A three-day national consultation on protecting nature began in Ulaanbaatar this week. The event brings together government leaders, conservation partners, and protected area authorities to review policy needs and shape a long-term environmental strategy. The government says protecting nature will guide future laws and investment.
The meeting runs from December 3 to 5 and involves over 200 participants. Representatives from ministries, local administrations, universities, NGOs, and international projects are contributing to the discussions. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change initiated the event with support from several global conservation partners.
Minister Batbaatar Bat said Mongolia must act because wildlife and natural resources cannot defend themselves. He noted that rangers enforce regulations, educate citizens, and respond to environmental violations. He also acknowledged that rangers often face conflict when stopping river pollution, wildfires, and illegal waste dumping.
A recent survey of nearly 1,400 rangers revealed challenges such as unclear authority, low budgets, and fragmented governance. Because of this, the ministry granted rangers temporary state inspector status for one year. Officials will review the results and refine legislation to reduce overlap and confusion.
Workforce shortages remain another priority. The government plans to enroll 2,000 environmental students in domestic and international programs in 2026. Minister Bat said Mongolia needs trained specialists as protected areas expand and responsibilities increase.
Throughout the consultation, participants examined the current condition of protected areas and reviewed funding levels. They also launched development of a national roadmap that will direct reform efforts and unify management practices. The roadmap will align budgets, staffing needs, conservation standards, and legal frameworks.
Delegates also discussed the 2026 action plan for protected area administrations. Training sessions and workshops supported managers and specialists during the event. These sessions aim to strengthen operational planning, coordination, and enforcement.
Many participants agreed that protecting nature requires long-term strategy, stronger governance, and reliable financing. The new roadmap may address those gaps and improve public trust.
By the end of the meeting, officials emphasized that protecting nature will remain a national priority. Next steps include drafting legislation, expanding training programs, and refining enforcement systems for 2026 and beyond.
