Paysages de la Dauria
Country
Mongolia,
Russian Federation
Inscribed in
2017
Criteria
(ix)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good with some concerns" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
Shared between Mongolia and the Russian Federation, this site is an outstanding example of the Daurian Steppe eco-region, which extends from eastern Mongolia into Russian Siberia and northeastern China. Cyclical climate changes, with distinct dry and wet periods lead to a wide diversity of species and ecosystems of global significance. The different types of steppe represented, such as grassland and forest, as well as lakes and wetlands serve as habitats for rare species of fauna, such as the White-naped crane and the Great Bustard, as well as millions of vulnerable, endangered or threatened migratory birds. It is also a critical site on the migration path for the Mongolian gazelle
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 oct 2025
Good with some concerns
Current state and trend of VALUES
Low Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Mosaic of diverse ecosystems, including excellent example of the Daurian steppe, in which evolutionary processes are ongoing
Criterion
(ix)
The Landscapes of Dauria World Heritage Site represents an outstanding example of the Daurian steppe ecosystem containing substantial and relatively undisturbed areas of different types of steppe, ranging from forest to grassland, as well as many lakes, wetlands and river floodplains (World Heritage Committee, 2017; Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). It is considered as the transition region from northern circumboreal taiga forest biome to temperate continental grassland biome and ultimately to dry desert of Central Asia (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). The diversity of the transition-zone ecosystems and biotopes has been formed and continues to be altered under specific about 30-year long cyclic climate changes with distinct wet and dry periods (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Cyclic climate variations that have led to ecosystem and high species diversity offer outstanding examples of ongoing evolutionary and ecological processes characterised by adaptation mechanisms developed by the biota (World Heritage Committee, 2017). In terms of the ecosystems, the main natural value of the property resides in its largely intact steppe (primarily grassland and also including areas of forest steppe in Ugtam Nature Reserve in Mongolia and a small area of the Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve (SNBR) south of Tsasucheysky Bor in the Russian Federation) interspersed with wet meadows and floodplains (World Heritage Committee, 2017). Typical steppe vegetation is based on several species: Stipa krylovii, Cleistogenes squarrosa, Koeleria cristata, Agropyron cristatum, less frequently - Poa botryoides, a long rhizome grass species Leymus chinensis and rhizome sedge Carex duriuscula (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). In different combinations, they form diverse associations. Meadow steppes are characteristic for mountain forest areas. The meadow steppes are represented by forbaceous, grass-forbaceous and tansy (Filifolium sibiricum) steppes, which are endemic of the Daurian region and steppes dominated with Leymus chinensis, which are characteristic for North-Mongolian plains (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Forests that are characteristic for the property are pine forest consisting of endemic form of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) known as the Krylov pine, birch (Betula manshurica) and shrubs (Rhododendron dahuricum, Spiraea media), birch forest with willow (Salix microstachya), larch forest (Larix sibirica) with a rich forb layer, and aspen forest (Populus tremula, P. suavolens) with shrubs (Spiraea flexuosa, Rhododendron dahuricum) (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016).
Threatened and migratory bird species
Criterion
(x)
The property conserves an excellent example of Daurian steppe and its characteristic bird species including a number of globally threatened bird species such as White-naped Crane (Antigone vipio) (VU), Hooded Crane (Grus monacha) (VU), Swan Goose (Anser cygnoid) (VU), Relict Gull (Larus relictus) (VU), Great Bustard (Otis tarda) (VU) and Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) (EN) (World Heritage Committee, 2017). During the wet periods, the Torey lakes and adjacent areas are the nesting habitats for about 100,000 waterfowls and semi-aquatic bird species (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). The property also at times has a few immature summering or migrating Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus) (CR) (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis) (EN) is listed as a breeding species in the property (there was one exceptional breeding pair in 2010) and it can also be rarely observed in the property (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). It is therefore possible to observe six species of crane in the property, including large numbers of breeding and migratory Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo) and Common Crane (Grus grus), both not threatened (LC), which is exceptional (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). The property provides essential breeding and resting habitat for birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, with up to 3 million birds in spring and 6 million in autumn using the area during migration (World Heritage Committee, 2017).
Breeding grounds and migration route of the Mongolian Gazelle
Criterion
(x)
The property provides critical summer grounds and autumn migration routes of the emblematic Mongolian Gazelle (Procapra gutturosa) (LC), locally known as dzeren, Central Asian endemic species (World Heritage Committee, 2017; Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). While the main breeding grounds for the gazelle are in the Mongolian part of the property (Mongol Daguur Special Protected Area (SPA), Daursky SNBR and the Valley of Dzeren Federal Nature Refuge (which make part of the World Heritage Site) are the only places where this species is known to breed in Russia (World Heritage Committee, 2017). At the time of inscription on the World Heritage list, it was estimated that there were about one million gazelles living in 275,000 km² of the steppe, 90% of which is contained within the Daurian ecoregion (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). About 7-8,000 were resident (non-migratory) individuals (following successful reintroduction to Russia in 2001 after the extinction in the 1970s) and up to 100,000 animals are variable migratory population during the winters (which makes 3-8% of the world population) (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Mongolian Gazelle is among the largest and most migratory ungulate populations remaining in the temperate climate part of the world (IUCN WCPA, 2010a). Migrations occur between Mongolia and Russian, although most of the border is fenced - in 2008 parts of the fence were opened based on mutual transboundary cooperation (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014).
Threatened and near-threatened mammals
Criterion
(x)
The property provides sanctuary to threatened Central Asian-endemic Mongolian Marmot (Marmota sibirica) (EN), also known as Tarbagan (World Heritage Committee, 2017), that is protected in both countries. The property is an important habitat of Pallas’s Cat (Otocolobus manul) (World Heritage Committee, 2017), listed at IUCN’s Red List of Species as near-threatened (NT) until 2020, after which it received a least concern (LC) status (Ross et al. 2020). At national level, the Mongolian Red List of Mammals considers the species as NT (Clark et al., 2006), while Russian’s national list considers it as 'rare' (Barclay et al., 2019). Pallas's Cat is protected only in Russia where its population in the property has increased due to efficient conservation measures taken in the Daursky SNBR. These measures resulted with density of 4 individual animals per square kilometre near the Torey lakes in 2010-2011, while at the time of preparation of the nomination dossier, there were about 300-400 animals in the Russian part of the property (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). In Mongolia, despite the species’ global near-threatened status, it is allowed to hunt Pallas's Cat (Ross et al., 2010).
Assessment information
The World Heritage property faces several threats that, if not adequately managed, could impact its integrity over time. Frequent and intense fire occurrences pose a significant risk, with potential to compromise the property’s ecological balance if not effectively controlled (World Heritage Committee, 2017). Transboundary border fences between China and Mongolia, China and Russia, and Mongolia and Russia (near China) are disrupting the free movement of Mongolian gazelles (Procapra gutturosa). This has led to increased gatherings of gazelles in the Russian section of the property, which may strain local ecosystems (Kirilyuk, 2021). Similarly, the fenced railway line between Solovyevsk and Choibalsan presents a barrier to gazelle movement, though its overall impact is currently considered minor. Another concern is the electrocution of raptors by unsafe power lines in Mongolia, which affects bird populations within the property. Intensive grazing, poaching and uncontrolled hunting of birds, could also affect the integrity of the property if not managed well (World Heritage Committee, 2017). Despite these challenges, the property remains in good condition overall and does not currently experience significant human pressure. However, ongoing management and mitigation measures will be essential to address these threats and maintain the site’s Outstanding Universal Value.
Utility & Service Lines
(Unprotected electrical lines )
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Electrical lines in Russia used to be unprotected, both inside and outside the protected areas, causing massive electrocution of birds, in particular raptors (including the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug)) (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). Daursky SNBR established cooperation with the electricity company which has been gradually modifying its electrical lines to protect birds, with the SNBR indicating priority areas. Since 2010, Daursky SNBR staff has been conducting annual surveys of power lines to identify bird-hazardous power lines and their sections and oblige the owners of such power lines to equip them with bird protection devices. More than 15,000 sets of bird protection devices (plastic casings that prevent birds from contacting the wire) were installed in the site and its vicinity over the period from 2017 to 2021 (The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022). As a result, almost all bird-hazardous power lines have been equipped with bird protection devices. The population of Saker Falcon has increased by four times in the period 2014-2021. The issue remains to be dealt with in Mongolia. However, positive steps forward have been taken on the Mongolian side. During recent years Mongolian authorities have been undertaking preliminary studies of medium voltage power lines and their effects on the bird species. At the Mongol Daguur SPA and its buffer zone, electrocution is still a single important cause of death among the endangered bird species such as Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) (EN) and the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) (EN). Following the preliminary research, steps have been taken to inventory the dangerous power lines sites on the Mongolian side although more studies are required on the matter (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Fire & Fire Management
(Frequent fire )
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
Fire is one of the major threats to the property’s values, especially as the site includes forest steppe which potentially heightens the risk of fire. Fire frequency appears to be increasing with reports of multiple fires in single years, and post-fire recovery is slow, especially in case of numerous repeated fires in the same area. Apart from natural phenomena such as lightning and climate change in general, ignition is mainly caused by careless human activities (The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022; Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014; IUCN, 2017). It is estimated that because of spring agricultural burnings about 40% of steppes burn out every year and up to 70% of meadows and wetlands in some years (Kiriliuk et al.). In long dry periods, the fires result in reduction of grassland diversity and loss of vegetation cover, which causes soil erosion. Bird nests and eggs in forests and steppe get destroyed, and some species like Mongolian Marmot (Marmota sibirica) and Mongolian Gazelle (Procapra gutturosa) are pushed away from their habitats (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Burnt areas are generally unsuitable for nesting of birds. Although fire control is essentially responsibility of each country, in the framework of DIPA, the States Parties (together with China) regularly adopt a joint forest fire protection agreement (the latest covering the period 2020-2024), showing commitment to cooperate in early fire detection and reciprocal firefighting access rights (IUCN, 2017). In Daursky SNBR, work has been underway to form an equipped team to extinguish fires. A volunteer fire brigade was created in the reserve, consisting of reserve inspectors, equipped with the essential fire equipment (The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022).
Roads, Trails & Railroads
(Fenced railway line between Solovyevsk and Choibalsan )
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Solovyevsk in Russia and Choibalsan in Mongolia are connected with railway that is fenced, primarily to keep livestock safe. In part, the railway passes through the World Heritage property. While Kiriliuk et al. note that the fenced railway interrupts free movement of the Mongolian Gazelle, the IUCN mission (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014) was told it does not pose a great problem for the gazelles. However, there is some evidence that this threat is real (e.g. vercherka_tj, 2025). Mass slaughter of gazelle overrun by express train in a railway corridor constrained by the Onon river and steep slope took place in December 2024 some 70 kilometres from Daursky Nature Reserve and has led to management proposals to limit the train speed in certain areas used by gazelle, likely, including the areas where railroad crosses the WH property (IUCN Consultation, 2025).
Fences & Walls
(Fenced border between China and Mongolia and China and the Russian Federation)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Borders with China are fenced both in Mongolia and Russia, as well as the border between Russia and Mongolia close to China. This impacts the free movement of the Mongolian Gazelle (Procapra gutturosa). The fence between Russia and Mongolia is of less concern as only part of the border is fenced and fences were laid down during periods when large numbers of gazelles were observed in the border area leaving enough space for transboundary migration of the gazelles (Buuveibaatar et al., 2024). If necessary, in times of critical situations such as the heavy droughts in 2008 when the food supplies in Mongolia were very low and the gazelles were searching for new grazing options, there is efficient cooperation between the two countries. Large sections of the fence were temporarily removed to allow entry of about 10,000 gazelles into Russia (IUCN WCPA, 2010a). Particularly problematic is the fence between China and Mongolia (located outside of the WH property) as it does not allow undisturbed migrations of the gazelles, resulting with the loss of wintering habitat and high concentration of animals in Mongolia (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). In autumn 2020, reconstruction of the fences (few gates and fence near the gates) was done to the east of the Torey Lakes in the Valley of Dzeren Reserve (IUCN Consultation, 2020a). In this period, barbed wire fence along the Russian state border near the junction of Mongolia and China contributed to increased accumulation of the gazelles in the Russian territory, disrupting spring migrations (Kirilyuk, 2021). This increases the probability of human-wildlife conflict and mass ungulate mortality due to limited area of suitable habitat (Kirilyuk, 2021).
Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals
(Spring hunting of birds)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
The spring hunting of birds has been addressed by the Joint Russian-Mongolian Commission on Environment Protection (established in 1994) at its 5th Meeting (Ulaanbaatar, 2015), noting that spring hunt at key places of large gatherings of transient aquatic and semi-aquatic birds and at nesting areas of globally threatened birds needs to be prohibited (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016). At the same meeting, the Parties noted the extreme negative impact of the spring hunt, especially in border steppe areas of Dauria. The Joint Commission of the Chinese-Mongolian-Russian Dauria International Protected Area (DIPA) also repeatedly discussed the issue (meeting in Chita, Russia, 2019) and suggested to the authorities to stop the spring hunting of birds near the nesting areas in territories that neighbour DIPA (IUCN Consultation, 2020; The State Party of Mongolia, 2021). The Statement of OUV states that the States Parties have committed to set up additional “zones of peace” and to reduce the hunting season in the surroundings of the property (World Heritage Committee, 2017).
Changes in Temperature Regimes
(Climate change)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
The effects of global climate change have been evident in the Landscapes of Dauria WHS. Research findings noted in the nomination dossier refer to the increase of annual air temperature (about 2°C over the last 59 years in Russia; 3-5°C in Mongolia), reduction of the average annual precipitation (in the past 50 years to 50-60 mm), and an increase in the amplitude of extreme events – droughts and floods (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Climate change impacts are combined with fire and unsustainable grazing, which all together influence the changes in the steppe; i.e. Stipa-Filifolium sibiricum steppe has been replaced by Filifolium sibiricum steppe and Artemisia in some areas (e.g., in Shar Bulag) (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). The alternation of dry and wet years in the past led to both drought and flooding events (State Party of Mongolia, 2024). Drying of lakes and ponds and a decreased flow of the Ulz River seem to also be more evident, which was emphasized by the dry cyclic period that the property has been experiencing in recent years (State Party of Mongolia, 2024). In September 2020, at the beginning of the wet part of the climate cycle, the Torey Lakes started filling following a wet summer and increasing flow levels in the Ulz River (IUCN Consultation, 2020a). As a result, the number of migrating waterbirds on the Torey Lakes significantly grew in October 2020 and it will be necessary to continue the monitoring of vegetation dynamics and other components of the ecosystem in this wet period of climate cycle (IUCN Consultation, 2020b).
Terrestrial Animal Farming, Ranching & Herding
(Overgrazing)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Development of agriculture is viewed as the most important cause for changing and degrading the Daurian steppe (Kiriliuk et al., 2017). The traditional nomadic lifestyle of the local people, which was able to sustain restoration processes of the natural steppe, is more and more being replaced by sedentary living and the process is happening rapidly. The property is generally not densely populated, with about 2,450 people living in the property (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014; Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016). However, the number of livestock seems large, although there are serious discrepancies in available past data. The evaluation mission (Strahm and Vasilijević (2014) noted there are about 750,000 heads of livestock in Mongol Daguur SPA. The original nomination dossier does not provide any numbers of livestock in the Mongolian part of the property. In Russia, there are significantly less cattle (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016). Although there is no clarity on the approximate number of cattle in the property, many references note the number of livestock has been rising over the years (particularly in Mongolia) and the effects of overgrazing are clearly evident. Overgrazing leads to exhaustion and degradation of significant steppe areas, particularly visible in dry periods and within 15-20 km around towns and around water resources (Kiriliuk et al.; WCPA, 2010b). While big cattle (cows and horses) does not seem to have much adverse effects on the steppe, sheep and goats do (Kiriliuk et al.). Camels also graze at the property. The areas that are most used form the WHS’ buffer zone, with the buffer zone of Daursky SNBR apparently being more intensely used (mainly hay cutting and herds of livestock including cows and horses) than the buffer zone of Mongol Daguur SPA (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). Nevertheless, in Russia, the area that is overgrazed represents about 0.13% of the total property and 0.18% of its buffer zone (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016). No information of such kind is available for Mongolian part of the property where the number of cattle is significantly larger. Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al. (2016) only note that in Ugtam Nature Refuge the past surveys did not show any signs of overgrazing in the refuge. The nomination dossier recognizes that overgrazing has been a major concern for Mongol Daguur SPA’s buffer zone (which forms a large part of the WH property), noting also that the locals and military border personnel graze their livestock even within the SPA boundary (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Grazing in Mongolia is under customary management by local herders which have maintained the steppe for centuries and the park has no control over grazing practices (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). One of the effects of overgrazing is fragmentation of wildlife habitat, including reduction of the summer range of the Mongolian Gazelle (WCPA, 2010a).
Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals
(Poaching)
Other targeted species names
Mongolian Gazelle, Swan Goose, Great Bustard, Tarbagan Marmot, Grey Wolf (Canis lupus), Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), Red Fox (Vules vulpes), and Corsac Fox (Vulpes corsac)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Hunting, together with cattle breeding, has traditionally been practiced by local population and there used to be a strict code of hunters guaranteeing the conservation of wildlife (Kiriliuk et al., 2017). As traditions got lost, illegal hunting became more evident, threatening species such as Mongolian Gazelle, Swan Goose, Great Bustard, Tarbagan Marmot, Grey Wolf (Canis lupus), Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), Red Fox (Vules vulpes), and Corsac Fox (Vulpes corsac). Mongolian Gazelle disappeared in Russia in 1970s due to overhunting and put under threat Great Bustard and Swan Goose (Kiriliuk et al. 2017). Poaching control is better implemented in the Russian part of the property and Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al. (2016) noted that illegal hunting is practically absent from it. A good measure of anti-poaching control is the successful recovery and abundant population of the Mongolian Gazelle in the Daursky SNBR. In contrast, the level of poaching in Mongolian part of the property is higher, but still lower than on the territories surrounding the Mongol Daguur SPA (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016). In the past, the population of Tarbagan Marmot reduced drastically due to illegal hunting (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014) and lack of protection measures to safeguard the species (Clayton, 2016). Measures to combat poaching since the mid-90s have delivered good results (e.g. ban of spring hunting of waterbirds in the whole region of Zabaikalsky krai in Russia in order to prevent fires (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014)), however, the very low budgets and staffing for the Mongolian protected areas need to be addressed to improve the control of poaching. An example of anti-poaching measures is seen at local level in Ugtam Nature Refuge in Mongolia where volunteer patrolling teams were established and provided a motorbike and a patrolling and small inspection fund to reduce and eliminate illegal hunting of Tarbagan Marmot and Red Deer (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016).
The World Heritage property faces a range of potential threats, with mining, dam construction, and changes to the natural hydrological regime of the Ulz River identified as high-level concerns. Tourism development, by contrast, poses only a very low-level threat, given the current lack of visitor infrastructure. However, future ecotourism initiatives outlined in the Daursky SNBR strategic plan (Russia) and the Dornod Province development policy (2016–2025) (Natural Heritage Protection Fund, 2014; Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014) will require careful and sustainable planning to prevent undue impacts. Mining activities, while not presently occurring within the property, represent a significant potential risk. Gold prospecting commenced in 2022 in the headwaters and tributaries of the Imalka River in the Russian Federation. Although this activity is outside the property, it could threaten the forest-steppe ecosystem and pollute downstream sections of the Imalka River (Simonov et al., 2022). The State Party of Mongolia has assured the World Heritage Centre that mining will not take place within the property’s boundaries in the future (State Party of Mongolia, 2022). Dam construction on the Ulz River poses a particularly serious threat to the natural water regime and habitat integrity of key wetlands within the property. This includes potentially severe impacts on threatened bird species such as the Relict Gull (Larus relictus), Swan Goose (Anser cygnoid), White-naped Crane (Antigone vipio), and Great Bustard (Otis tarda) (IUCN Consultation, 2020b; Simonov et al., 2022; World Heritage Committee, 2023). While construction of the dam has been halted pending an environmental impact assessment, the assessment is urgently needed to evaluate the potential impacts not only on the property but also on the OUV of Lake Baikal (World Heritage Committee, 2023). The alteration of the Ulz River’s hydrological regime remains a critical concern, as changes could disrupt the ecological balance of the wetlands and negatively affect the species that depend on them. In summary, while the property remains largely intact, these high-level threats necessitate immediate and strategic management.
Mining & Quarrying
(Mining )
Outside site
Mining is not allowed in SPAs and its buffer zones in Russia, while in Mongolia, it is allowed in buffer zones, and within SPAs only with prior approval of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Mongolian Law on buffer zones of Strictly Protected Areas from 2012 also provides for mining ban in watersheds and forests (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). The Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al. (2014) and Strahm and Vasilijević (2014) noted that mining operations had intensified in the areas of the then proposed (and now adopted) WH buffer zone near the soums of Gurvanzagal and Dashbalbar. The Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al. (2014) also noted that a foreign mining company was running mining exploration in the area Avdar Tolgoi in Mongol Daguur SPA buffer zone. However, mining operation were ceased by 2019 and are considered no longer active in the area (IUCN Consultation, 2020), which is further verified by a 'slow but steady decline in exploration licenses' in the Ulz river basin noted by Dugersuren and Simonov (2019). Moreover, in June 2015, IUCN received a letter signed by the Deputy Minister of Environment, Green Development and Tourism of Mongolia with assurances of complying with the requirements on absence of mining operations in the WH property and its buffer zone (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016), confirmed also in the Mongolian State Party’s report in 2022 (The State Party of Mongolia, 2022). The Mongolian State Party noted that the Mongolian law does not prohibit mining in protected areas, but that the legislation of Mongolia recognizes the priority of international agreements together with conventions and programmes ratified by the country over the national legislation (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016). This guarantees that no mining operations would occur in the World Heritage site. In April 2022, Vostok Ltd. started prospecting for gold mining in the headwaters and tributaries of Imalka River in the Russian Federation, the second largest tributary to Torey Lakes (Simonov et al., 2022). The area is licensed under the name “Imalka and tributaries placer gold deposit”, situated only 900 meters from the border of the WH property in Mongolia, an important winter habitat of Mongolian Gazelle (Procapra gutturosa) and several rare birds of prey. The property’s associated lakes are also significant refuge for aquatic fauna during prolonged droughts (World Heritage Committee, 2023). Although the environmental impact assessment has not been done, as it is not required by law, Simonov et al. (2022) argue the mining operations have the potential to destroy most of the floodplain’s forest-steppe ecosystem in the Imalka headwaters and pollute the downstream river. The World Heritage Committee (2023) urged the State Party of the Russian Federation not to go forward with the planned gold prospection activities. The 2024 State of Conservation report by the State Party informs that "...According to information from the Department of Geology and Licensing for the Trans-Baikal Territory, the gold mining company Vostok LLC has been issued a license: ChIT 011709 BE for exploration and production of minerals, valid from 24/01/2023 to 31/01/2033, since the “Imalka River” subsoil area is not located within the boundaries of specially protected natural reservations. There is no official decision yet that mining will not take place in the future, meaning that potential threat of resumption of the operations still remains" (State Parties of Mongolia and Russian Federation, 2024). Given continuous rise in the price of gold, the beginning of placer gold mining is increasingly likely, unless the licence is revoked as a result of Heritage impact Assessment (which has not been carried out yet). Similar situation in Kamchatka led to resumption of gold mining despite many reservations expressed by environmental agencies.
Recreational Activities
(Tourism development )
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
The World Heritage site is not affected by tourism pressure nor is it undergoing any heavy tourism development. Plans for ecotourism development do exist and are embedded in Daursky SNBR’s strategic plan in Russia, as well as in Dornod Province development policy (2016-2025) in Mongolia (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014; Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014; IUCN Consultation, 2020). Nevertheless, tourism development is progressing very slowly. The managers of Daursky SNBR are moving very cautiously and do not plan to greatly increase the number of tourists; currently the park receives about 600 visitors per year. In Mongolia there is no systematic visitor counting. In Daursky SNBR, most visitors are school children, students, researchers, teachers and journalists. Visitors who are not employees of the SNBR or employees of its parent organizations are allowed only with a written permission signed by the administration of the reserve. Torey Lakes are frequented by fishermen (up to several thousands) during the wet period (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Visitor infrastructure is practically non-existent in the property. In Russia, a bridge and a platform overlooking the Barun-Torey Lake for bird watchers and scientific monitoring has been built. In Mongolia, visitors usually gather at Chuh Nuur (Lake) in vicinity of the town of Dashbalbar where several tourist chalets were built in 1985. The lake and surrounding land is under communal ownership. “CHUKH” eco-tour conservation community, established in 2004, has been coordinating year-round bird watching. Approximately, there are 300 visitors per year to Chuh Nuur (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016).
Dams & Water Management/Use
(Dam construction on Ulz River and "Onon-Ulz" Water Transfer Project )
Outside site
In July 2020, the Wellmot (Вэлмот) Company started construction of a dam across the Ulz River in Dornod Province of Mongolia, the principle source of water for the Landscapes of Dauria World Heritage property (IUCN Consultation, 2020b). It was also reported by the official news agency Montsame (Anudari, 2020) and confirmed by the State Party of Mongolia (The State Party of Mongolia, 2021). The project is part of the nation-wide programme “Blue Horse” adopted in 2019 by which 33 dams are planned on 13 rivers (Simonov, 2022). When commissioning “Blue Horse” Programme in 2019, the Great Khural of Mongolia amended Article 2 of the “Water Law” so that it no longer contains a provision "international law shall be followed in the case if provision of this law conflicts with Mongolia's international agreement" (Simonov, 2022). By 10 September 2020, satellite images showed a 700 m long structure built across the floodplain, which is identical in its location and orientation to the dam design shown in previous tender documents. According to the tender documents, the earthen dam will block Ulz River 30 km upstream of the World Heritage property and create a reservoir with a volume of 27 million m3 (Dornod aimgiin Oron nutgiin omchiin gazar, 2019). For a river with an average flow of 7 m3/s, it is a very large structure (IUCN Consultation 2020).
The official justification for the dam was to prevent the river from drying by creating several water reserves and ponds to be used during droughts, and to regulate and maintain a stable ecological and water balance (The State Party of Mongolia, 2021; The State Party of Mongolia, 2022; State Party of Mongolia, 2024). The name of the project is “Onon-Ulz”, which suggests a possible further attempt for inter-basin water transfer from the Onon River. Some sources indicate that this construction might also be intended to ensure a steady water supply to mining enterprises, since up to 80% of water consumption in Ulz river basin is attributed to mining, with expanding irrigated agriculture as the second largest water-consumer (Sukhgerel and Simonov 2019).
The large infrastructure will likely have negative impacts on the following natural features of the World Heritage property:
a) Water regime of floodplain and lacustrine wetlands of the World Heritage property;
b) Sediment flow and erosion patterns and habitat conditions in Ulz River and its wetlands where rare and migratory waterfowl is found;
c) Migration of aquatic species and re-colonization of downstream habitats after drought periods, which is an essential part of natural cycle;
d) Availability of water in dry periods, since at least 7 million m3 is estimated to evaporate annually from the expected 10 km2 reservoir surface;
e) Potential damage to the World Heritage wetlands in case of dam collapse and resulting massive flash floods should also be considered.
In February 2021, the State Party of Mongolia claimed there will be no negative long-term impacts on the Outstanding Universal Values (OUV) of the property (The State Party of Mongolia, 2021). However, as no formal environmental impact assessment of the dam project has been submitted to the World Heritage Centre, the exact threat level is difficult to predict but is currently seen as potentially high. Creation of this reservoir may also facilitate development of additional mining and ore processing with associated pollution, as well as aquaculture development with introduction of exotic species (IUCN Consultation, 2020b).
As reported in a recent paper (Simonov, Kirilyuk, Sukhgerel, 2019) in 2017 and 2018 at bilateral talks, the Mongolian side officially informed their Russian counterparts that in order "to protect crane habitat" and the "ecological integrity of the Torey Lakes" there is a need to study the feasibility of an inter-basin water transfer from the Onon River to the Ulz River. Russian scientists expressed concern that an augmentation of the Ulz River flow will lead to unnatural changes in ecosystem dynamics, for example, providing water flow during a dry period when it is naturally absent. Mongolian scientists argued that in increasingly dry conditions, endangered cranes and other wildlife may benefit from a more even water supply if it is artificially secured. No specific plan was presented by the Mongolian side for an assessment of impacts. In November 2018, the topic was discussed in a meeting of the Russian-Mongolian environmental cooperation commission, and the resulting document contains a clear statement: "Both parties take into consideration that maintaining a natural fluctuation of the water regime is a necessary condition to satisfy the criteria which led to UNESCO inscribing the area in the List of World Heritage Sites" (Commission on Environmental Cooperation 2018).
In March 2021, a roundtable on the risks of dam construction on the Ulz River was organised with the participation of relevant authorities and local communities. The project was stated to also have a likely indirect negative impact on Lake Baikal World Heritage property (Russian Federation) (World Heritage Committee, 2023). At a DIPA working group trilateral online meeting in 2021, the State Party of the Russian Federation proposed a transboundary environmental impact assessment for the dam project and a drainage project in the Kerulen river. In February 2022, the State Party of Mongolia informed the World Heritage Centre it had suspended all activities related to the dam construction until an environmental impact assessment, delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic, is finalised (The State Part of Mongolia, 2022; State Party of Mongolia, 2024). The World Heritage Committee urged the State Party of Mongolia to consult with the States Parties of the Russian Federation and China in preparation of the environmental impact assessment, to assess the potential impacts of the project on the OUV of the property, taking into account future climate scenarios and the potential for the project to compound the negative impacts of climate change, as well as the potential impacts on the World Heritage property of Lake Baikal, and to submit this assessment to the World Heritage Centre, for review by IUCN (World Heritage Committee, 2023). An assessment was conducted by Itgelt Tugul LLC in 2022, the report has yet to receive official approval (State Party of Mongolia, 2024).
The official justification for the dam was to prevent the river from drying by creating several water reserves and ponds to be used during droughts, and to regulate and maintain a stable ecological and water balance (The State Party of Mongolia, 2021; The State Party of Mongolia, 2022; State Party of Mongolia, 2024). The name of the project is “Onon-Ulz”, which suggests a possible further attempt for inter-basin water transfer from the Onon River. Some sources indicate that this construction might also be intended to ensure a steady water supply to mining enterprises, since up to 80% of water consumption in Ulz river basin is attributed to mining, with expanding irrigated agriculture as the second largest water-consumer (Sukhgerel and Simonov 2019).
The large infrastructure will likely have negative impacts on the following natural features of the World Heritage property:
a) Water regime of floodplain and lacustrine wetlands of the World Heritage property;
b) Sediment flow and erosion patterns and habitat conditions in Ulz River and its wetlands where rare and migratory waterfowl is found;
c) Migration of aquatic species and re-colonization of downstream habitats after drought periods, which is an essential part of natural cycle;
d) Availability of water in dry periods, since at least 7 million m3 is estimated to evaporate annually from the expected 10 km2 reservoir surface;
e) Potential damage to the World Heritage wetlands in case of dam collapse and resulting massive flash floods should also be considered.
In February 2021, the State Party of Mongolia claimed there will be no negative long-term impacts on the Outstanding Universal Values (OUV) of the property (The State Party of Mongolia, 2021). However, as no formal environmental impact assessment of the dam project has been submitted to the World Heritage Centre, the exact threat level is difficult to predict but is currently seen as potentially high. Creation of this reservoir may also facilitate development of additional mining and ore processing with associated pollution, as well as aquaculture development with introduction of exotic species (IUCN Consultation, 2020b).
As reported in a recent paper (Simonov, Kirilyuk, Sukhgerel, 2019) in 2017 and 2018 at bilateral talks, the Mongolian side officially informed their Russian counterparts that in order "to protect crane habitat" and the "ecological integrity of the Torey Lakes" there is a need to study the feasibility of an inter-basin water transfer from the Onon River to the Ulz River. Russian scientists expressed concern that an augmentation of the Ulz River flow will lead to unnatural changes in ecosystem dynamics, for example, providing water flow during a dry period when it is naturally absent. Mongolian scientists argued that in increasingly dry conditions, endangered cranes and other wildlife may benefit from a more even water supply if it is artificially secured. No specific plan was presented by the Mongolian side for an assessment of impacts. In November 2018, the topic was discussed in a meeting of the Russian-Mongolian environmental cooperation commission, and the resulting document contains a clear statement: "Both parties take into consideration that maintaining a natural fluctuation of the water regime is a necessary condition to satisfy the criteria which led to UNESCO inscribing the area in the List of World Heritage Sites" (Commission on Environmental Cooperation 2018).
In March 2021, a roundtable on the risks of dam construction on the Ulz River was organised with the participation of relevant authorities and local communities. The project was stated to also have a likely indirect negative impact on Lake Baikal World Heritage property (Russian Federation) (World Heritage Committee, 2023). At a DIPA working group trilateral online meeting in 2021, the State Party of the Russian Federation proposed a transboundary environmental impact assessment for the dam project and a drainage project in the Kerulen river. In February 2022, the State Party of Mongolia informed the World Heritage Centre it had suspended all activities related to the dam construction until an environmental impact assessment, delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic, is finalised (The State Part of Mongolia, 2022; State Party of Mongolia, 2024). The World Heritage Committee urged the State Party of Mongolia to consult with the States Parties of the Russian Federation and China in preparation of the environmental impact assessment, to assess the potential impacts of the project on the OUV of the property, taking into account future climate scenarios and the potential for the project to compound the negative impacts of climate change, as well as the potential impacts on the World Heritage property of Lake Baikal, and to submit this assessment to the World Heritage Centre, for review by IUCN (World Heritage Committee, 2023). An assessment was conducted by Itgelt Tugul LLC in 2022, the report has yet to receive official approval (State Party of Mongolia, 2024).
Dams & Water Management/Use
(Change of natural hydrological regime of Ulz River)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
In July 2020, the Wellmot (Вэлмот) Company started construction of a dam across the Ulz River in Dornod Province of Mongolia, the principle water source of the Landscapes of Dauria. It was reported by the official news agency Montsame (https://montsame.mn/en/read/232870) and also shows on recent satellite imagery.
According to expert estimations, this project might potentially have a significant influence on the property, affecting the natural hydrological regime in the Ulz river basin, including the Torey Lakes, and natural process in ecosystems. By order of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Daursky Nature Reserve conducted preliminary research in 2021, to assess the potential impact of the dam on the property, and especially the Russian side. Background research has shown that the dam might result in serious irreversible negative changes in the state of the OUV, especially during the dry phases of the climate cycle, where water levels in the Torey Lakes would dramatically change and ground water levels would be lowered (The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022). This would lead to possibly profound negative changes in the ecosystems, including a significant decrease in globally threatened bird populations, e.g., Relict Gull (Larus relictus), Swan Goose (Anser cygnoid), White-naped Crane (Antigone vipio), and Great Bustard (Otis tarda), as well as impacting local communities through reduced water quality (IUCN Consultation, 2020b; Simonov et al., 2022; The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022; World Heritage Committee, 2023). Populations of 119 species of wetland birds migrating along the East Asian – Australian Flyway might also suffer great damage as the Torey Lakes and the network of wetlands in the Torey Basin are a key place for a long stop, rest and feeding (Simonov et al., 2022; The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022).
According to expert estimations, this project might potentially have a significant influence on the property, affecting the natural hydrological regime in the Ulz river basin, including the Torey Lakes, and natural process in ecosystems. By order of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Daursky Nature Reserve conducted preliminary research in 2021, to assess the potential impact of the dam on the property, and especially the Russian side. Background research has shown that the dam might result in serious irreversible negative changes in the state of the OUV, especially during the dry phases of the climate cycle, where water levels in the Torey Lakes would dramatically change and ground water levels would be lowered (The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022). This would lead to possibly profound negative changes in the ecosystems, including a significant decrease in globally threatened bird populations, e.g., Relict Gull (Larus relictus), Swan Goose (Anser cygnoid), White-naped Crane (Antigone vipio), and Great Bustard (Otis tarda), as well as impacting local communities through reduced water quality (IUCN Consultation, 2020b; Simonov et al., 2022; The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022; World Heritage Committee, 2023). Populations of 119 species of wetland birds migrating along the East Asian – Australian Flyway might also suffer great damage as the Torey Lakes and the network of wetlands in the Torey Basin are a key place for a long stop, rest and feeding (Simonov et al., 2022; The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
Relationship of parks’ staff with local communities generally seems to be satisfactory. In its evaluation of the resubmitted nomination, IUCN concluded that the communal/customary regimes provided adequate protection to ensure the protection of the site’s OUV (IUCN, 2017). There are various positive community conservation programmes which are in place with support from international organizations and local NGOs and some community training activities are also carried out (IUCN, 2017). Some areas in the buffer zones of the SNBR and SPA are under communal ownership. For example, the Chuh Nuur area, which is part of the property, lies within the large buffer zone of Mongol Daguur SPA and is subject to communal ownership under a cooperative association of ten families (the “Chuh Lake Herder Association”). Whilst grazing is a key livelihood activity for these communities, they are also pursuing ecotourism opportunities linked to bird watching, accepting about 300 visitors annually, as well as nature conservation activities. In Russia, hay cutting and livestock grazing are allowed in the buffer zone, and the park has a “Scientific-Technical Committee of the Nature Reserves” which seems to set limits to these activities and include discussions at community level (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). Different stakeholders in Ononsky and Borzynsky Districts have different goals and aspirations, but it seems that compromise positions have been reached as the park continues to work with stakeholders towards strengthening conservation aspects (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). Based on an interview of 1,000 local people by SNBR’s staff in 2014, more than 80% of locals support activities of the reserve, 60% support ecotourism development, and 20% are ready to participate in the future activities (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). In Mongolia, hay cutting, livestock grazing and farming in the SPA’s buffer zone are all under customary management with no involvement of Mongol Daguur SPA in determining the carrying capacity (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). It seems that more cooperation is needed to ensure the involvement of SPA’s staff in management of Mongol Daguur SPA buffer zone. The property has cultural significance in that Buryat people have resided in the Daurian steppes for years and there are quite a few Buryat shrines (called ‘obo’) in the whole property. They seem to be respected by the authorities. In certain periods of the year, these sacred places are visited by Buddhists (sometimes a few hundred people gather for a ceremony), and these cultural rights seem to be appreciated by the parks (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014).
Legal framework
Legal protection of the property is assured by several laws in both countries, including the Law on Specially Protected Nature Areas (1995) in Russia, the Law on Special Protected Areas (1994) and the Law on Buffer Zones of Strictly Protected Areas (2012) in Mongolia (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014; World Heritage Committee, 2017). Land tenure in the property is clear for the Russian side where Daursky SNBR is owned by the federal government. The ownership of the Valley of Dzeren Federal Nature Refuge and buffer zone of Daursky SNBR is different; while most of the area belongs to the government (federal, Zabaikalsky krai, and municipal), some plots of land are privately owned (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). In Mongol Daguur SPA ownership relates to the soums of Chuluunkhoroot, Gurvanzagal and Dashbalbar on behalf of the government (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014) and has been rated as vary satisfactory (Namsrai et al., 2019). It is not clear who owns the buffer zone lands, although it would seem to be a similar arrangement, with customary use allowed. Ugtam Nature Refuge is located in Bayandun and Dashbalbar soums.
Governance arrangements
Transboundary cooperation is essential in order to ensure effective governance and management of the property. This is where the role of the Joint Commission of a Russian-Mongolian-Chinese Dauria International Protected Area (DIPA), a high-level forum that meets every several years, and DIPA Working Groups consisted of staff of protected areas (that meet once or twice a year), comes into focus. The Joint Commission works n the framework of an International Agreement on Protected Areas. It assists with international projects, approves Working Groups’ plans, and supports their work financially (IUCN, 2017). The property (together with Chinese protected area Hulun (formerly called Dalai) Lake National Nature Reserve (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016), forming the DIPA, has a long and successful history of transboundary cooperation. The World Heritage Committee (2021) requested the States Parties of Mongolia and the Russian Federation to further strengthen their coordination for the management of the property. The two States Parties have coordinated, under the DIPA framework, transboundary management issues relating to the wider steppe ecosystem in which the property is located (World Heritage Committee, 2021). Cooperative censuses for aquatic and semi-aquatic birds and gazelles were carried out in 2021, and the obtained data were shared among the States Parties (World Heritage Committee, 2023).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
There are growing signs that the WH property is not properly integrated into some aspects of land and natural resource management. Dugersuren and Simonov (2019) reported that the mining database of Mongolia shows much of the property as "open to licensing". The same is partly true for the Geological Survey Database in the Russian part (https://rfgf.ru/map/). In 2022, prospect gold mining activities started on the Imalka River in Russia, followed by World Heritage Committee’s (2023) request to stop the activities. The start of a dam construction on the Ulz River upstream from the property, implemented according to the "Blue horse" National Programme, also poses a threat the property. The "Onon-Ulz" dam project originally envisioned inter-basin water transfer. The State Party of Mongolia was informed that augmentation of the natural flow dynamics of the Ulz River may lead to deterioration of the natural ecosystem processes for which the property was inscribed on the WH List in 2017. However, despite protected areas and water management being under the same ministry in Mongolia, the dam project went ahead without proper/any environmental impact assessment and consent of the World Heritage Committee and the State Party of Russia. The project was put on hold until the completion of an approved environmental impact assessment (State Party of Mongolia, 2022; State Party of Mongolia, 2024). Although an assessment was conducted by Itgelt Tugul LLC in 2022, the report has yet to receive official approval.
Boundaries
The total size of the property is 912,624 ha, while the buffer zone forms an additional 307,317 ha. Out of the total property, 310,509 ha are included in the Daursky SNBR, Valley of Dzeren Federal Nature Refuge, Mongol Daguur SPA, and Ugtam Nature Refuge, thus having a protected area status in both countries. The major part of the property (the remaining 602,115 ha) is composed of buffer zones of the Daursky SNBR and Mongol Daguur SPA, as designated under their national systems (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve, 2016). The boundary of the WH property slightly differentiates (6% enlargement) from the initially proposed WHS when the nomination was referred by the World Heritage Committee, among other issues, because of the inadequate boundaries (World Heritage Committee, 2015). At the time, the nominated property represented poorly the suite of transitional features of the ecosystem complex from the circumboreal taiga forest biome to the temperate continental grassland biome which makes the Daurian ecoregion unique. As a response, additional areas were nominated to include representative areas of forest steppe ecosystems as an essential component to demonstrate OUV, and to ensure the property includes more areas that are critical habitats of migratory birds and those associated with the migration of Mongolian Gazelle (Procapra gutturosa) (World Heritage Committee, 2015; IUCN, 2017). Three new areas were added, the Chuh Nuur area (previously included in the buffer zone) and Ugtam Nature Refuge in Mongolia, and forest steppe south of Tsasucheysky Bor in Daursky SNBR in Russia. With these additions, the property now forms a transnational serial WHS. At the time of inscription, the World Heritage Committee also encouraged the States Parties to consider, possibly with China, future expansion of the property (World Heritage Committee, 2017), which was reiterated in 2021 and 2023 (World Heritage Committee, 2021; World Heritage Committee, 2023). The World Heritage Committee also proposed that the DIPA working group discusses the future expansion of the transboundary property at the meeting in 2022. In 2021, there was a significant change in the zoning of Daursky Biosphere Reserve where 39,000 ha of steppe and wetlands was added to the strictly protected area (core zone) of the Reserve (World Heritage Committee, 2023, Simonov et al., 2022). This way, previously separated sections of the core zone have been connected and thus the conditions for the protection of biodiversity have improved. Additionally, a small area of wetlands in the floodplain of the Borzya River outside of the WH property, an important habitat of wetland birds, was included within the core zone of the Reserve (Simonov et al., 2022).
Overlapping international designations
The Torey Lakes within the Daursky SNBR in Russia and Mongol Daguur SPA with the lakes in the vicinity in Mongolia have been included in the list of Wetlands of international importance (the Ramsar Convention) in 1994 and 1997 respectively. The Daursky SNBR has been part of a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere network (Biosphere Reserve) since 1997, while Mongol Daguur SPA is a Biosphere Reserve since 2006.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
The State Party of Mongolia responded in 2021 on the World Heritage Committee decisions from 2017 (World Heritage Committee, 2017; State Party of Mongolia, 2021). In 2022, both State Parties of Mongolia and of the Russian Federation responded to the World Heritage Committee decisions from 2021 (World Heritage Committee, 2021; State Party of Mongolia, 2022; State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022). At the time of this assessment, the State Party of Mongolia responded to the World Heritage Committee of 2023 (World Heritage Committee, 2023), but not the State Party of the Russian Federation yet.
Climate action
The effects of global climate change have been evident in the Landscapes of Dauria WHS. Research findings noted in the nomination dossier refer to the increase of annual air temperature (about 2°C over the last 59 years in Russia; 3-5°C in Mongolia), reduction of the average annual precipitation (in the past 50 years to 50-60 mm), and an increase in the amplitude of extreme events – droughts and floods (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Drying of lakes and ponds seems to be more evident, which was emphasized by the dry cyclic period that the property has been experiencing in recent years. In September 2020 the Torey Lakes started filling following a wet summer, increasing flow levels in the Ulz River and the beginning of the wet part of the climate cycle (IUCN Consultation, 2020a). As a result, the number of migrating waterbirds on the Torey Lakes significantly grew in October 2020 and it will be necessary to continue the monitoring of vegetation dynamics and other components of the ecosystem in this wet period of climate cycle (IUCN Consultation, 2020b).
Management plan and overall management system
Existing management plans for the property components include the mid-term management plan of the Daursky SNBR (2018-2022) and the management plan of the Mongol Daguur SPA (2014-2020) (The State Party of Mongolia, 2022). In 2021 and 2023, World Heritage Committee took note that the management plans of the Mongolian components of the property (Ugtam Nature Refuge and the Mongol Daguur SPA) are being revised in accordance to the guidelines of Open standards, as recommended by the Department of Protected Area Administrations at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, and has requested the State Party to submit the revised management plans to the World Heritage Centre prior to adoption (World Heritage Committee 2021; World Heritage Committee, 2023). As the WH property also comprises buffer zones of legally protected area in both countries, it is necessary to look at the management regimes of the buffer zones which differ in the two countries. In Russia, the buffer zone is managed by the Daursky SNBR, but in Mongolia, Mongol Daguur SPA has very limited control, apart from enforcing no hunting (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). Mongol Daguur SPA thus has very limited say in management of the SPA’s buffer zone. The World Heritage Committee asked the States Parties to “prepare a joint management plan for the property to ensure a strengthened approach to sustainable regional development, tourism planning, threatened species conservation actions, research, monitoring and environmental education” (World Heritage Committee, 2015). The States Parties responded to this decision noting that based on the provisions of the trilateral agreement signed in 1994 in Ulaanbaatar by which China-Mongolia-Russia DIPA was established, each State Party is responsible for management of the national part of the DIPA (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016). Thus, each component of DIPA has its own management plan, taking into regard provisions for undertaking joint measures when needed (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016) (note, however, that Ugtam Nature Refuge does not form part of the DIPA). Moreover, the Joint Commission of DIPA adopts a mid-term programme at its sessions, acting as a brief common management plan for DIPA (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016). At the Session of the Joint Commission, held in Russia in 2019, DIPA adopted a mid-term programme of cooperation with concrete actions for improvement of the overall management of the property in the period 2020–2024 (The State Party of Mongolia, 2022). Since the establishment of the DIPA, Mongolia, the People’s Republic of China, and the Russian Federation have been approving annual work plans and continue to strengthen their cooperation. In April 2024, a working group meeting was held in Hailar, China, where the 2024–2025 work plan was approved and has since been put into action (State Party of Mongolia, 2024).
Law enforcement
The legal framework seems to be effectively enforced on the Russian side which is better resourced than the Mongolian side. Namsrai et al., 2019 identified legal framework and law enforcement as a strength (88.7% effective) of the Mongal Daguur SPA, despite previous concerns of a lack of adequate resources to detect violations through adequate patrols of the property. There is no information regarding the Ugtam Nature Refuge.
Sustainable finance
Financing of the property’s management is not equal across the different component parts, namely in Russia and Mongolia. There are huge disparities, with Russian part being much better funded than the Mongolian part. Protected areas in both countries generally receive most of their funding from their respective governments and some funding from international organisations and aid agencies (and small amount from the reserve’s activities in Daursky SNBR). DIPA funds some joint activities, but specifies that funding is the responsibility of each side. Although not being high (at least in Mongolian part of the property), current levels of funding, as most comes from government, appear to be stable at least. The nomination dossier noted a total budget for the Russian part of the property in 2011 being about 800,000 USD, and for the Mongolian part 149,000 USD in 2012 (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). The States Parties have provided additional figures for 2015-2017 government and NGO/donor financing. This confirms an almost 10-fold difference in government funding between Russia and Mongolia, offset to some extent by more NGO/donor funding being directed toward the Mongolian side (IUCN, 2017). There are 23 employees under the Dornod State Special Protected Areas Administration (Mongol Daguur SPA, Ugtam Nature Refuge) and 56 in Daursky SNBR (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014; IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Staff capacity, training and development
Staff of Mongol Daguur SPA, Ugtam Nature Refuge and Daursky SNBR have been undertaking training programmes in their home countries and abroad (IUCN Consultation, 2020). Daursky SNBR holds internal seminars in various areas, such as tactics of arresting violators, safety, field definition of birds and mammals (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Periodically, employees of Daursky SNBR participate in Russian interregional and other training courses in their specialties. In 2021, there were 14 employees in the scientific department of the Daursky SNBR, including 10 researchers (The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022). World Heritage Committee encouraged the State Party of Mongolia to strengthen its resources and capacities for the effective implementation of the management plans, once they are finalized.
Education and interpretation programmes
Educational activities are very well organised by the staff of Daursky SNBR and Mongol Daguur SPA and Ugtam Nature Refuge. Among many activities, they have organised drawing competitions for children on the theme of ecology including summer camps for the winners (except in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemics), diverse public awareness and educational activities for different target groups, promoted DIPA through organisation of the 20th anniversary of DIPA, held in Mongolia, and established an international biological station in Utochi cordon in Russia frequented by researchers (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). The international competition of children and youth creativity has a 25-year long history, and gathers 1500-2000 participants annually from most regions of the Trans-Baikal Territory and border regions of China and Mongolia (The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022). In Russia, there is a long-standing programme “Save the Dzeren in Zabaikalye” within which a set of educational and entertaining materials were published and lectures and excursions for schoolchildren provided (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Information centres in both countries serve as points of distribution of relevant knowledge about the property. The visitor centre in Nizhny Tsasuchey also contains necessary equipment for demonstrating video-materials. In the Russian part of the property, a 3,5 km long ecological trail "Adon-Chelon - a steppe miracle" and a bus-and-walk 160 km long ecological route "Reserved Torey" are equipped with educational information about the area (The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022). Environmental education is also one of the goals in the Programme of Cooperation within the DIPA for the period 2020-2024 and of the annual 2024–2025 work plan (State Party of Mongolia, 2021; State Party of Mongolia, 2024). Among other activities, it includes preparation of educational programmes for schoolchildren, practical field work for students, and development of promotional and educational materials.
Tourism and visitation management
Only about 600 visitors per year come to Daursky SNBR, and it is estimated that much less visit Mongol Daguur SPA (there is no formal visitor counting system in Mongolia) (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Thus, tourism is developed very limitedly, and, particularly on the Russian side, it seems to be well managed. Daursky SNBR contains two information points; a visitor centre in Nizhny Tsasuchey and an information desk in the buffer zone of the reserve at Utochi cordon. The latter contains accommodation facilities for a limited number of visitors. Two trails, one hiking and another by boat (season-permitting), exist in the reserve, with a total length of about 35 km. Additionally, two car-routes are also available in the buffer zone, with a total length of 160 km each (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). One of the attractions is an ecological-educational path "Adon-Chelon - a steppe miracle" in the buffer zone, established in 2011. A bridge and a platform overlooking the Barun Torey lake for bird watchers and scientific monitoring has been built. Along the coast of the Zun Torey Lake, there are minimally equipped recreational places for fishermen and tourists (fireplaces, benches, toilets). The new strategic goal of Daursky SNBR is the development of ecotourism, thus the reserve might be more self-sustainable in terms of financing; however, the staff of the reserve does not aim to enlarge the number of visitors (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). Visitor numbers have dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic years (from 800 in 2018 to 400 in 2021) (The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022). In Mongolia, there are two information centres, at the park administration and at Chuluunkhoroot soum. In 2011, approximately 300 persons visited the information centres (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014), while there is no information available on the number of actual visitors of the SPA. Visitors usually gather at Chuh Nuur, not far from the town of Dashbalbar, where several tourist chalets were built in 1985. Considering that the level of tourism development and pressure from visitation is extremely low in the property and there are only a few facilities that serve the visitors, it can be concluded that the tourism management is at satisfactory level. With the WH status and attractiveness it creates, the situation might change in the future, which would then require careful planning.
Sustainable use
The vast steppes in the property are grazed by livestock (cows, horses, sheep, goats, camels) and there is a high risk of the steppes becoming degraded. In the past, the steppes seem to be in good condition (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014), however, exhaustion of steppe areas were visible particularly in dry periods (Kiriliuk et al.). Recreational fishing is allowed during the wet season in Torey lakes when the lakes are abundant with fish (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Medicinal plant collection is also evident, especially in Mongol Daguur SPA, and it seems to be sustainable so far. However, there is fear that the collection and use of these plants (Dog Rose (Rosa canina) and Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis L.) for traditional medicine, the Saposhnikovia divaricata for export) is likely to increase (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Local people also collect wild onions, wild leek and mushrooms for their household food needs. In Ugtam Nature Refuge, local people use wood from forest for firewood and for building livestock shelters (BirdLife International, 2017). More up to date data on the sustainable use of the site's resources is not available.
Monitoring
There are more than 200 monitoring stations in the DIPA that regularly monitor various indicators, including the changes in level of the lakes, main climatic indicators, chemical composition of water in the lakes, abundance dynamics of major rare and common species, community structure of birds and animals in key biotopes, dynamics of composition and quality of vegetation, dynamics of fish productivity in lakes, zoo- and phytoplankton (during the wet period), indicators of recreational load (in the buffer zone), the number of visitors (in Russia), area and frequency of fires, and information on violations of environmental protection regime (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). For example, bird census are carried out at least 5 times annually. The monitoring stations are part of a Transboundary Environmental Monitoring Network (TEMN) (The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022). Cooperation between countries on biodiversity and ecosystem monitoring has been ongoing for years and is supported by DIPA transboundary process. The Programme of Cooperation within the DIPA for the Years 2020-2024, adopted at the 7th Session of the Joint Commission of DIPA held in Russia, specifically includes tasks pertaining to transboundary cooperation on monitoring the state and dynamics of natural complexes under the influence of climate change and human activities (State Party of Mongolia, 2021). In April 2024, a working group held in China approved the 2024-2024 annual work plan, which includes several research and monitoring activities (State Party of Mongolia, 2024). This has also been highlighted in the Statement of OUV. The State Party of the Russian Federation (2022) reported that until 2020, 2-7 joint expeditions of the Daursky and Mongol-Daguur reserves were carried out annually on the territory of Mongolia, most often devoted to the study and monitoring of birds and animals.
Research
The component protected areas in the property undertake many and diverse research projects. Inventories of flora and fauna, as well as long-term studies on population dynamics of cranes, great bustards, raptors, waterfowl, passerines, and the northern populations of Mongolian Gazelle are being undertaken (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). Since 1994, the protected areas of DIPA have organised more than 100 scientific research expeditions and produced several joint scientific publications. There is an international scientific ornithological station at Utochi cordon in Russia. Chukh Bird Research Station /CBRS/ is located on the northern shore of Chukh lake in the buffer zone of the Mongol Daguur SPA. The main aim of the CBRS is to carry out long-term and sustainable monitoring of breeding and migratory shorebird populations of Chukh lake, and to conduct ecological and biological studies of the lake and its biodiversity, to define model management (IUCN Consultation, 2020). The Programme of Cooperation within the DIPA for the Years 2020-2024, adopted at the 7th Session of the Joint Commission of DIPA, as well as the 2024-2025 work plan further encourage continuation of joint research activities, such as inventory of fauna and flora, animal migration, state of ecosystems and negative factors affecting them (State of Mongolia, 2021; State Party of Mongolia, 2024).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
The imminent threat to the WH property comes from the potential construction of a dam on the Ulz River in Mongolia. Daursky SNBR staff has been active in providing scientifically based impacts of the potential project on the ecosystems and OUV of the WH property.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
The management system is mostly effective, albeit with capacity on the Russian side much higher to deal with the pressures experienced there, than on the Mongolian side of the property (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). However, considering the excellent transboundary cooperation, capacity is being raised also in Mongolia. The Mongol Daguur SPA was rated as 52.4% effective in a management effectiveness assessment carried out using the METT methodology (Namsrai et al., 2019), showing significant room for improvement, specifically in 'monitoring and evaluation' and 'physical activities' (33% and 40% respectively). However, the SPA was found to score highly in its legal framework and law enforcement and in planning (86.7% and 61.9% respectively) (Namsrai et al., 2019). No such management effectiveness assessment data is available for the other components.
The protection of the property is well ensured through robust legal frameworks in both Russia and Mongolia. Enforcement appears particularly effective on the Russian side, which benefits from stronger resourcing compared to Mongolia. The total area of the property spans 912,624 hectares, complemented by a buffer zone covering an additional 307,317 hectares. Within the property, 310,509 hectares fall under designated protected areas, including the Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve (SNBR), the Valley of Dzeren Federal Nature Refuge, the Mongol Daguur Special Protected Area (SPA), and the Ugtam Nature Refuge, granting these regions enhanced legal protection. The remaining 602,115 hectares are buffer zones managed under the respective national systems of both countries. In Russia, the Daursky SNBR exercises full control over its buffer zone management, ensuring consistent protection. Conversely, in Mongolia, the buffer zone of the Mongol Daguur SPA is subject to customary management practices, such as hay cutting, livestock grazing, and farming, with no direct involvement from the SPA's management authorities. Collaboration between protected areas’ staff and local communities appears satisfactory, supported by various positive community conservation initiatives led by international organizations and local NGOs. These programmes include training and awareness activities aimed at fostering sustainable practices. Environmental education efforts are particularly effective and widespread. Tourism levels in the property remain low, posing no significant threat at present. Scientific research and monitoring activities are systematically organized across the property, contributing to informed management decisions. However, two significant threats persist: the construction of the Ulz River dam in Mongolia and mining activities near the Imalka River in Russia. The Ulz dam project poses a risk to the property’s OUV by threatening the natural water regime and critical habitats. While construction has been paused pending the completion of an environmental impact assessment, urgent action is required to assess and mitigate potential impacts. Similarly, gold prospecting in the Imalka River headwaters could disrupt the forest-steppe ecosystem and pollute downstream waters, necessitating stringent monitoring and regulatory oversight. In summary, the property benefits from strong protection and management frameworks, effective community engagement, and robust scientific support. Nonetheless, proactive measures are crucial to address the high-level threats posed by the Ulz dam and mining activities to safeguard the property’s integrity.
Good practice examples
The site can be considered a good practice example in transboundary conservation. The official name of the transboundary conservation area is China-Mongolia-Russia Dauria International Protected Area (DIPA) which is bound by an international agreement, efficiently structured through a high-level governing body, Joint Commission of DIPA, and containing diverse Working Groups. The Joint Commission of DIPA meets regularly every several years and adopts mid-term programmes of cooperation that plan joint action in the site. Cooperation is intensive in the fields of biodiversity research, monitoring, and environmental education.
Mosaic of diverse ecosystems, including excellent example of the Daurian steppe, in which evolutionary processes are ongoing
High Concern
Trend
Stable
The current state of this mosaic of ecosystems is considered to be good, and the Daurian steppe is praised as one of the very few remaining large temperate grasslands that are preserved in a relatively natural condition (IUCN WCPA 2010b; IUCN, 2017). Occupying a vast area of 912,624 ha, the site represents 15% of the Daurian steppe ecoregion that is primarily stretching over eastern Mongolia and extending into Russian Siberia and north-eastern China (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). The Daurian steppe is composed of the Daurian forest steppe (in lesser extent) and Mongolian-Manchurian grassland. The whole mosaic of ecosystems that represent the property is subject to about 30-year long cyclic climatic conditions which determine the water levels with drying and filling the lakes and have led to high species diversity characterised by climate-related adaptation mechanisms (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Thus the site is exposed to very specific climatic and hydrological regimes which cause extreme conditions for species that need to adapt to them. These specific conditions are being amplified with global climate change, bringing about increased temperatures (the mean annual temperature of the region has already increased by 2-5°C), greater fluctuations in precipitation, and an increase in the amplitude of extreme events (droughts and floods) (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Climate change impacts are combined with fire and unsustainable grazing, which all together influence the changes in the steppe (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Fire has always been present in the Daurian ecoregion, however, recently it started to occur more frequently, primarily due to human factors (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014; IUCN, 2017). In 2019-2020, a massive "Onon-Ulz" water infrastructure project was initiated by the Mongolian Government on Ulz River, 27 km upstream from the property and it may affect unique hydrological dynamics and natural habitats and ecosystem processes in wetlands of the WH property. This is an issue of high concern since the State Party has not presented any environmental impact assessment on WH values prior to starting the dam construction (IUCN Consultation, 2020b, World Heritage Committee, 2023). Simonov et al. (2022) argue the mining operations on the headwater and tributaries of Imalka River, 900 m of the WH property’s boundary in Russia, might negatively affect the floodplain’s forest-steppe ecosystem.
Threatened and migratory bird species
Low Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
The wetlands of the Landscapes of Dauria are of key importance to more than 3 million migrating birds in spring and 6 million in autumn along the East Asian-Australian flyway (World Heritage Committee, 2017). The key threats to preserving these values are linked to uncontrolled spring hunting and illegal hunting. The latter is being dealt with differently in the two countries, with more efficiency and control in the Russian part of the property (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016), primarily due to lack of resources in Mongolia. Spring hunting of birds is widespread and is causing great concern of the parks’ staff. Unprotected electrical powerlines used to cause massive electrocution of birds, especially birds of prey (including the (Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) (EN) and Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug (EN)) throughout the property and particularly in its buffer zones (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). While electrocution of birds was resolved successfully in the Russian part of the property and its neighbouring areas (IUCN, 2017), in Mongolia the problem still persists. However, positive steps forward have been taken by making an inventory of dangerous powerlines on the Mongolian side, although more study is required on the matter (IUCN Consultation, 2020). The dam project on the Ulz River in Mongolia may negatively affect key wetland habitats of threatened and migratory bird species, and an environmental impact assessment is urgently needed. Direct threats are posed to the populations of Relict Gull (Larus relictus), Swan Goose (Anser cygnoid), White-naped Crane (Antigone vipio), and Great Bustard (Otis tarda) (Simonov et al., 2022; The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022). Populations of 119 species of wetland birds migrating along the East Asian – Australian Flyway might also suffer great damage as the Torey Lakes and the network of wetlands in the Torey Basin are a key place for a long stop, rest and feeding (Simonov et al., 2022; The State Party of the Russian Federation, 2022).
Breeding grounds and migration route of the Mongolian Gazelle
Low Concern
Trend
Stable
The Mongolian Gazelle (Procapra gutturosa) (LC) is among the largest and most migratory ungulate populations remaining in the temperate climate part of the world (IUCN WCPA, 2010a). According to annual census conducted by the staff of the Daursky SNBR, the number of resident Mongolian Gazelles (non-migratory) in the Russian part of the WH site, was estimated to have increased to about 20-25,000 individuals in 2020 (following successful reintroduction to Russia in 2001 after the extinction in the 1970s) (IUCN Consultation, 2020a). There is also a variable migratory population of up to 100,000 animals, which makes 3-8% of the world population (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Enabling free movement of the gazelles is of critical importance to ensure access to fresh feeding grounds. This is not always possible due to existence of fenced borders between the three neighbouring countries, China, Mongolia and Russia. The fence between Russia and Mongolia is of less concern as only part of the border is fenced leaving enough space for transboundary migration of the gazelles. If necessary, in times of critical situations such as in 2008 heavy droughts when the food supplies in Mongolia were very low and the gazelles were searching for new grazing options, there is efficient cooperation between the two countries. Large sections of the fence were temporarily removed to allow entry of about 10,000 gazelles into Russia (IUCN WCPA, 2010a). Particularly problematic is the fence between China and Mongolia (located outside of the WH property) as it does not allow undisturbed migrations of the gazelles, resulting with the loss of wintering habitat and high concentration of animals in Mongolia ((Kirilyuk, 2021; Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). Although cooperation through DIPA exists and it seems it is very efficient, this problem has not been successfully resolved. However, the population of the Mongolian Gazelle generally remains good and stable, although the migration route is of some concern.
Threatened and near-threatened mammals
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
The property provides sanctuary to threatened and Central Asian endemic species Mongolian Marmot (Marmota sibirica) (EN) whose population has been constantly declining in the last 10 or more years (Clayton, 2016), with between 1970–2100 families in the Dzeren Valley Federal Nature and around 133–148 families in the Daursky SNBR (Bazhenov, 2019b). Population numbers from the Mongolian side are less well known. The species is protected in both Russia and Mongolia, but is being poached in Mongolia where conservation measures are missing and this has significantly fragmented its distribution (Clayton, 2016; Bazhenov, 2019b). Pallas’s Cat (Otocolobus manul) (NT) is near-threatened species and the Daurian steppes seem to be one of its safe refuges, at least in Russian part of the property, as in Russia the species is under special protection by law (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Its population is stable in the Daursky SNBR due to efficient conservation measures (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014) and has a natural fluctuation in numbers. In Mongolia Pallas’s Cat is allowed to be hunted for household purposes (Ross et al., 2010). Otherwise, species composition of other small mammals in the Torey basin has remained stable since the 1930s, with some fluctuations according to climate (Bazhenov 2019a).
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Stable
The property’s values include: the mosaic of diverse ecosystems, including excellent example of the Daurian steppe, in which evolutionary processes are ongoing, threatened and migratory bird species, breeding grounds and migration route of the Mongolian Gazelle (Procapra gutturosa), and threatened and near-threatened mammals. While the population of Mongolian Gazelle remains stable, its migratory patterns are disrupted by fenced state borders, especially with China. Endemic Mongolian Marmot (Marmota sibirica) face declining numbers due to poaching in Mongolia, while Pallas’s Cat (Otocolobus manul) benefit from better protection measures on the Russian side of the property. Vast and diverse steppe ecosystems and wetlands support threatened and migratory bird species, and these are all put under threat by the Mongolian Government’s Onon-Ulz dam project, which is, however, suspended indefinitely pending the completion of an approved environmental impact assessment.
Additional information
Food,
Collection of wild plants and mushrooms
Local people in Mongolian part of the site (there is no information available for the Russian part) collect wild onions, wild leek and mushrooms for their household food needs (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014).
Food,
Fishing areas and conservation of fish stocks
Recreational fishing is allowed during the wet season in Torey lakes when the lakes are abundant with fish (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014).
The site is currently in a dry period which lasts about 30 years and is a cyclic occurrence. Dryness and disappearance of many lakes in the property is further augmented by climate change effects.
Food,
Livestock grazing areas
Traditionally, livestock grazing in the Daurian steppes included also nomadic way of living that had the ability to sustain natural restoration processes of the steppes (Kiriliuk et al.). With changes in the lifestyle (sedentary way of living), livestock grazing has started to create problems for the steppe which has started to get degraded (Kiriliuk et al.).
Apart from overexploitation, another factor that impacts the changes in the traditional way of grazing and basically puts grazing a threat to the property, is the change from nomadic to sedentary lifestyle.
Cultural and spiritual values,
History and tradition
Mongolian people have practiced nomadic lifestyle in the Dauria region for centuries. It is one of the key traditions of the people living in this area, and it proved to be the most effective adaptation to cyclic climate fluctuations characteristic for Dauria and cyclic availability of water and other resources (Simonov et al., 2017). With socio-economic development, the area is experiencing changes in that nomadic lifestyle is being replaced with sedentary living, which makes the communities becoming less resilient to climatic changes (Simonov et al., 2013).
One of the most important factors causing the loss of traditional way of living is modernisation and economic development.
Cultural and spiritual values,
Sacred natural sites or landscapes
Dauria region has high cultural significance and there are many regionally important sacred sites of the Buryat people and Mongols (Simonov et al., 2017). Buryat shines (obo) can be found in the whole property and in certain times of the year, they are frequented by many worshipers. Cultural rights seem to be appreciated by the parks (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014).
Health and recreation
Medicinal plant collection is widespread in Mongol Daguur SPA, and it seems to be sustainable so far. However, there is fear that the collection and use of these plants, including Dog Rose (Rosa canina) and Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis L.) for traditional medicine is likely to be increased (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Another plant, Saposhnikovia divaricata, is collected for export and its collection has risen significantly (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014).
Health and recreation,
Outdoor recreation and tourism
While there is potential to develop ecotourism, currently it is developed limitedly and with almost non-existent infrastructure. Visitation to the property is primarily linked to educational purposes (schoolchildren, students, researchers), although some people come also to hike and watch birds.
Health and recreation,
Natural beauty and scenery
The site benefits from stunning scenery, vast Dauria steppe vistas intermixed in some places with lakes and rivers, as well as hilly areas such as Adon Chelon.
Importance for research
Research is very important in the site and the component protected areas have undertaken more than 100 scientific research expeditions since 1994 when the official cooperation between Mongolia and Russia (and China) started (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014) and more than 120 by 2020. Torey lakes in Russia have a very long history of research and monitoring, ever since the 19th century (Simonov et al., 2017). The parks have produced joint scientific publications and have focused their research on developing inventories of flora and fauna, long-term studies on population dynamics of cranes, great bustards, raptors, waterfowl, passerines, and the northern populations of Mongolian Gazelle (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). The Programme of Cooperation within the DIPA for the Years 2020-2025, adopted at the 7th Session of the Joint Commission of DIPA, further encourages continuation of joint research and monitoring activities, such as making an inventory of fauna and flora, animal migration, state of ecosystems and factors affecting them, and climate change effects on the ecosystems.
Knowledge,
Contribution to education
The site serves as an educational hotspot for local schoolchildren in both Russia and Mongolia who apparently all visited the parks and its visitor centres in both countries (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). Many activities are being organised, such as drawing competitions, summer camps, lectures, diverse public awareness and educational activities for different target groups, promotion of DIPA through organisation of the 20th anniversary of DIPA, held in Mongolia (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). Numerous educational and promotional materials have been developed and the parks promote the natural values of the site efficiently through local media. The site contains also an international biological station in Utochi cordon in Russia which is frequented by researchers.
Environmental services,
Soil stabilisation
The steppe vegetation generally prevents soil erosion, which is put to threat after fires (which are frequent) and strong rains (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014).
Environmental services,
Flood prevention
The lakes and wetlands of Dauria act as the natural flood control system due to its ability for water retention (Simonov et al., 2017).
Environmental services,
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality)
Uldz River basin is important as water supply for cattle, pastures and hay fields (Simonov et al., 2017).
Collection of genetic material,
Collection of timber, e.g. fuelwood
In Ugtam Nature Refuge, local people use wood from the forest as fuelwood and for building livestock shelters (BirdLife International, 2017).
Collection of timber is primarily impacted by frequent fires that destroy the area.
Contribution to local economy
Tourism-related income exists, but is extremely limited considering limited visitation. Daursky SNBR generates some income from selling the souvenirs in its visitor centre in Nizhny Tsasuchey, providing accommodation at Utochi station, and organising tours (like Mongol Daguur SPA) (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014). Local people near Chuh Nuur in Mongolia get some income from birdwatchers who come to the lake.
It is supposed that tourism will grow in the future considering its development is one of the strategic goals in both Daursky SNBR and Mongol Daguur SPA, and that the site got listed as a WHS which might attract visitors.
The site provides many benefits, some being more evident and stronger than others. The site contributes highly to expanding general knowledge about the Daurian steppe ecosystems and wildlife it contains, as well as understanding the climate patterns of this region, which is very specific with its cyclic dry and wet periods. Research and monitoring are very well developed and have a long-standing tradition (e.g. Torey lakes in Russia have been at the centre of research ever since 1840 (Simonov et al., 2017)). The parks have undertaken more than 100 scientific research expeditions since 1994 when the official cooperation between Mongolia and Russia (and China) started (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). The Programme of Cooperation within the DIPA for the Years 2016-2020, adopted at the 6th Session of the Joint Commission of DIPA, further encourages continuation of joint research and monitoring activities, such as making an inventory of fauna and flora, animal migration, state of ecosystems and factors affecting them, and climate change effects on the ecosystems (Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve et al., 2016). The protected areas also dedicate a lot of time to educational activities targeted at different groups, primarily schoolchildren, students and researchers. Cultural and spiritual values are quite evident, with Buryat people (Buddhist) having several sacred objects (‘obo’) in the property, visited by worshipers (Strahm and Vasilijević, 2014). Unfortunately, traditional nomadic lifestyle is rapidly being replaced with sedentary living, thus the tradition is getting lost in the process of socio-economic development. Historic and traditional grazing practices are becoming replaced with stationary grazing, seen nowadays as potentially becoming threatening for the Dauria ecosystem (Kiriliuk et al.). Local people collect wild plants (wild onion, wild leek) and mushrooms for their household food needs medicinal plants, including Dog Rose (Rosa canina) and Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis L.) for traditional medicine, timber for firewood and for building livestock shelters, and practice fishing during the wet season (Natural Heritage Protection Fund et al., 2014; BirdLife International, 2017). The site provides some important environmental services such as flood prevention, soil stabilisation, and water provision. It offers spectacular vistas of the Daurian steppe and its wildlife, yet benefits related to recreation and contribution to local economy, although existing, are still to be better explored and exploited.
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