Our Field Work
Our field work in Mongolia in June 2025
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This summer, the SESTRA Project research team conducted a field work in Mongolia.
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June 7–20:
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Expedition to Khövsgöl aimag included: Ulaanbaatar- Erdenet -Mörön-Khatgal-Bayanzurkh-Mörön- Erdenet-Ulaanbaatar (7-17 June)
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SESTRA Project presentation at the International Conference Environmental Science and Technology – EST 2025 (The Institute of Geography and Geoecology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, 18-20 June). Our special thanks to all Mongolian colleagues and the Director of the Institute, Dr. Dashtseren Avirmed.
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Our field work in Mongolia in August 2025​​
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August 1–22
SESTRA team working sites:
Mörön, Bayanzurkh, Tsagaannuur, Sukhbaatar, Khatgal.
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Research objectives:
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Permafrost measurements in Bayanzurkh
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PhotoVoice master-classes and drone surveys in Bayanzurkh and Tsagaannuur
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ArtSLInK workshop in Khatgal
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Workshops and RIMS trainings in Mörön and Sukhbaatar.
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On August 11-18, 2025 SESTRA team traveled in Khövsgöl and Selenge aimag, meeting with local communities, stakeholders, and decision makers to learn about riverine social-ecological systems and share the progress of the project.
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On August 12, 2025, the team convened sessions in the regional government office in Mörön, Khövsgöl aimag, and on August 15, 2025, in Sukhbaatar, Selenge aimag, to discuss the transformation of socio-ecological systems in sub-Arctic river basins under the influence of climate change. The meeting brought together academic researchers, governmental representatives, and local stakeholders, with a particular focus on the SESTRA project and related initiatives in Mongolia. The agenda was structured to facilitate a combination of knowledge sharing, project updates, discussions, and collaborative conceptual modeling.
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The sessions began with introductions, the meeting organizers welcomed participants, outlined the objectives, and provided an overview of the day's events. Alexander Shiklomanov from the University of New Hampshire presented the SESTRA project, an initiative focused on understanding and guiding the transformation of socio-ecological systems in sub-Arctic river basins under the pressures of climate change. His presentation covered the project’s objectives, research methodologies, and the significance of integrating ecological and social perspectives to address climate-related challenges. Andrey Petrov, the University of Northern Iowa, discussed the socio-economic dimensions of the SESTRA project. This presentation explored how climate change and ecological transformations impact local economies, livelihoods, and social dynamics. Topics such as resource management, economic diversification, and community resilience may have been addressed. The morning sessions concluded with extended discussions, providing a platform for participants to engage with the morning’s presentations, share perspectives, raise questions, and identify areas for deeper exploration.
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In Mörön, Khövsgöl aimag, Enkh-Amgalan Sandag from the Institute of Geography and Geoecology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, addressed the phenomenon of “dzuds” — harsh Mongolian winters characterized by heavy snow and extreme cold, which can devastate livestock and rural livelihoods. Dr. Sandag’s presentation focused on the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies associated with dzuds, emphasizing their significance within the broader context of climate change and socio-ecological stress in Mongolia.
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The afternoon sessions focused on conceptual modeling — a process of mapping the complex interactions between social and ecological components within riverine systems. This exercise involved representatives from various agencies and sectors in the region. The aim was to address climate and river systems, review related projects, and share concerns and visions for community futures.​
Photo credit: Natalya Saprunova.​​

Photo credit: Natalya Saprunova.​​
Photo credit: Natalya Saprunova.​​
The following representatives contributed to the dialogue: the regional administrations, representatives of Department of Agriculture, Department of Emergency, Hydrometeorological Agency, Construction and Urban Development, representatives of the Center for Environment and Climate Change. Participants worked collaboratively to identify local priorities, challenges, and opportunities for future projects and partnerships. Through dialogue and shared analysis, the group sought to articulate a roadmap for effective collaboration that addresses both scientific and community needs. Meaningful participation by local agency representatives and community stakeholders was pivotal in grounding discussions and ensuring that proposed strategies are contextually relevant and sustainable. Presentations and discussions repeatedly highlighted the urgency of developing adaptation plans following examples from Alaska. Representatives of different agencies expressed interest in learning more about the experience of climate adaptation and mitigation from other cold regions. In Sukhbaatar, local teachers expressed interest in training specifically targeting teachers and educational opportunities that the project could provide for them.
SESTRA-RIMS Trainings in Mongolia in August 2025​​
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On August 11, 2025, SESTRA research team organized RIMS training workshops in Mörön, August 15 – in Sukhbaatar, Selenge aimag on Rapid Integrated Mapping and data analysis System (RIMS) for SESTRA project developed at UNH.
The workshops generated great interest among various environmental specialists representing the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Hydrometeorological Service, Construction and Urban Development and Water Management Agencies as well as geography teachers from several local high schools who found that the RIMS tool is very useful for various educational applications.
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Our field visit to Mongolia
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July 2024
The SESTRA Project research team conducted a field visit to Mongolia in July 2024, where they participated in a Workshop Interrogating the cooperative governance of water in Inner Asia and engaged with project partners and local stakeholders.
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Our field work in Alaska
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August 2024
The SESTRA Project research team conducted field work in Alaska in August 2024.
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The team worked in Bethel, Akiak, Kwethluk, and McGrath, focusing on identifying and analyzing changes in hydroclimatological components of the natural system that affect human activities and ecosystem services, as well as examining changes in riverine socioeconomic systems.
An important part of this trip was the in-person engagement with project partners, local stakeholders, local media, and community members.
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