Traditions of nature management in the culture of ethnic tuvans of Northwestern Mongolia

Abstract

The article is based on the materials of field investigations conducted by the authors in Kobdo and Bayan-Ulgii aimags of Mongolia and devoted to the traditions of nature management of ethnic Tuvans from North-western Mongolia. The peculiarities of the traditional economy, the territory of nomadism, the customs associated with the ethnic traditions of nature management are considered in the article. The authors come to the conclusion that rational use of natural resources is necessary for the preservation of modern ecosystems which is impossible without studying their characteristics. Since breeding has been the main occupation of the Tuvans from North-western Mongolia, each tribal group knew their place in the overall scheme of nature conservation. Rituals, traditions and experience of farming were passed down from generation to generation. These places were marked by the so called 'ovaa' signs as they were primordially considered native and sacred. The Tuvans living in North-western Mongolia, over many decades have adapted to living in the area, maintaining the tradition of land use without disturbing the natural balance in accordance with the environmental capabilities of the developed environment.