact on reducing land degradations.
Develop a diversified funding strategy, including partnerships with corporations, governments, and individual donors, to ensure the long-term financial stability of the organization.
Invest in research and monitoring programs to continuously improve and assess the effectiveness of the reforestation projects.
Raise awareness about the importance of reforestation, and advocate for policies and initiatives that support this work at the local, national, and international level.
MEET THE TEAM
