Establishment of the biosphere reservation

In 1991, UNESCO and the Mongolian government established the Gobi biosphere reservation. It is the largest of its kind in Asia and the fourth largest worldwide. Gobi is home to many rare and endangered species of animals and plants.

Gobi A and B

The biosphere reservation consists of two different parts: Gobi A (approximately 44'000 km2) and Gobi B (approximately 9'000 km2). These two areas are different not only in size, but also in climate, flora, fauna and the degree of human exploitation.

Gobi A remained intact to a large extent because of its lack of water. Gobi A is home to two of the most endangered species of animals on earth: the two humped Bactrian camel and the Gobi bear. During the last few months, the number of human residents in this park has increased significantly, which has a lasting effect on this fragile habitat.

Gobi B is an important habitat for wild animals and humans. Roughly one hundred families with a livestock of approximately 60'000 animals make use of this area especially during winter and during their migration in spring and autumn. The traditional, extensive exploitation is in line with the requirements of the large wild animals such as the Takhi and the Khulan. Therefore, Gobi B corresponds to the notion of a biosphere reservation according to the IUCN conventions.