The site known as Tsagaan Gol was formerly saxaul forest, and the work began on the initiative of the Environment Department of Umnugobi aimag. Of the 10,000 saxaul trees planted since last year, the survival rate currently stands at 84%, which is a high figure for the dry conditions of the Gobi. This year we have also begun preparations to plant a further 10,000 saxaul trees.

Saxaul grows only in the Gobi of Central Asia; it has a high calorific value, long twisting roots and can live for hundreds of years, and planting and growing it is difficult, painstaking work.

Creating saxaul groves in their native environment is an important step in reducing climate change, desertification and the degradation of pasture and soil, and in maintaining the ecological balance of the Gobi.