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Discussion Event
Discussion Event: The Policy Empowerment Program Continues

Civic engagement and participation are essential for ensuring that government decisions reflect the will of the citizens. They promote rational and efficient policymaking, uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms, and reinforce the values of a democratic society.

As part of the above-mentioned program, implemented on the initiative of UNA Mongolia, Dr. Robbie Francis Watene (Disabled Research Lead at the Donald Beasley Institute / Director of The Lucy Foundation / Global Heumann Research Fellow at WID) delivered a lecture on "Intersectionality in Policy Design and Implementation." Additionally, Mr. Lkhagvabayar Renchinpurev, (Facilitator of the Subcommittee for Environmental Law of the Mongolian Lawyers' Association), spoke on "Specially Protected Areas and the 30 by 30 Goal."

In his speech, Dr. Robbie Francis Watene emphasized: "Each group has its own unique characteristics, and people with disabilities face numerous challenges, such as unequal access to information and limited responsiveness in risk situations. Therefore, it is crucial for policymakers to consider accessibility when making legislative changes." He further stressed: "It is essential to listen carefully to representatives of people with disabilities, build trust, and create opportunities for greater participation."

Mr. Lkhagvabayar Renchinpurev, in his presentation, explained that the law on specially protected areas is currently being revised. This aligns with Mongolia’s ambitious goal of designating 30% of its territory as protected land by 2030. The revised law will introduce a new category of "areas with renewable natural resources." Additionally, he highlighted the lack of mechanisms to effectively reinvest and redistribute centralized revenues generated from entrance fees for protected areas. Therefore, proper management of these revenues must be ensured.

Furthermore, it was proposed that the opinions of both citizens and local governments should be incorporated into the law.

Finally, Mr. Lkhagvabayar invited members of the Youth Environmental Council to submit their suggestions for the revised legal draft.