Mongolia and UNESCAP are preparing to launch a regional initiative combating sand and dust storms. This announcement will coincide with the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention. Consequently, this collaboration marks a significant step toward addressing a worsening regional environmental challenge.
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Sandag-Ochir Tsend met with UNESCAP official Ganbold Baasanjav recently. During their meeting, both discussed strengthening cooperation ahead of COP17’s upcoming proceedings. Additionally, this initiative involves partnership with the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat representing China, Japan and Korea.
Last year, the United Nations General Assembly declared the coming decade dedicated to combating sand and dust storms specifically. As part of this broader effort, UNESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana plans to formally launch the initiative. Notably, Alisjahbana co-chairs the UN Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms internationally.
During discussions, Battulga Erkhembayar, director of Mongolia’s meteorological agency, outlined current environmental monitoring efforts underway. Furthermore, participants exchanged views regarding future collaboration opportunities across several technical areas. Specifically, officials emphasized expanding monitoring stations while improving assessment and predictive modeling capabilities.
Moreover, cooperation will likely include enhanced technical collaboration and specialized training for environmental professionals. These efforts aim to strengthen Mongolia’s capacity to track and respond to sand and dust storms effectively. Therefore, this partnership reflects growing international recognition of desertification’s regional and global consequences.
The UN Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms unites more than twenty specialized agencies worldwide. Together, these organizations support nations most severely affected by this escalating environmental issue. Consequently, Mongolia’s involvement positions the country as a key regional partner in this effort.
Looking ahead, officials expect this initiative to strengthen long-term monitoring and mitigation strategies significantly. As sand and dust storms continue affecting communities across Asia, coordinated international action remains increasingly essential. Ultimately, this partnership signals stronger regional commitment toward addressing environmental degradation collaboratively going forward.
