The second phase of China Northern Minority Areas Social Survey project (CNMASS) was successfully completed, according to Inner Mongolia University officials.

They said it was implemented by IMU’s School of Ethnology and Sociology and supported by the university’s special funds to study ethnology – the branch of anthropology that analyzes cultures, especially with regard to their historical development and the similarities and dissimilarities between them.

Unlike the comprehensive survey conducted during the first phase of the project, the second-phase project covers themes of ecological civilization, green development and a pastoral revitalization strategy.

Based on proposed research topics, four research groups conducted a questionnaire survey on nearly 1,500 herdsmen in 10 banners and counties of six leagues and cities in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

These included Ordos, Bayannuur, Xiliin Gol League, Hulunbuir, Chifeng and Hinggan League.

The implementation of the CNMASS project is expected to effectively enhance the ability of IMU’s Ethnology discipline in scientific research, social services, personnel training and other aspects.

Officials said will also provide a detailed and objective data base for the IMU’s other disciplines -- and even enable domestic universities to carry out population, economic, societal and cultural-related research into northern ethnic minorities.