Khuvsgul lake: The underrated blue pearlby Tsengelmaa Nyamdorj | 09-11-2019 22:05 |
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  High levels of plastic pollution, illegal poaching of endangered animals, over-fishing, and toxic run-off from mining sites in a 100 km radius are continuously ruining 1% of the world's freshwater. It might sound small and insignificant, but that 1% is the second biggest lake in Asia, supporting 46 rivers and streams. Lake Khuvsgul contains 96.7% of Mongolian surface freshwater which sustains many local animals, plants, and cultural assets of the Altai region. Even though Khuvsgul is famous for its water visibility as the ¡°Blue Pearl of Mongolia¡± which is up to 22.9 m in the middle, due to recent mass tourism and mining activities, it has become 14.3 m near the shore. To raise awareness of the cultural and environmental value of the lake, 60 local and international activists have joined their voice for 2 weeks long campaign in July 2019. The event was a huge success considering local media coverage and exposure. However, the main campaign to apply Khuvsgul lake and its surrounding area to the UNESCO World Heritage had been denied once again. In 2015, the first initial request to UNESCO was turned down because Khuvsgul Lake ¡°lacked uniqueness¡±: being too similar to Baikal lake. While in reality, Khuvsgul is home to a variety of wildlife animals (ibex, argali, elk, wolves, musk deer, brown bear, Siberian moose, sable), religious rituals (Shamanism) and cultural events (Ice festival) of Mongolian northern tribes. So, despite constant threats to this peculiar, indigenous ecology, international organizations are still degrading the importance of Khuvsgul lake. Thus, I wanted to share the story of Khuvsgul with my fellow Tunza Eco-gens. The fairy tale in Ariel needs to happen to Khuvsgul so that many lives can be saved from the hands of humans. |
