The Billion Tree Fund has announced an expansion of its mountain reforestation efforts. The project will now cover five additional aimags across Mongolia. These include Arkhangai, Zavkhan, Bulgan, Khentii, and Dornod. Established in 2022, the fund has planted 3.5 million trees so far. The reported survival rate stands at an impressive 90 percent. Consequently, this mountain reforestation initiative builds on previous successes in Selenge aimag. Workers previously restored burned forest areas in Altanbulag with 3.2 million trees.
This spring, the mountain reforestation work begins across 11 specific sites. These sites cover a total area of 800 hectares. Professional forestry organizations will plant 2 million trees in these locations. Executive Director Bayarmaa B. signed cooperation agreements with local governors recently. Environmental officials and forestry companies also participated in the signing. The agreements remain valid for three years from now. Therefore, this mountain reforestation project will transfer restored forests back to the national forest fund. Professional forestry organizations will carry out all the work during this period.
The selected areas include forests damaged by wildfires and illegal logging. Environmental degradation has also harmed these vulnerable mountain regions. Large-scale mountain reforestation aims to restore degraded forests effectively. This work protects biodiversity and maintains ecological balance across Mongolia. Forests help preserve the permafrost that serves as local water sources. Consequently, these mountain reforestation efforts are vital for the environment. If workers do not carry out reforestation promptly, these forests risk losing natural characteristics. They could become steppe land permanently without intervention.
The Billion Tree Fund previously restored burned areas in Selenge aimag. Workers planted 3.2 million trees there and now monitor their growth. That project demonstrated the feasibility of large-scale mountain reforestation. The new expansion builds directly on that successful model. Furthermore, the initiative will strengthen local economies significantly. It creates stable employment opportunities for forestry businesses in each aimag. Regional development receives a boost from these long-term projects. Local communities benefit from both jobs and environmental restoration.
Looking ahead, the mountain reforestation project will continue for three years. Professional forestry organizations will handle planting, maintenance, and monitoring. After completing the work, they will transfer the forests back to state management. The national forest fund will then take over long-term stewardship. This model ensures sustainability and accountability throughout the process. The Billion Tree Fund remains committed to its 2022 founding mission. Ultimately, these mountain reforestation efforts contribute to Mongolia’s national climate goals. They also support biodiversity and water security for future generations. The government has praised this initiative as a model for public-private cooperation.
