COP17 Countdown in Ulaanbaatar: Starting Aug. 17, 196 countries and the EU will meet in Mongolia to tackle desertification and land degradation under UNCCD COP17, themed “Restoring the Land. Restoring Hope,” with Mongolia’s foreign minister set to lead and Brazil joining debates in the run-up. Green Zone Open to Public: With only days left, organizers say the Green Zone will host 480+ activities and 1,500+ presentations, while the Blue Zone holds hundreds of registered meetings. Mongolia Updates Desertification Atlas: A new national assessment using 1991–2025 data reports 81.9% of Mongolia’s territory affected by desertification and land degradation, with climate change, water scarcity, vegetation shifts, and grazing pressure driving impacts. Rangelands & Pastoralism Spotlight: Mongolia’s Global Pastoralist Gathering opened in Ulaanbaatar, linking rangeland restoration, land-water planning, and nature-based solutions to protect herders’ rights and food security. Wildlife-Friendly Fencing Push: Ulaanbaatar is training builders on wildlife-friendly fence standards to reduce barriers to animal movement. Local Action for a Cleaner Capital: Ahead of COP17, 200+ volunteers helped clean Ulaanbaatar’s main square, urging businesses and residents to keep the city welcoming. COP17 Support on the Ground: UNV, Red Cross, and UNDP trained 600 volunteers for roles across COP17 zones, hotels, and transport.