The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mongolia Program advanced the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded "Rehabilitating and Conserving the Mountain Landscapes in Khangai Region of Mongolia for Improved Ecosystem Services and Community Livelihoods" project through the signing of five-year Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Governors’ Offices of Uvurkhangai, Arkhangai, and Bayankhongor provinces.
The formal signing establishes a clear framework for partnership and effective execution of efforts to restore and protect the Khangai ecosystem, which will run from 2025 to 2030 across eight targeted soums within the three provinces. The MOUs ensure clarity regarding the roles, responsibilities, and mutual contributions of all parties—including WCS Mongolia, the provincial governments, and other partners—towards achieving the project's conservation and development goals.
The agreements followed the project's inception workshop, which was co-organized by WCS Mongolia, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Participants of the project inception workshop.
Dr. Justine Shanti Alexander, WCS Mongolia Country Director, emphasized the importance of provincial partnerships in achieving conservation goals and WCS Mongolia's 2030 Strategy: "The Khangai Mountains are one of Mongolia’s Key Biodiversity Areas, home to unique ecosystems and communities whose livelihoods are deeply connected to this landscape. The signing of these MOUs with Uvurkhangai, Arkhangai, and Bayankhongor marks an exciting step toward restoring the health and resilience of the Khangai ecosystem. True progress can only be achieved through partnership with provincial governments, local herder communities, and the many dedicated organizations working in the region. We look forward to working together to turn our shared vision for a thriving Khangai into reality. "
MoU signed with the Governor of Uvurkhangai Province.
MoU signed with the Governor's Office of Arkhangai Province.
MoU signed with the Governor's Office of Bayankhongor Province.
Learn more about the Khangai Restoration project here.