Developing the Carbon Market in Mongolia: Operational and Methodological Guidelines
Developing the Carbon Market in Mongolia: Operational and Methodological Guidelines
March 18, 2026
Two comprehensive guidelines, the Operational Guideline (OG) and General Methodology Guideline (MG) for Rangeland Carbon Sequestration, have been developed under UNDP's SCALA programme to support the establishment of Mongolia's Carbon Market (MCM). The OG establishes rules and procedures for project registration, approval, and financial management. The MG defines standardized approaches for monitoring, reporting and verifying soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. Together, they provide the technical and institutional foundation for a credible domestic carbon market, serving as a reference for policymakers and practitioners in designing appropriate governance structures. The ultimate goal of the MCM is to reduce rangeland degradation, enhance SOC sequestration, and improve herders' livelihoods through sustainable land management practices. By aligning with international standards, exploring opportunities under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and strengthening institutional frameworks, Mongolia can establish a transparent, credible, and reliable system for carbon credit generation and trading that advances both climate mitigation and adaptation goals.