IOM Mongolia recently held a captivating photo contest under the IOM Development Fund (IOMDF) project titled "Addressing Climate Change-Induced Human Mobility in Mongolia". With the consent of participating photographers, we are proud to showcase their powerful images, which serve to enhance understanding of the intricate links between migration and climate change.

These photographs not only reflect the realities of climate-induced mobility but also highlight the resilience and stories of those impacted. Explore the gallery to witness their compelling narratives.

 

A ger of a herder household blocked by the harsh snowstorm of the dzud. The house covered in snow shows cold, empty, and isolated state of the household due to the dzud.

A ger of a herder household blocked by the harsh snowstorm of the dzud. The house covered in snow shows cold, empty, and isolated state of the household due to the dzud. Photo: IOM/Altankhuyag O., 2024

A child going to school in countryside, during a harsh winter.
A child going to school in countryside, during a harsh winter. Photo: IOM/Batbaatar J., 2013
Climate change is a significant driver of the increasing frequency and severity of dzud** in Mongolia, which has had a detrimental impact on the livelihoods and food security of herders, causing forced migration and exacerbating the vulnerabilities of households.
Climate change is a significant driver of the increasing frequency and severity of dzud, which has had a detrimental impact on the livelihoods and food security of herders, causing forced migration and exacerbating the vulnerabilities of households. Photo: IOM/Davaanyam D., 2016
In recent years, summer and autumn's pleasant and warm time has shortened to 100-120 days, while winter and spring harsh time has become longer and last 220-240 days. The herdsmen and their children, who are busy raising their herds safely during the spring days without having good night sleep during the calving season, just want to get out of the difficult time quickly.
In recent years, summer and autumn's pleasant and warm time has shortened to 100-120 days, while winter and spring harsh time has become longer and last 220-240 days. The herdsmen and their children, who are busy raising their herds safely during the spring days without having good night sleep during the calving season, just want to get out of the difficult time quickly. Photo: IOM/Davaanyam D., 2016
As result of pasture degradation, natural hay resource is limited and some herders need support and help during the winter time.
As result of pasture degradation, natural hay resource is limited and some herders need support and help during the winter time. Photos: IOM/Khartsaga E., 2024
Trucks passing a border control point.
Trucks passing a border control point. Photo: IOM/Khartsaga E., 2024
A family stuck in a blizzard accompanied by the severe winter weather struggling to move
A family stuck in a blizzard accompanied by the severe winter weather struggling to move. Photo: IOM/Khartsaga E., 2010

A herder on a camel, herding his goats across desertified terrain.A herder on a camel, herding his goats across desertified terrain. Photo: IOM/Suvd B., 2024Three girls in traditional Mongolian "deel" costumes with a camel during winter.Three girls in traditional Mongolian "deel" costumes with a camel during winter. Photo: IOM/Tamir S., 2023

IOM/Tamir S., 2023A child from a herder household in a remote area riding a motorbike to school. Photo: IOM/Tamir S., 2023

As of 2020, 76.9% of Mongolia's total territory (120.3 million hectares) was classified as degraded, according to the country's desertification assessment.As of 2020, 76.9% of Mongolia's total territory (120.3 million hectares) was classified as degraded, according to the country's desertification assessment. Photo: IOM/Tamir S., 2023

A severe drought in the desert land of Mongolia. During summer, dzud manifests as severe drought, often leading to a harsh winter marked by snowstorms and cold waves.A severe drought in the desert land of Mongolia. During summer, dzud manifests as severe drought, often leading to a harsh winter marked by snowstorms and cold waves. Photo: IOM/Tamir S., 2022

A woman from a herder household carrying a bag of argal.

A woman from a herder household carrying a bag of argal. Photo: IOM/Tamir S., 2023

Snow piled up on the desertified land of Mongolia.

Snow piled up on the desertified land of Mongolia. Photo: IOM/Tamir S., 2023

Herders riding their horses during winter.Herders riding their horses during winter. Photo: IOM/Tamir S., 2023

A young herder from Khuvsgul Province, Mongolia.

A young herder from Khuvsgul Province, Mongolia. Photo: IOM/Tamir S., 2023

A herder family reunited after the father’s five-month-long transhumant movement ("otor" in Mongolian).

A herder family reunited after the father’s five-month-long transhumant movement ("otor" in Mongolian). Photo: IOM/Tamir S., 2023

A man riding a motorbike through a sandstorm intensified by desertification and climate change.A man riding a motorbike through a sandstorm intensified by desertification and climate change. Photo: IOM/Tsogodorj B., 2023

A herder preparing hay to endure harsh winter conditions.A herder preparing hay to endure harsh winter conditions. Photo: IOM/Sukhbat N., 2018

A portrait of a Mongolian herder named Batbold, who survived a harsh winter through thorough preparation.A portrait of a Mongolian herder named Batbold, who survived a harsh winter through thorough preparation. Photo: IOM/Sukhbat N., 2019