AGP Executive Report

UNCCD COP17 Launch in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia kicked off COP17 under “Restore the land, restore hope,” with Prime Minister Uchral urging concrete action and noting that 80% of Mongolia’s territory is already affected by soil degradation. Local Governance & Partnerships: The Mayors’ Forum in Ulaanbaatar pushed city-to-city cooperation to tackle desertification, water scarcity, pasture degradation and dust storms that don’t respect borders. Green Housing in the Capital: Ulaanbaatar completed the first 110 green housing units at the Sharkhad sub-center, targeting big cuts in energy and water use and earning EDGE certification. Conservation Finance That Pays for Results: At COP17, Mongolia’s Nature’s Legacy Fund backed a shift toward results-based environmental financing, arguing funds should follow measurable habitat impact. Mining, Biodiversity Offsets: Mongolia signed an MoU to reduce mining impacts on biodiversity using science-based offset measures and long-term conservation financing. Civil Society at the Table: COP17 held an open dialogue between parties and civil society, stressing local and indigenous knowledge plus sustainable financing for land restoration. Restoration Gap Exposed: An IUCN study says countries restored 124.3 million hectares—just 10.4% of pledged targets—highlighting a major implementation shortfall as degradation worsens. China’s Support for Mongolia’s Land Fight: Multiple reports highlight China’s backing for Mongolia’s desertification response, including sapling supplies and restoration know-how shared through cross-border cooperation. Renewables vs. Land Protection: Experts at COP17 warned that solar and other renewables must be planned carefully so clean energy expansion also supports ecosystem restoration.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia’s land-degradation crisis is front and center as COP17 convenes until Aug. 28, with China backing the summit and highlighting cross-border desertification work. China–Mongolia restoration support: China’s Inner Mongolia region is supplying Mongolia with millions of saplings (11.7 million shipped by early June) and sharing restoration know-how, including sandstorm monitoring and afforestation models. Land restoration gap: A new IUCN study says countries have restored 124.3 million hectares—about 10.4% of pledged targets—while Mongolia’s degraded land is nearly 77%, worsened by overgrazing and climate-linked drought. Biodiversity offsets for mining: Mongolia signed an MoU to reduce mining impacts on biodiversity using science-based offset measures, outcome tracking, and long-term conservation financing. COP17 dialogue and “Steppe Action”: An open dialogue with parties and civil society focused on combining local and indigenous knowledge with science and sustainable financing to turn commitments into on-the-ground action. Green finance push: Mongolia launched a Mongolia Green Finance Corporation during COP17 to channel long-term funding for low-carbon and energy-efficient projects.

UNCCD COP17 Land Focus: Venezuela is taking part in UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar to push commitments on biodiversity, food security and environmental justice, framing land restoration as key to sustainable development. Mongolia Policy & Youth: Mongolia will ban social media use in schools starting the 2026–2027 academic year, including restricting school-linked chats and pages, aiming to reduce smartphone dependence and protect children online. Green Finance Push: Mongolia officially launched the Mongolia Green Finance Corporation during COP17, backed by partners including the Green Climate Fund, XacBank and GGGI, to channel long-term money into low-carbon, energy-efficient projects. Biodiversity Funding & Banking: The Mongolian Nature’s Legacy Foundation and Khan Bank signed an MoU to scale nature conservation financing, including a green financing model for sustainable pasture management and using TNFD-style biodiversity risk into bank ESG systems. Desertification Reality Check: Caritas Mongolia’s Sister Sandra Garay warned that desertification is increasingly visible outside Ulaanbaatar—less grass, disappearing water sources, and harsher seasons—turning an environmental crisis into a social one for herding families. COP17 Public Outreach: Mongolia issued a commemorative COP17 postage stamp featuring the Gobi bear (mazaalai) and regenerating vegetation, printed on FSC recycled paper.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia is pushing “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope” as the desertification fight moves from pledges to action, with a new Desertification Atlas reporting 81.9% of the country affected and warming of 2.5°C since 1941. National Biodiversity Strategy: The government unveiled its 2026–2030 biodiversity strategy and action plan, aligning with the Kunming-Montreal framework and aiming to strengthen ecosystem resilience, expand protected areas, and boost community-based conservation. Sustainable finance for nature: The Mongolian Nature’s Legacy Foundation and Khan Bank signed an MoU to channel private capital into conservation, including a green financing model tied to pasture management and a “Green Card” for eco-friendly consumption. COP17 visibility: Mongolia issued a commemorative COP17 postage stamp featuring the Gobi bear (mazaalai) and regenerating vegetation, printed on FSC recycled paper. Energy and land restoration link: A UN side-event highlighted how renewable energy can be paired with land protection, using examples like solar-plus-vegetation and water-harvesting approaches in arid regions. Global diplomacy: UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed is set to visit India (Aug 26–28) and then Mongolia to urge faster land restoration and drought action.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia is pushing “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope” as COP17 turns pledges into projects, with a focus on land restoration finance and policy synergy across the Rio Conventions. Desertification data update: An updated Desertification Atlas says 81.9% of Mongolia’s territory is affected by desertification and land degradation, alongside warming, shifting rainfall, intensifying drought, and major soil erosion pressures. Biodiversity strategy: Mongolia introduced its 2026–2030 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, aligned with the Kunming-Montreal framework, aiming to strengthen ecosystem resilience and community-based conservation. Sustainable finance push: A High-Level Sustainable Finance Forum at COP17 highlighted investments for pastureland, water resilience, and nature-related financial risks, while leaders urged countries to honor restoration pledges. Solar for cleaner schools: Ulaanbaatar’s 149th secondary school signed on for a solar-plus-battery system to cut grid reliance, reduce local emissions, and support climate education. Wildlife cooperation: Korea and Mongolia launched a plan to restore black storks, using Mongolian birds to rebuild a self-sustaining breeding population. Night-sky and light pollution: A dark-sky photography contest flagged growing light pollution threats, including images tied to satellite expansion.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia’s COP17 push is getting more concrete: the government introduced its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030, aligned with the Kunming-Montreal targets, aiming to boost ecosystem resilience, expand protected areas, and strengthen community-based conservation. Desertification reality check: An updated Desertification Atlas presented at COP17 says 81.9% of Mongolia’s territory is affected by desertification and land degradation, with warming of 2.5°C since 1941 and drought intensifying across 53.5% of the country. Sustainable finance focus: COP17’s High-Level Sustainable Finance Forum spotlighted funding for pastureland, livestock, water resilience, and “blue” finance, while Mongolia’s leadership urged countries to honor land restoration pledges. Renewables on the ground: A Chingeltei district school partnership will install and lease a solar-plus-battery system to cut grid reliance, improve air quality, and support climate goals. Biodiversity cooperation: Mongolia and Korea are partnering to help bring back an endangered bird after a five-decade absence, using field science and cross-border restoration work.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: The UN desertification summit opened with a clear message: land degradation and drought are already hitting lives, food and water security, with Mongolia hosting a major push for “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.” EU Drought Warning: The EU says drought and water scarcity are no longer distant risks, urging a shift from emergency response to resilience built on restoring land and managing water sustainably. Mongolia’s Restoration Push: Mongolia opened COP17 Green Zone pavilions, including its “Billions of Trees” drive (over 140 million trees planted) and a Nature Pavilion tied to a revised protected areas law. Protected Areas Focus: A COP17 session highlighted how protected areas can reduce land degradation and biodiversity loss, while calling for better governance and long-term financing. Rangeland & Pastoralist Voices: Delegates and herders pressed for mobility rights and stronger rangeland management, with calls to include Indigenous pastoralists and civil society in decisions. Snow Leopard Diet Research: New long-term Mongolia field work is detailing what snow leopards eat and how hunting choices affect survival and coexistence with people. Ulaanbaatar Freight Bypass: Mongolia is progressing on a 127-km rail bypass to move hazardous cargo away from the capital, aiming for test runs in September. Rare Earth Expansion (Inner Mongolia): China is expanding the Bayan Obo rare earth mine to boost processing capacity, underscoring the environmental stakes of critical minerals supply.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: Delegates from 197 Parties are pushing “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope,” with Mongolia’s land-degradation reality front and center (77% of territory affected) and calls to move from talk to measurable action. Protected areas push: A COP17 session focused on policy, management and financing for protected areas, highlighting legal frameworks, stronger conservation systems and long-term funding as key tools to cut desertification and protect biodiversity. Mongolia’s “Billions of Trees” spotlight: A dedicated pavilion opened in the COP17 Green Zone, touting 140+ million trees planted and rising forest cover (from 7.9% to 8.71%), with plans to share lessons internationally. Wetlands cooperation: Mongolia’s foreign minister met the Ramsar Convention Secretary General to align wetland conservation with drought, water scarcity and land-degradation adaptation. Rangeland voices at the table: Pastoralists and delegates urged stronger mobility rights and herder-led perspectives, while Kenya and others discussed rangeland management and food security solutions. Healthy soils message: UNCCD’s Yasmine Fouad urged investment in healthy soils and pastures, stressing land’s link to water and food security. Mongolia’s COP17 projects: Monpolymet presented its “Build Green Land” restoration model, including decades of rehabilitation work and new ecosystem-level efforts. Energy and nature tensions: Mongolia reported at UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee on the Egiin Gol hydropower project’s environmental assessment progress for the Lake Baikal site.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: The 17th UN Convention to Combat Desertification conference opened under “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope,” with leaders pushing to turn pledges into measurable action on drought, rangelands, soils and sustainable agriculture. Mongolia’s push for implementation: Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor urged COP17 to accelerate delivery, citing Mongolia’s land degradation neutrality targets, sustainable rangeland management and its “Billion Trees” campaign, while highlighting pastoral knowledge as a global asset. Pastoralists demand space: A global pastoralist gathering and the Silk Road Caravan arrived with declarations calling for practical support for herders facing shrinking grazing access and degraded land. Civil society priorities: Representatives from five regions outlined what they want COP17 to deliver, stressing community-level implementation and a stronger bridge between local voices and global policy. Restoration projects showcased: Monpolymet presented its “Build Green Land” model, reporting long-running biological rehabilitation, pasture restoration and tree planting. Grasslands get new recognition: India launched its first guide to grasslands and other open natural ecosystems at COP17, arguing these treeless landscapes are vital for biodiversity, pastoral livelihoods and climate resilience. EU warns on drought risk: The EU called for proactive drought risk management and better alignment across climate, biodiversity and water goals. Invasive species warning: A COP17 op-ed urged tackling invasive plants on rangelands before they choke native vegetation and worsen drought impacts. Global drought pressure: A UNCCD-linked report says drought frequency and duration have risen nearly 30% since 2000, with severe conditions spreading beyond traditional dry zones.

UNCCD COP17 Opens in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia’s UN desertification summit kicked off today under “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” with Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor urging faster implementation and measurable results—not recycled promises. Pastoralists Take the Stage: COP17 opened by welcoming world herders and the Silk Road Caravan, which delivered herders’ declarations focused on grassland restoration, drought resilience, and protecting livelihoods. Mongolia’s Steppe Action Agenda: Officials say Mongolia will push rangelands as a future solution, linking land restoration to water, food systems, and biodiversity, while highlighting nomadic knowledge and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. EU Warns on Drought and Desertification: The EU called for proactive drought risk management and stronger alignment across climate, biodiversity, and water goals ahead of COP17 negotiations. Funding Pressure Mounts: UNCCD leaders said work is starting on allocating over $12bn for drought and land degradation support, as heat and water stress worsen globally. Green Zone Transport: COP17’s Green Zone will run with 39 electric golf carts to cut emissions and move visitors efficiently.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: The 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification opens Aug. 17-28 under “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” with Mongolia hosting amid warnings that desertification already affects 77% of its territory. Pastoralist push: Ahead of COP17, Mongolia’s Global Pastoralist Gathering wrapped up with three declarations (World, Women, Youth Herders) meant to feed directly into COP17 talks on land degradation, drought, water, food systems, and financing. Rangeland leadership spotlight: Kenya’s Kendi Borona was named a “Rangeland Hero” by the Global Landscapes Forum, highlighting Indigenous guardianship of rangelands as drought and land degradation intensify. Birds and habitat: A report on migratory shorebirds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway spotlights mangroves and tidal flats as critical “refueling” stops—an ecosystem reminder for Mongolia’s own biodiversity and water-linked habitats. Mining pressure beyond borders: China’s Bayan Obo rare earth mine in Inner Mongolia is expanding by 50% with a $74 million investment, underscoring how critical-mineral demand can collide with environmental protection. Local action in the COP Green Zone: Mongolia says the public can access a “Green Zone” with hundreds of activities, projects, panels, and films—plus daily province showcases featuring herders’ knowledge.

UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia’s 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification opens Aug. 17–28, with officials stressing land restoration as a practical answer to drought, land degradation, and food-water security. Pastoralist push for COP17: A Global Pastoralist Gathering in Ulaanbaatar adopted three declarations (world, women, youth herders) and urged they be carried into COP17 talks, linking rangelands, drought resilience, and financing. COP17 public access & “Green Zone” plans: Organizers say the Green Zone will host 480+ activities and nearly 1,500 presentations, with provinces sharing restoration and traditional herding knowledge alongside eco innovations. Rangelands at the center: A separate report frames COP17 as a key, lesser-known Rio Convention summit for countries where most land is already degraded, highlighting why land management matters for biodiversity and livelihoods. Rare earth pressure from Inner Mongolia: China is expanding the Bayan Obo rare earth mine by 50% with a $74 million investment, underscoring how critical-mineral demand keeps intensifying extraction across the region. Ulaanbaatar school bus expansion: The city is preparing to expand special school bus routes to reduce traffic congestion, with service planned to eventually cover more grades. Mongolia’s fossil breakthrough: A nearly complete Gobi Desert mammal fossil is reshaping early mammal family trees, a reminder that Mongolia’s landscapes still drive major science.

COP17 Countdown in Ulaanbaatar: Starting Aug. 17, representatives from 196 countries and the EU will meet in Mongolia for UNCCD COP17 on land degradation, desertification and drought, with Mongolia’s foreign minister set as COP17 president and a big public “Green Zone” packed with hundreds of activities. Rangelands in the spotlight: Mongolia’s Global Pastoralist Gathering opened in Ulaanbaatar, linking herder rights and pasture management to drought resilience and food security, and pitching a “Steppe Action” agenda. Desertification pressure on the ground: Mongolia’s updated National Desertification Atlas and reporting that nearly 82% of the country is affected by desertification/land degradation underscore why COP17 matters locally. Wildlife-friendly fencing push: Ulaanbaatar is updating forest reserve boundaries and rolling out training on wildlife-friendly fence standards to reduce barriers to animal movement. Youth-led cleanup: Ahead of COP17, 200+ volunteers helped clean Ulaanbaatar’s main square, aiming to present a cleaner city to visiting delegates. Inner Mongolia ecology drive: China marked National Ecology Day in Hulunbuir and highlighted ecological restoration gains and a new Ecological and Environmental Code taking effect. Rare earth expansion risk: China is expanding the Bayan Obo rare earth mine in Inner Mongolia by 50% to boost processing capacity, part of a critical-minerals push.

COP17 Countdown in Mongolia: Starting Aug. 17, about 10,000 delegates will meet in Ulaanbaatar for UNCCD COP17 on desertification, drought and land degradation, with Mongolia’s foreign minister set as COP17 president and the theme “Restoring the Land. Restoring Hope.” Local Access & Public Programs: The Green Zone will host 480+ activities, including 180 environmental projects, 110 panels and nearly 1,500 presentations, with public entry via QR pre-registration. Rangelands & Pastoralism Focus: Mongolia launched the “Steppe Action” approach around rangelands, the land–water nexus and nature-based solutions, alongside the Global Pastoralist Gathering calling for better pasture management and herder rights. Wildlife-Friendly Fencing: Ulaanbaatar is updating forest reserve boundaries and training builders on wildlife-friendly fence standards to reduce barriers to animal movement. Mongolia’s Desertification Reality: New reporting highlights how much of Mongolia is affected by desertification and land degradation, underscoring why COP17 matters now. China Rare Earth Expansion (Regional Pressure): China is investing $74 million to expand the Bayan Obo rare earth mine in Inner Mongolia by 50%, boosting processing capacity for critical minerals used in high-tech industries. China’s New Environmental Code: China’s Ecological and Environmental Code took effect, aiming to strengthen pollution control and ecological protection through a unified legal framework.

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.

COP17 Desertification Push: Mongolia’s updated National Desertification Atlas was presented to Cabinet, using satellite and remote-sensing data up to 2025, and adding water scarcity and biodiversity degradation indicators; the latest assessment says 81.9% of Mongolia’s territory is affected by desertification and land degradation. Wildlife-Safe Urban Planning: Ulaanbaatar is updating forest reserve boundaries and rolling out training on wildlife-friendly fencing standards so barriers don’t block animal movement. Ulaanbaatar Cleanup Ahead of COP17: Over 200 volunteers helped clean the capital’s main square in a bid to present a cleaner Mongolia to visiting delegates. Local Health & Land Use: Work has started to partially clear Sambalkhundev Cemetery (70 hectares planned; 18.1 hectares this year), with families consulted and remains handled through relocation or cremation. Air, Water, and Weather Risks: A forecast calls for rain and thunderstorms across most regions, including Ulaanbaatar, with cooler temperatures—another reminder of how fast conditions can shift. Policy Rate Tightening: Mongol Bank raised the policy rate to 12.5% to curb accelerating core inflation and external price pressures. Rare Earth Supply Chain Pressure (Regionally): China is expanding the Bayan Obo rare earth mine in Inner Mongolia by 50% to boost processing capacity, underscoring the growing push for critical minerals.