Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in Mongolia, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is launching a five-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Beginning in May 2025, the project aims to support the rehabilitation of the Khangai mountain landscapes and improve livelihoods for local communities in Central Mongolia.
The project, titled "Rehabilitating and Conserving the Mountain Landscapes in Khangai Region of Mongolia for Improved Ecosystem Services and Community Livelihoods," aims to restore 23,800 hectares of degraded land, improve management of 634,000 hectares, and empower 10,000 people across eight soums in Arkhangai, Bayankhongor, and Uvurkhangai aimags. Key components include nature-based solutions (NbS), integrated land management, community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), and knowledge sharing.
“This new GEF-funded initiative reflects FAO’s commitment to restoring vital ecosystems and strengthening community resilience in Mongolia. We are pleased to collaborate with WCS and our national partners to deliver tangible results for both people and the environment,” said Vinod Ahuja, FAO Representative ad interim to Mongolia.
“This GEF-funded project is a step toward reversing environmental degradation and empowering communities to sustainably manage their landscapes,” said Dr. Justine Shanti Alexander, Country Director of WCS Mongolia. “It aligns with WCS Mongolia’s Program Strategy for 2030, Mongolia’s Vision 2050 and global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
WCS Mongolia will lead the implementation, working closely with FAO, MECC, local governments, communities, and private sector partners.
For more information on the partner organizations involved, please visit the FAO website at https://www.fao.org/mongolia/en and the GEF website at https://www.thegef.org.