Healthy Rangelands at the Heart of Sustainable Cashmere in Khuvsgul, Mongolia

Sustainable cashmere begins long before fibre is collected. It starts on healthy rangelands, with responsible herding, good animal welfare, and careful stewardship of the landscapes that make high-quality cashmere possible.

As part of the EU-funded STREAM+ (Sustainable Agricultural Management and Ecosystem Restoration) Project, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) has launched a new initiative in Khuvsgul Province to strengthen sustainability across the cashmere value chain.

Working with provincial authorities, local cooperatives, herders and industry partners, the project is integrating SFA certification, traceability and fibre sorting systems into cashmere production while supporting sustainable rangeland management and local development.

Across Jargalant, Galt, Mörön and Tömörbulag soums, the SFA delivered practical training on the SFA Animal Fibre Standard, responsible grazing, fibre quality and cashmere traceability. Herders also tested the Herder “Malchin” App, providing valuable feedback to help improve the digital tool for use in pastoral communities.

The mission also included discussions with Jinst Mörön LLC, a Khuvsgul-based manufacturer producing knitwear from yak fibre and black goat cashmere, to explore opportunities for increasing the supply of SFA-Certified raw fibre and expanding access to international markets through certified products.

By connecting healthy rangelands with better livestock management, improved fibre quality and transparent traceability, STREAM+ is helping build a more resilient and valuable future for Mongolian cashmere, one that benefits both herding communities and the landscapes they depend on.

Tamir Bud

SFA COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

29 September 2026