The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mongolia has entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mongolian Transline LLC, effective October 10, 2025. This partnership aims to bolster wildlife conservation efforts in Dornogovi Province while promoting sustainable infrastructure development.
WCS Mongolia, which has been active in the country since 2003, focuses on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem integrity through collaborative strategies involving government, private sector partners, and local communities.
Mongolian Transline LLC, responsible for the Zunbayan–Khangi railway project, joins forces to address environmental challenges associated with linear infrastructure.
Under the MOU, the two organizations will collaborate on joint research, monitoring, and public awareness initiatives to assess and mitigate the railway's potential impacts on local wildlife.
Key activities include evaluating the effectiveness of existing wildlife passages—such as underpasses, overpasses, and level crossings—mapping species-specific movement patterns, and implementing best practices for wildlife-friendly designs.
The partnership will also emphasize capacity building through training for engineers and environmental staff, and the development of evidence-based recommendations to minimize barriers like fencing along the rail corridor. These efforts align with Mongolia's national environmental laws and international standards for integrating biodiversity into infrastructure planning.
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding the unique Gobi steppe ecosystem, ensuring that economic development coexists with ecological health. A joint working group, comprising representatives from both parties, will oversee implementation, conduct regular evaluations, and foster transparent communication.
WCS Mongolia Director Dr. Justine Shanti Alexander and Mongolian Transline LLC Director Ts. Baldorj signed the agreement, highlighting the potential for this initiative to serve as a model for future projects nationwide. For more information, contact WCS Mongolia at their Ulaanbaatar office.