Nature-Based Solutions Benefit the Economic–Ecological Coordination of Pastoral Areas: An Outstanding Herdsman’s Experience in Xilin Gol, China

Abstract

Grassland has always had a difficult economic–ecological relationship, as coordination between its ecological conservation and the sustainable development of animal husbandry is required. Nature-based Solutions (NbS), who make full use of the natural ecosystem services, have successfully solved some economic–ecological issues, but still have unclear implementation prospects for grassland management. The Xilin Gol grassland is one of the most typical pastoral areas in China; there is a village chief named Bateer, who has already used NbS for grassland management. To confirm whether the solutions employed by Bateer have been effective for both increasing economic profits and protecting grassland ecosystem, we interviewed him, and many other herdsmen, using questionnaires about their livelihood. Based on these questionnaires, we calculated and compared their income–cost ratios. Meanwhile, we analyzed the NDVI variations inside their rangelands through high-resolution remote sensing images. The results showed that the herdsmen in Bateer’s village had a much higher disposable income and income–cost ratio than others, and their rangelands also had a higher value and a more obvious increasing trend of NDVI. Bateer’s success proves that the NbS can also play a positive role in grassland management, which can provide a valuable guidance for economic–ecological coordination in pastoral areas.

For a Better Quality of Beef: The Challenge from Growing Livestock on Limited Grasslands with a Production–Consumption Balance Perspective

“…In Tanzania, no more than 15% of all small holders have access to market linkages cooperatives or contract farming, and have potentially more rewarding outcomes [106]. There are also outstanding herder households, who improved the economic benefits by making full use of the natural ecosystem services on limited livestock and also protected the grassland ecosystem [107], and they stand out, having great potential and necessity to transfer. This calls for promotional events and brand-building activities, with assistance from the local government and industry, in order to grow the value of grass-fed beef and lamb and its positioning in the market [6,90] and further improve the participation and benefits of herders in the markets.…”