Training activities launched to improve the sustainability of yak leather in the framework of the SYL project in Mongolia
The SYL project funded by the European Union under the Switch-Asia Grants programme, of which INESCOP is a partner, has launched the first training activities related to yak husbandry in Mongolia, with the aim of improving the process of obtaining raw material for the final production of eco-friendly vegetable tanned yak leather.
The first training actions of the SYL project have started this week, aimed at agents responsible for yak farming and yak hide production in Mongolia, who have been divided into target groups such as herders and veterinary extension officers, slaughter facilities, and yak hide traders and merchants. This training aims to improve the procurement of raw material, yak hides, in the four main producing provinces of Mongolia.
The tanning industry is a pillar of Mongolia's economy, although it is still based on outdated practices, which reduces the potential of yak hides that can access the value chain in the leather sector. The Mongolian Vegetable Tanned Yak Leather Cluster will implement sustainability in its production processes, thanks to the training provided by this European project, in order to enable the integration of its members into more sustainable global value and supply chains.
This first set of training actions is aimed at developing safe practices for disease prevention, as well as promoting improvements in animal flaying and fleshing techniques, and in the preservation and storage of yak hides.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of INESCOP and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.