Nomadism, identity and the politics of conservation

This paper highlights the continuing importance of nomadism as an aspect of identity in contemporary Mongolia, and one which retains strategic, discursive and material resonance at diverse scales. It examines the contested representations and practices of nomadism with particular reference to conservation and to relations with land and nature. At a national level, nomadism remains a powerful, albeit romanticized, symbol of collective identity, often deployed, for example by urban elites with reference to a 'glorious past' (Bruun 2006). At the same time emergent urban identities are increasingly important in informing national self-representations of Mongolia, while contemporary nomadic herders are subject to contrasting discursive portrayals in mainstream conservation debates and policies. Particular concepts of relations with nature, including re-emergent spiritual dimensions, are highlighted as aspects of nomadic identity and practice at local levels, and their contrasts to and accommodation with donor-driven conservation projects explored. Finally, the paper highlights the emergent Global Pastoralists' movement as an important arena wherein Mongolian pastoralists can begin to deploy their own discursive representations of contemporary nomadic identities.