Discussion
Strengthening cooperation for environmental protection in Dundgovi Province
The meeting was organized by the Mongolian Environment Civil Council (MECC) in cooperation with local partners. Representatives of the local administration, NGOs, as well as committed citizens came together to discuss environmental challenges and to develop possible solutions.
A central topic was how to deal with the ecological consequences of mining. The Doctor of Biology (Ph.D.) Amgalanbaatar S. gave a talk on the management of hunting zones in Dundgovi Aimag. Additional presentations were given by representatives from the Sums of Saikhan-Ovoo, Derem, Bayanjargalan, and Saintsagaan. They reported on local environmental challenges and highlighted successful examples of cooperation between the population and authorities—such as the closure of unlicensed mining sites and the annulment of illegal permits.
A highlight of the event was the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Governor of Dundgovi Province, Mr. Munkhchuluun S., and Ms. Tseren T., Chair of the NGO "Owners of the Uudam Gobi Nature Conservation." The agreement provides for financial and organizational support for local environmental protection initiatives—both from civil society organizations and individual citizens.
Among the participants were:
- Mr. Mönkhchuluun S., Governor of Dundgovi
- O. Tsolmon, Advisor to the Governor
- N. Erdene-Ochir, Head of the Department of State Administration
- Ts. Erdenesuren, Head of the Department of Social Policy
- Representatives from the Department for Environment and Climate Change of Dundgovi Province
- Mr. Galtaikhuu G., Chair of the MECC
- Mr. Felix Glenk, Country Representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Mongolia
- Mr. Charles Bolland, Country Representative of the International Development Law Organization
- Subject matter experts, NGO representatives, and citizen delegates from several sums
Workshop to Promote Civic Engagement in Nature Conservation
The following day, a more in-depth thematic workshop was held in Saikhan-Ovoo Sum, attended by the Sum Governor as well as representatives of the local community and herders.
Dr. Amgalanbaatar S. presented a management plan for the regional environmental governance of Saikhan-Ovoo Sum. Dr. rer. nat. Oyunmaa J. presented current research findings on the vegetation in the region. Mr. Galtaikhuu G., Chair of the MECC, spoke about the role of citizen participation in environmental protection and, together with the participants, discussed pressing issues as well as proven solutions.
Particularly noteworthy were the discussions about the withdrawal of several special permits for economic use issued in Saikhan-Ovoo Sum and their significance for protecting local ecosystems, as well as the management planning and implementation of conservation measures in the hunting zones of Saikhan-Ovoo Sum.
At the end of the workshop, representatives of the MECC, together with the Governor's Office of Saikhan-Ovoo Sum, signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the development and transparent management of the Khadan District Park. Following this, a symbolic tree planting ceremony took place, during which 100 fruit and ornamental trees donated by the Chimid Foundation were planted in Khadan Khoshu Park—a joint symbol of commitment and sustainability in local environmental protection.
