The Hustai National Park Biodiversity Project was established on the premise that for Takhi to be successfully re-introduced to Hustai National Park there had to be a healthy ecosystem present to support them. The conservation of the species and their long term genetic diversity required the application of two important tenets: a sustainable ecosystem had to be restored and maintained adhering to modern genetic and geographic principles, and, nature management had to be integrated into socio-economic processes to allow local people to benefit from wildlife conservation wherever possible.

The re-introduction of the Takhi also offered the unique possibility to restore natural ecological processes and to preserve an intact steppe ecosystem for future generations. Takhi would act as an iconic keystone species whose popularity would enable other rare but less cherished species to be sheltered within Hustai National Park's borders.

The Hustai National Park Biodiversity Project was founded in 1993 by the Dutch Foundation Reserves for the Przewalski Horse (FRPH) and the Mongolian Association for Conservation of Nature and the Environment (MACNE) with sponsorship from the Directorate of International Cooperation (DGIS) of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The four main objectives of the project are outlined below.

1. To help protect and restore the biological diversity of the steppe area of Hustain Nuruu.

   This objective encompasses much of the research conducted at the park and some active restoration of the ecosystem through tree replanting and the re-introduction of endemic species such as the Takh. Dominant species such as marmots, Takhi, wolves and red deer are monitored to determine their health, estimated carrying capacities and interaction with other species. Hydrological and soil resources are assessed and mapped. Vegetation types are identified and mapped. Studies are made of the food preferences of various herbivores in the park and the impact of grazing on the density and distribution of vegetation. Replanting of birch and pine is carried out to replace trees lost to forest fires and the local wood supply.

2. To increase conservation awareness in the local communities around the National Park and in Mongolia, using the Takh as a flagship species.

   Regular meetings are held in the three soum centres to discuss the latest work at Hustai and resolve any concerns voiced by the local herders. Soums are the smallest administrative unit in Mongolia, similar to districts in other countries. The local school has an ecology room with equipment and materials supplied by the Hustai National Park Biodiversity Project. The bufferzone project works closely with locals to improve their standards of living and involve them in the success of Hustai National Park.

3. To develop a research and management framework for the successful establishment of a biodiversity reserve.

   MACNE wishes to share its experience and knowledge of park management with other national parks in Mongolia and Central Asia. Hustai hosts a month-long park ranger training course and MACNE works closely with the Ministry for Nature and the Environment to advise on park management regulations. Hustai's research staff often collaborates on studies with international scientists and many have travelled to the Netherlands and elsewhere to improve their knowledge of their respective fields. Hustai's staff are highly regarded and many are approached to work for international conservation organisations and development agencies.

4. To support the general management of Hustai National Park with on-the-job training of park staff and infrastructure development.

   FRPH work closely with MACNE staff to support the efficient management of Hustai National Park. The Dutch project leaders work with Hustai's Park Director and senior MACNE staff to define the project's annual goals and manage its budget. Each year, FRPH reduce their active participation in the operation of Hustai National Park as MACNE staff increase their knowledge of western national park management protocol. DGIS and FRPH also supply essential items such as trucks, sewing machines, computers and research equipment to the project.

Through the work of the Hustai National Park Biodiversity Project, local authorities and the government, the number of livestock of herders in the park has radically decreased. A migration route has been established and herders and their animals are guided on their route through the park. Environmental inspectors from Töv aimag (the Central province) and the Ministry for Nature and the Environment assist in controlling and prosecuting poachers.

Gradually, wild herbivores are starting to return. Groups of 80-90 Mongolian gazelles have been seen migrating through the park and there have been several sightings of ibex and argali sheep. Maral (Mongolian red deer) are returning to their status as one of the area's dominant herbivore. Hustai forests are being restored as the result of a reforestation project. Outside the reserve, wood lots have been planted to support local herders and reduce pressures on the forests of the park. Inside, pine trees are being re-introduced to the hills. All of these developments give hope for a future in which conservation and sustainable development in the bufferzone of the park can grow together.