Mongolia is a country that is known for its diverse wildlife and rich cultural heritage. Mongolian nomadic herders are an integral part of this heritage – in fact, they are the world’s last traditional nomads.
Unfortunately, the livelihoods of these herders are at risk. Without intervention, it is possible that their lifestyle, and its associated cultural elements (such as eagle hunting), may die out completely.
Wildlife diseases, Mongolia’s unpredictable climate and other factors are also threatening the country’s wildlife species, particularly those that are already endangered.
Recognising these threats, the CIC decided it was time to take action.
That is why we are excited to announce a brand new CIC project: The Flying Vets Mongolia!
In an effort to support Mongolian nomadic traditions and livelihoods, as well as Mongolian wildlife, this project will look to introduce a flying veterinary service that can mobilize and support rural and remote areas of Mongolia.
There no doubt that this initiative will be a huge undertaking, one that will require us to pool our resources and leverage the extensive CIC network.
That is why we will be launching a fundraising campaign, in which we will be collecting financial contributions, in-kind donations and equipment to facilitate the execution of this exciting new venture.
As part of the effort to raise awareness and funds for The Flying Vets Mongolia, we have enlisted the help of long-time CIC and Young Opinion member Flurina Hammer, who will be taking part in the 2022 Mongol Derby to help kick-start the launch of this project.
The Mongol Derby is an equestrian endurance race that takes place annually in Mongolia, with countless people flying in from all over the world to take part.
Every year, the event grabs the attention of prominent media outlets and shifts their focus on Mongolia during the course of the race. This means that the Mongol Derby will serve as the perfect opportunity to promote The Flying Vets Mongolia to a broader international audience.
In the meantime, we will be keeping our members updated on the development of this project. Please keep an eye out for CIC newsletters, where we will be bringing you details on any new developments, in addition to information on Mongolia, its people and its wildlife.
If you would also like to donate to The Flying Vets Mongolia project now, please visit the link here.
In doing so, you would be directly assisting the conservation of endangered species, as well as the preservation of the traditions of Mongolian nomadic herders.
Support the project! Click here to donate!
Download the executive summary here!
Latest Presentation can be found here!
The Mongol Derby
The Mongol Derby is a 1,000km horse race across Mongolia, also known as the longest and toughest horse race in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
The course is based on an ancient messenger system used by Genghis Khan, with the 1,000km distance covering large areas across the Mongolian steppe. The semi-wild derby horses are provided by the local nomadic herders, with riders changing their steeds every 40km at horse stations. There is no marked course and the race is limited to 10 days.
Why am I participating in the Mongol Derby?
The Mongol Derby is an extraordinary challenge and a once in a lifetime experience which allows you to experience Mongolian culture at its roots.
The derby is all about horsemanship, physical and mental strength, as well as getting out of your comfort zone while riding through the stunning landscape of Mongolia.
Being passionate about horses and the outdoors, I couldn’t resist taking up this challenge and throwing myself into the unknowns of the Mongolian steppe.
As a long time CIC member and hunter that deeply cares about wildlife and wildlife conservation, I also saw this as the perfect opportunity to raise funds for The Flying Vets Mongolia project.
The Mongol Derby is a magnificent way to experience the country’s culture – unfortunately, this culture is severely at risk. Unless we act now, we may lose the wildlife and cultural heritage that makes Mongolia so great.
I hope you will join me in donating to this project, so that future generations can experience Mongolia as we can now.
– Flurina Hammer
