UNDP engages key stakeholders to address Mongolia’s climate and biodiversity challenges ahead of COP27 and COP15

October 21, 2022

 

Ulaanbaatar – 21 October 2022: At a critical time where the disastrous impacts of climate change are compounding across the world including in Mongolia, key stakeholders convened for the second year at Mongolia’s PreCOP meeting and discussed the challenges and ways forward as well as Mongolia’s commitment and pledge towards addressing the climate and biodiversity issues. UNDP has organized two key thematic sessions during the meeting that focused on ecosystem resiliency and low carbon development as well as access to genetic resources and its conservation both of which have profound impact on Mongolia socially and economically.  

As climate change is multiplying the already existing challenges of harsh winters, drought, snow and dust storms which take heavy toll on livestock and rural livelihoods, timely and prompt actions for adaption are critical. The ‘Ecosystem resiliency and low carbon development’ session explored how Mongolia’s rural livelihoods are extremely vulnerable to the climate change and ongoing adaptation interventions including the strengthening of the climate risk informed decision making, budget planning capacity and achievement of Mongolia’s NDC target by implementing sustainable agriculture practices to improve market access, pasture land and river basin management, improving climate risk informed planning at national and local levels and working with herders, including women and youth, to bring solutions together as a comprehensive approach is needed in climate mitigation and adaptation actions.

 

Mongolia hosts range of unique flora and fauna with high genetic diversity as well as wide range of traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources through the nomadic culture and daily life which are inseparable from nature. The ‘Genetic resources and its conservation’ session focused on access and benefit sharing in the scientific community, local community, and the importance of effective implementation of the Law on Genetic Resources, which was supported by the UNDP and became effective in 2021, to ensure that the use of the sources benefit the local community and the environment.

It was noted that the long-term sustainable financing mechanisms for conservation and policy alignment that support genetic resources and conservation across sectors and regions as well as increased capacity building are critical to ensure successful conservation and management of crucial genetic resources and protect biodiversity.  

Ms. Elaine Conkievich, UNDP Mongolia Resident Representative, highlighted the importance of the preparatory dialogue for the COPs organized by the Office of the President and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism which UNDP was pleased to support and said, “The adverse impacts of climate change and loss of biodiversity in Mongolia are increasing and bold, concerted, and collective actions are needed.  UNDP will continue to support the Government, and people, of Mongolia to protect the environment and preserve biodiversity for ensuring a green and sustainable future for every woman, every man, every girl and every boy in Mongolia.”

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UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.  Learn more at mn.undp.org or follow at @UNDPMongolia.

For further inquiries:

Erdenesukh Otgonbayar | Communications Analyst | UNDP Mongolia | erdenesukh.otgonbayar@undp.org