AGP Executive Report

Ulaanbaatar Clean Air Push: Ulaanbaatar held its 14th Car-Free Day with major central road closures from 7:00 AM–6:00 PM, banning cars and also electric scooters, mopeds, Surrons, and e-bikes in the restricted zone; 448 public transport vehicles shifted routes across 43 lines, and the city added its first-ever Night Marathon with extra bus route changes after 5:00 PM. Climate & Risk Watch: Mongolia’s weather outlook warns of snow, snowstorms, and dust storms starting Sept. 28 for 4–5 days, after a past 10-day period that saw mostly below-average precipitation but some wetter areas and wet snow in parts of Arkhangai. Herders Turn to Tech: A GPS tracker helped a Gobi herder stop sheep from straying into a salt lake, highlighting how desertification and harsher weather are pushing nomadic families toward real-time monitoring tools. Wildlife Research Protection: Mongolia’s Wildlife Science and Conservation Center urged the public not to disturb underwater signal devices on rivers and lakes, saying tampering is disrupting long-term fish monitoring. Energy & Investment Pressure: A report on Mongolia’s energy crisis points to real-life impacts in Ulaanbaatar, including past fuel-sale restrictions and ongoing supply uncertainty. Mining Cooperation: Mongolia and Australia discussed expanding mining, geology, investment, and workforce cooperation, with both sides stressing legal and tax stability for investors.

Car-Free Day in Ulaanbaatar: For the 14th year, the capital shut down major central roads from 7am–6pm, banning cars plus electric scooters, mopeds, Surrons, and e-bikes, and rerouting 448 buses across 43 lines—aiming for a quieter, pollution-free day for walking and running. Night Marathon Boost: After sunset, Ulaanbaatar held its first International Night Marathon, with 24 bus routes adjusted from 5pm. Wildlife Monitoring Warning: Mongolia’s Wildlife Science and Conservation Center urged people not to disturb signal devices placed on river and lake beds, saying tampering is disrupting fish movement research. Nomadic Herds Go Digital: A GPS tracker helped a Gobi herder prevent sheep from straying into a salt lake; more herders are turning to tech as desertification and harsher weather threaten livelihoods. Energy Pressure on Daily Life: A political risk analysis highlights how Mongolia’s energy crisis can hit everyday life—pointing to fuel shortages and the limits of temporary fixes. Mining Cooperation: Mongolia and Australia discussed expanding ties in mining, geology, and workforce development, stressing legal and tax stability to attract investment.

Air Quality & City Life: Ulaanbaatar marked its 14th Car-Free Day with major road closures from 7:00 AM–6:00 PM and a first-ever Night Marathon, aiming for a quieter, pollution-free day for walking and running. Wildlife & Water Research: Mongolia’s Wildlife Science and Conservation Center warned people not to disturb signal devices placed on river and lake beds, after tampering is disrupting fish monitoring and long-term data. Climate & Livelihoods: Mongolian herders are turning to GPS and weather-linked apps to protect flocks as desertification, drought and harsher conditions push animals toward risky water sources. Rangelands & Innovation: A new push to “go smart” in livestock management is highlighted by Inner Mongolia’s use of electronic ear tags to track cattle health in real time. Mining & Pollution Control: Mongolia’s neighbors show momentum on mercury-free gold processing, with international efforts aimed at ending mercury use in artisanal mining. Policy & Investment: Mongolia moved investor support and grievance handling to the Investment and Trade Agency, with a 30-day complaint resolution timeline and options including international arbitration.

Air Quality & Public Health: Ulaanbaatar held its 14th Car-Free Day (7:00 AM–6:00 PM) with road closures across central areas to create a quieter, pollution-free space for walking and running, while public transport routes were adjusted for the day and a first-ever Night Marathon ran after sunset. Wildlife Monitoring: Mongolia’s Wildlife Science and Conservation Center warned people not to disturb or remove signal-transmitting devices placed on river and lake beds, saying tampering is disrupting fish movement research and long-term monitoring. Climate & Livelihoods: A GPS tracker helped a Gobi herder prevent a flock from being lost after sheep strayed toward a salt lake, highlighting how desertification and harsher weather are raising risks for nomadic herders. Mining & Pollution Control: Mongolia’s government and partners are looking at mercury-free approaches—internationally, Mozambique is moving to formalize artisanal gold mining under PlanetGold to eliminate mercury use, a reminder of the health stakes for mining regions. Rangelands & Adaptation Tech: Mongolian herders are increasingly turning to new tools and apps to cope with climate and desertification pressures. Bilateral Environment-Relevant Cooperation: Mongolia and Australia discussed expanding mining, geology, and workforce cooperation, with an emphasis on improving the investment environment and stability. Weather Watch: Mongolia’s meteorology agency reported generally calm conditions, but warned that snow, snowstorms, and dust storms are expected to spread from Sept. 28 for several days. Culture & Heritage: The Mongolian rock-metal group “Uukhai” drew attention in Hong Kong by blending throat singing and morin khuur with modern music, promoting Mongolian cultural heritage beyond Genghis Khan stories.

Mongolia–Australia Mining Push: Mongolia’s Industry and Mineral Resources minister met Australia’s embassy to expand cooperation in mining, geology, investment, and workforce development, stressing legal and tax stability to attract investors. Investor Protection Overhaul: Mongolia transferred functions for supporting investors and resolving grievances to the Investment and Trade Agency, including a 30-day complaint handling timeline and a new option for international arbitration. Budget Reality Check: Parliament opened its autumn session with a record-scale 2027 budget proposal (41.3 trillion tugrik, 2.3 trillion deficit), raising alarms over inflation and debt. Air, Water, and Winter Risks: Meteorology reports warn that snowstorms and dust storms are expected from Sept. 28 for 4–5 days, after a wetter-than-usual patchwork of conditions. Rangeland Survival Tech: Herders are using solar GPS tracking apps to prevent livestock losses as desertification and harsher weather push animals toward dangerous salt lakes. One Health for Pastoralists: Mongolia highlighted its rangeland and pastoralist experience under UN “One Health” efforts, including the push for an International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. Ulaanbaatar Pollution Plan: The government approved a Baganuur coal pyrolysis plant via public-private partnership, aimed at cutting Ulaanbaatar air pollution with commissioning targeted for early 2028. Wildlife Monitoring Safety: Mongolia’s wildlife center warned people not to disturb river and lake fish-tracking devices, saying tampering is disrupting long-term monitoring data.

Mining Diplomacy: Mongolia and Australia plan to deepen cooperation in mining and geology, stressing long-term strategies, workforce development, and stable legal/tax conditions to attract investment. Investor Protections: Mongolia transferred investor-support and grievance-resolution functions to the Investment and Trade Agency, with a 30-day complaint review timeline and options including international arbitration. Rangeland & Livelihoods: Nomadic herders are turning to GPS and apps as climate stress and desertification push livestock toward riskier grazing and water sources. Aquatic Research Safety: Mongolia’s Wildlife Science and Conservation Center warned people not to disturb signal devices on rivers and lakes used to track fish migration—tampering is disrupting long-term monitoring. Air & Weather Watch: Meteorology reports warmer-than-average conditions and below-average precipitation, with snowstorms and dust storms forecast from Sept. 28 for several days. Coal & Air Pollution: A Baganuur coal pyrolysis plant is set to start construction in Q4, aiming to cut Ulaanbaatar air pollution while producing semi-coke and power. One Health & Pastoralism: Mongolia highlighted its rangeland and pastoralist experience under the UN “One Health” agenda, including leadership in declaring 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.

Drought & Flood Preparedness: A new web-based Water, Impact and Sustainability Estimator (WISE) has expanded worldwide, letting farmers and policymakers assess drought and flood risk using high-resolution watershed modeling—rolled out via a presentation at the UN desertification COP in Ulaanbaatar. Air & Energy Policy: Mongolia is moving ahead with a Baganuur coal pyrolysis plant under a public-private partnership, aimed at cutting Ulaanbaatar air pollution while producing semi-coke and power. Health System Reform: The government is strengthening soum health centers and cutting paperwork under the “Chuluulye” initiative, with a focus on retaining rural staff and improving primary care access. UN Climate & Diplomacy: President Khurelsukh used the UN General Assembly to push climate action and highlight Mongolia’s desertification work, including hosting COP17, while also signaling a bid for a UN Security Council seat. One Health for Rangelands: Mongolia shared its pastoral and rangeland experience under the UN “One Health” agenda, tied to the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. Investment Push: A draft 2026–2028 action plan targets USD 5.5 billion in foreign direct investment inflows by 2028, with steps on legal reforms and investor aftercare.

UN Climate & Health Diplomacy: President Khurelsukh used the UN General Assembly to push climate action, peacekeeping and health priorities, while also announcing Mongolia’s bid for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat. Rangelands & One Health: Mongolia shared its pastoral rangeland experience under the UN “One Health” push, highlighting how protecting rangelands and pastoral livelihoods supports wider ecosystem health. Drought Preparedness Abroad: Sri Lanka says it will seek international support after drought and desertification discussions in Mongolia, aiming to build infrastructure and readiness for future dry spells. Rural Healthcare Reform: A national forum backed “soums health center” strengthening, with paperwork cuts under the “Chuluulye” initiative and renewed focus on keeping doctors and nurses in rural areas. Air Pollution Tech Push: Mongolia plans a Baganuur coal pyrolysis plant via public-private partnership, framed as a step to reduce Ulaanbaatar’s pollution. Desertification Tools Go Global: A drought-and-flood risk tool (WISE) was showcased as available worldwide, linking farm resilience to better forecasting. Wildlife & Land Rights at COP17: Indigenous and local communities criticized UNCCD COP17 for excluding rights-holders from real decision power over land restoration and biodiversity. Conservation Science Spotlight: A Mongolian genetics lab chief warns that weak basic education and limited research resources are holding back future science capacity.

UN Climate & Diplomacy: President Khurelsukh Khurelsukh used the UN General Assembly to push climate action, peacekeeping, and redirect record military spending toward poverty, hunger, and the environment, also announcing Mongolia’s bid for a UN Security Council seat. Desertification & Drought Tools: A global drought-and-flood risk platform (WISE) was showcased for farm resilience, with Mongolia tied to the wider push for better climate risk planning. One Health & Rangelands: Mongolia highlighted its pastoral knowledge and rangeland protection under the UN “International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists,” sharing declarations from Ulaanbaatar’s World Pastoralists Congress. Air Pollution & Coal Transition: Mongolia approved a Baganuur coal pyrolysis plant via public-private partnership, aiming to cut Ulaanbaatar pollution while producing semi-coke and power. Industrial Water & Waste: Construction began on thermal power and wastewater treatment at the Emeelt Eco Industrial Park, targeting cleaner industrial wastewater and reduced environmental impacts. Herders Turn to Tech: An AFP report shows Mongolian herders using GPS-style apps to avoid climate-driven hazards like salty lakes, after harsher drought and dzud conditions. Traditional Knowledge in Schools: A pilot class for Mongolian traditional medicine opened at a national medical high school, blending heritage with modern science. Investment Push: The government unveiled a 2026–2028 action plan targeting USD 5.5B in foreign investment by 2028.

Climate & UN diplomacy: Mongolia’s President Khurelsukh used the UN General Assembly to push stronger climate action and wider cooperation, also announcing Mongolia’s bid for a UN Security Council seat (2048–2049). Air pollution & resilience: A Mongolian report highlights “keeping the heat in” as a practical answer to Ulaanbaatar’s air pollution problem. Desertification on the ground: AFP reports herders are using a GPS-based app to avoid deadly risks as drought and desertification worsen, including preventing livestock from drinking from salty lakes. Biodiversity & wildlife conflict: Mongolia’s environment ministry says a bear was filmed near Ulaanbaatar’s Botanic Garden, with authorities searching and urging public vigilance. Land rights at COP17: An IPS piece from Ulaanbaatar warns that Indigenous and local communities are being excluded from decision power at the UNCCD COP17, undermining land restoration and climate resilience. Clean energy infrastructure: Construction has started on a thermal power plant and wastewater treatment facility at Ulaanbaatar’s Emeelt Eco Industrial Park, aiming to cut environmental impacts while supporting livestock-based industry. Early warning tech: China delivered a custom AI meteorological early-warning system to Nepal, underscoring the growing role of climate disaster monitoring.

Bear in the capital: Mongolia’s Environment and Climate Change ministry says a bear was spotted near the Botanic Garden in Bayanzurkh, less than 10 km from central Ulaanbaatar, and authorities are searching with drones while urging public vigilance. Climate diplomacy: President Khurelsukh told the UN General Assembly Mongolia wants stronger international cooperation on climate change and environmental protection, pointing to its “Billion Trees” push and COP17 desertification work. Cleaner industry infrastructure: Construction has started on a thermal power plant and wastewater treatment facility at Ulaanbaatar’s Emeelt Eco Industrial Park, aiming to cut industrial wastewater impacts while supporting livestock-based processing at international standards. Critical minerals, with guardrails: Mongolia hosted a FEALAC side event on critical mineral value chains, stressing reliable geology, stable investment, environmental protection, and local community engagement as the country looks to move from extraction to processing and recycling. Traditional medicine education: A pilot class for Mongolian traditional medicine opened at a medical high school under the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, enrolling 35 sixth-graders from both rural areas and returning students abroad, with dorm support and modern tech tools. Wildlife and fire resilience: A report highlights how Kazakhstan’s recovering saiga antelope may help reduce wildfire risk by eating fuel vegetation.

Wildlife in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia’s Environment and Climate Change ministry says a bear was spotted near the Botanic Garden and Research Institute in Bayanzurkh, less than 10 km from the city center, with drones and other tools used to search and authorities urging public vigilance. Air pollution & climate resilience: A Mongolian-focused piece highlights “keeping the heat in” as a practical answer to Ulaanbaatar’s air pollution problem, pointing to overlooked local approaches. Biodiversity & land restoration: A UNCCD COP17-related report discusses deeper integration needed to implement global agreements, while another story notes a “Billion Trees” pledge is running out of runway—an urgent reminder for restoration timelines. Energy transition: China’s solar capacity overtook coal by installed capacity, and a separate report describes solar-powered desert restoration and rainwater harvesting pilots in Gansu. Regional climate tech: China’s AI meteorological early-warning system “MAZU” is being used across multiple countries, including Mongolia, to improve disaster prevention. Society & environment link: Mongolia’s Gini coefficient fell, but urban-rural gaps remain high—alongside ongoing vulnerability to natural disasters and livestock shocks.

Wildlife & Poaching Crisis: World Rhino Day (Sept. 22) spotlights a grim reality: rhinos are being poached faster than they can reproduce, with about 26,700 wild rhinos left and organized crime driving illegal horn demand—while some species recover under strict protection, others (like Javan and Sumatran) are in steep decline. Urban Wildlife Safety in Mongolia: Mongolia’s Environment and Climate Change ministry reports a bear spotted on camera near Ulaanbaatar’s Botanic Garden and Research Institute, prompting drone searches and a public warning to stay vigilant. Air Pollution & Housing Heat: A Mongolian focus piece looks at how better home heating and insulation in Ulaanbaatar’s ger districts can reduce fuel use and improve indoor comfort while tackling winter air pollution. Fuel Shortage Pressure: A report describes how weeks of petrol shortages in Mongolia have turned daily queues into a wider political stress test for public trust ahead of winter. Biodiversity & Land Restoration: Mongolia-linked climate and nature efforts include a “Billion Trees” pledge falling far short of its target pace, raising questions about whether the country can still meet its commitments.

Fuel Shortage Turns Political: Mongolians are stuck in long petrol queues amid shortages since July, with rationing by number plates and growing frustration that’s starting to look like a wider crisis of trust. Air Pollution Fix at Home: A new focus on keeping heat in—through better insulation and housing efficiency in Ulaanbaatar’s ger districts—highlights how winter fuel use and health risks are tied to building design. Trees Promise Falling Behind: Mongolia’s “Billion Trees” pledge is now under 10% of target despite most of the timeline passing, raising questions about whether the country can still deliver and what it means internationally. Biodiversity & Restoration Push: UN partners will announce new World Restoration Flagships at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, aiming to restore millions of hectares and boost food security and biodiversity. Cashmere Value Chain Boost: The ADB signed a $30m loan to strengthen Mongolia’s cashmere supply chain, increase processing at home, and create jobs. Wildlife in the Spotlight: A Banff-style model of vegetated overpasses and underpasses is being used to reduce highway wildlife collisions—an approach Mongolia could learn from.

Air Pollution & Housing Heat Loss: GERES says Ulaanbaatar’s ger-district winter misery isn’t just about what people burn, but how much heat homes lose—linking insulation, health, green finance, and urban policy. Wildlife & Safety: Mongolia’s capital saw more bear incursions, with officials capturing and releasing two bears after reports of bears entering populated areas; residents are urged to secure food waste and carcasses. Winter Readiness: Ulaanbaatar is stockpiling 11,025 tonnes of salt and 9,736 tonnes of de-icing materials, while upgrading heating and drainage networks ahead of colder weather. Climate & Nature Restoration: UN agencies will announce three World Restoration Flagships at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, targeting degraded ecosystems and near-5 million hectares restored by 2030. Pollinator Habitat: Butterfly Pavilion scientists completed a final survey for a pollinator corridor project in Broomfield, guiding plant selection and long-term habitat care. Biodiversity-Friendly Infrastructure: Banff’s vegetated overpasses and underpasses (with fencing across 82 km) are credited with reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and enabling large-mammal crossings.

Air pollution & housing heat loss: GERES highlights that Ulaanbaatar’s winter air pollution isn’t only about what people burn, but also how much heat homes waste—nearly half of the city’s households live in ger districts where insulation and heat demand shape fuel use and health. Winter preparedness: Ulaanbaatar plans to stockpile 11,025 tonnes of salt and 9,736 tonnes of de-icing materials, while upgrading heating and drainage networks ahead of colder weather and possible wet snow. Wildlife conflict: Authorities report multiple bear entries into and near Ulaanbaatar’s residential areas, urging residents to secure food waste and livestock carcasses to reduce attractants. Climate-nature restoration: UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar will announce three new World Restoration Flagships, aiming to restore about 5 million hectares by 2030 to boost food security and biodiversity. Cashmere value chain: The ADB signed a $30m loan to strengthen Mongolia’s cashmere processing and create jobs, including sustainable raw cashmere procurement from nomadic herders. Gender-based violence prevention: ADB approved a $3m grant for safer schools and survivor support services, including disaster-resilient dormitory upgrades and digital safety initiatives. Mining & environment governance: Mongolia’s Mining Week & MinePro 2026 focused on green transition and policy reforms, including moves toward more domestic value-added production. Weather alert: Heavy rain and a sharp temperature drop are expected in Khentii and the Orkhon River basin, with light rain possible in parts of several aimags.