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Convention on Convention on biological diversity biological diversity The 5th National Report of biolohJA JJa folea YeehcO beiide& oa KnWWn}A. T he al diversity Convention on biologi c al diversity 5 t h N a t io n al R epo rt

of M o n golia

Ministry of Environment and Green Development Steppe Forward Programme, Government building II, Biology Department, United Nation’s street 5/2, National University of Mongolia th Chingeltei District, 15160, NUM, Building-2, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia The 5 National Report of Mongolia P.O.Box 537, Ulaanbaatar 210646A, Tel: 976-51-266197 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 976-99180148; 976-88305909; 976-88083058 Mongolia E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Designed by Mongolica Publishing 2014 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 2014 Convention on biological diversity Convention on biological diversity

Financed by: Ministry of Environment and Green Development Convention on Biological Diversity-Mongolia Global Environment Facility United Nations Environmental Program

Convention on biological diversity the 5th National report of mongolia

Report compilers:

Compiled by: s. Gombobaatar Steppe Forward Programme, NUM s. Myagmarsuren n. Conaboy М. Мunkhjargal taxon Compilers: plant: B. Oyuntsetseg, M. Urgamal invertebrate: S. Gantigmaa Fish, , : Kh. Тerbish bird: S. Gombobaatar mammal: S. Shar Contributions from: editors: National University of Mongolia Institute of Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences d. Batbold Mongolian Ornithological Society s. Gombobaatar Zoological Society of London n. Conaboy The Nature Conservancy translators: Ministry of Education and Science e. Unurjargal Forest Research and Development Department М. Мunkhjargal Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology National Renewable Energy Centre layout, Design, and Photographs: National Remote Sensing Centre ©Mongolica Publishing Administration of Land Affairs, Geodesy and Cartography Mongolica Рublishing Contact Address: World Wide Fund ildlife onservation ociety W C S Ministry of Environment and Green Development Wildlife Science and Conservation Centre Government building II, United Nation’s street 5/2, Conservation Fund Chingeltei District, Ulaanbaatar 15160, Mongolia National Livestock Genetic Resource Centre Mongolian Society for Rangeland Management Tel: 976-51-266197 Ecological Education Centre, NUM E-mail: [email protected]

Steppe Forward Programme, Biology Department, National University of Mongolia NUM, Building-2, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia P.O.Box 537, Ulaanbaatar 210646A, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Tel: 976-99180148; 976-88305909; 976-88083058 E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Convention on biological diversity Convention on biological diversity

Abbreviations

ALAGAC- Administration of Land Affairs, Geodesy and Cartography Table of Contents CBD- Convention on Biological Diversity FAO- Food and Agriculture Organization

Abbreviations ...... 7 GEF- Global Environmental Facility Foreword ...... 8 GIZ- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit Executive summary ...... 10 IUCN- International Union for Conservation of Nature Chapter 1. Status, trends and threats of biodiversity, and its impact on the LPA- Local Protected Area well-being of human lives MAS- Mongolian Academy of Science Climate change ...... 15 MCST- Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism Water shortage ...... 16 MCC- Millennium Challenge Corporation Land use ...... 17 MDG- Millennium Development Goals Desertificatioin ...... 18 FLORA MEGD- Ministry of Environment and Green Development Vascular plants ...... 21 MEDS- Ministry of Education and Sciences ...... 24 MNET- Ministry of Natural Environment and Tourism (former) Moss ...... 26 MOS- Mongolian Ornithological Society ...... 26 MSUE- Mongolian State University of Education FAUNA NAMEM- National Agency of Meteorology and Environment Monitoring and other invertebrates ...... 29 NPA- National Protected Area Fish ...... 36 NBAP- National Biodiversity Action Plan Amphibian ...... 41 Reptile ...... 45 NBSAP- National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan Bird ...... 50 NGO- Non-Government Organization Mammal ...... 58 NUM- National University of Mongolia Chapter 2: The National Biodiversity Action Plan, The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity SDC- Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and Aichi Biodiversity Targets TNC- The Nature Conservancy Target 1-5 ...... 64 US- United States Target 6-10 ...... 81 UNDP- United Nations Development Programme Target 11-15 ...... 90 UNEP- United Nations Environmental Programme Target 16- 20 ...... 104 Chapter 3: Conclusion - Progress Towards the Aichi 2011-2020 Biodiversity Targets UNFAO- United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Conclusion ...... 110 WCS- Wildlife Conservation Society References ...... 131 WSCC- Wildlife Science and Conservation Centre Annex and appendix ...... 138 WWF- World Wide Fund for Nature ZSL- Zoological Society of London Convention on biological diversity Convention on biological diversity

Foreword

Conserving our natural world, which forms the In the frame of implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity, I am basis for human health, well-being and develop- pleased to see that the work to study, conserve and ensure the sustainable use of ment, is the responsibility of every individual, or- biodiversity has more success stories than failures. Despite all the good work that ganisation and nation on the planet. The Conven- has been conducted, however, I would like to highlight that there is still a great tion on Biological Diversity, which aims to facilitate deal of work to be done. It is important that we move forward to cooperate and this, was opened for signature at the United Na- increase our efforts regarding issues of desertification, pollution, invasive , tions conference on Environment and Develop- research and conservation of endangered wildlife, and the sustainable use of our ment in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, many countries species in order to lead us towards green development. have since joined the convention and are cooper- ating in numerous ways to conserve the world’s It is hoped those reading this National Report will be able to judge the rate of biodiversity. Mongolia became a signatory in 1993, success which Mongolia has achieved in working towards its first National Biodiver- and subsequently the Mongolian Government introduced the National Biodiversity sity Action Plan and the Aichi 2012-2020 Biodiversity Targets. Action Plan in 1996.

I would like to thank the ministries, agencies, scientists, researchers and non- To appreciate biodiversity one needs to have an understanding beyond spe- government organisations which provided valuable information and data for the cies level, to be able to see the natural world in a broader context which involves report. genetic diversity, , invasive species, environmental factors and natural dy- namics and systems. I believe that together we can continue our valued efforts towards the conser- vation of biodiversity, not just for the benefit of Mongolia but also for the world as In the frame of the National Biodiversity Action Plan, Mongolia has been taking a whole. measures and implementing various activities to study and conserve biodiversity and to ensure the sustainable use of it for human well-being. Today, 18 years since Mongolia released its first National Biodiversity Action Plan, we are planning to take on the responsibility to update and enrich it.

Parliament member, As Mongolia is a signed party to the Convention on Biological Diversity, ratified Member of Mongolian Government, by UN Assembly, our responsibilities are to fulfil the provision of the convention, for Minister of Environment and Green Development which we present the Fifth National Report to the Convention and the wider pub- Dr. S.Oyun lic. The report includes the measures undertaken since 2009 towards the National Biodiversity Action Plan and the Aichi Targets and the progress, results, success and challenges of implementation. The report has been produced according to the guidelines of the Secretariat of the Convention and developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Green Development, international and national government and non-government organisations and researchers.

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Negative impacts are: • Degradation of oasis systems in the Gobi and desert regions, which are used by executive herders and farmers; shrubs and willows which are vital to the oasis system became re- s U M M A R Y gionally extinct between studies in 2006 and 2010. • Distribution range of many fish has decreased. During the previous 13-14 years, Structure of this report the water level of lakes and rivers in the Gobi region has lowered to its minimum level. Mongolia’s 5th National Report follows the structure outlined by the guidelines of the Many rivers, lakes and springs have dried up throughout the country, thus having a nega- CBD secretariat. The main body of information for the report comes from: tive impact on the distribution and population of fishes. • Written contributions from Mongolian taxonomic experts in the given fields in part • Decrease in distribution of . The drying of surface water points has also one of the report led to reduced habitats for amphibians. For example the population of Siberian salamander • Mongolia’s current NBAP in the basin near Ulaanbaatar has declined, and the Mongolian has not been • Written contributions and reports from Mongolian government ministries seen at all in recent years in this same region. • Written contributions from NGOs and NFP organisations conducting work in fields of biodiversity conservation and development in Mongolia What are the main threats to biodiversity in your country? The report is summarised using the questions asked in the guidelines and concise an- Climate change: Annual average temperature in Mongolia increased by 2.14°C be- swers given following the report content. tween 1940 and 2008. Against global averages for the period 1880-2012 of + 0.85°C. The area of glaciers decreased by 12.3% in 1940-1990, 9.8% in 1990-2000 and 11.7% in Why is Biodiversity important for your country? 2000-2010, totaling in 27.8% loss in the past 70 years with an accelerated loss noted in Mongolia is susceptible to climate change due to its location, vulnerable ecosystems the past decade. and economic system that is highly dependent on seasonal climates. There have been significant changes over the past 40 years in anthropogenic activities from population in- degradation: Due to the change in livestock herd composition, the goat popu- creases, changes in farming and herding, and human population distribution. Coupled with lation has increased rapidly to occupy 40% of herds and there is an excess of 32.5% or 16 climate changes involving lower precipitation rates and the drying of many surface water million head of sheep over the advised national herd quota. This has significantly contrib- sources these changes put Mongolia in a position where the buffering and recovery poten- uted to overgrazing and pasture land degradation. There have also been major alterations tial of a healthy ecosystem are more important than ever to curb the impacts of climate to the soil and vegetation across Mongolia due to unsustainable husbandry and changes and stochastic environmental events. agricultural practices. Forested areas have also seen a decline in size.

What major changes have taken place in the status and trends of biodiversity in your Desertification: The distribution of areas considered to suffer from severe and very country? severe desertification changed drastically, with new additions to the category of very se- Positive trends in biodiversity are: vere. Over 90% of pastureland in Mongolia is considered to be currently susceptible to the • Increase in the number of known species in Mongolia. Since the 4th national report impacts of reduced precipitation, and ground water and overgrazing. the number of known fungi, lichen, plant, insect and bird species found in Mongolia has risen. This indicates there is a continuing need for baseline studies in order to determine Pollution: Due to a growth in mining operations near large river beds, such as Orkhon exactly the status of taxonomic groups. and Selenge, pollution has become a significant problem. The breeding migration route of • Mongolia has conducted IUCN Red List assessments of its entire known vertebrate the Omul fish has been shortened because of pollution caused by mining operations. As a species. This is a vital step towards understanding conservation needs and developing suc- result, spawn deaths have increased. Following a study in the area, experts estimated that cessful conservation strategies. the breeding migration of Omul fish only continues for 5 kilometers from Sukhbaatar city.

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Experts concluded that is no longer valuable to the breeding migration of How effectively has biodiversity been mainstreamed into relevant sectoral and cross-sec- Omul fish. Additionally the development of infrastructure following mining and exploration toral strategies, plans and programmes? activities is fueling the threats to the natural landscape. Additions to the national curriculm at all levels have been introduced, a number of publications and government outreach has been implemented, government structural What are the impacts of the changes in biodiversity for ecosystem services and the socio- changes to allow MEGD to work cross-sectorally to review planning and industrial practaces economic and cultural implications of these impacts? and additions to the law have had implications towards the mainstreaming of biodiversity Ecosystem services associated with healthy grasslands, arboreal forest and semi-arid throughout the public and into the national decision making processes. Mongolia became saxaul forests are likely to be reduced by changes in Mongolia’s biodiversity. Although all one of thirty countries to aim towards a green economy in 2020 following the Green Econ- services have not been quantified the most important are likely to include gas exchange, omy Initiative and the UN’s PAGE programme. Carbon storage, services having a noticeable impact are those associated with desertifica- tion – water storage, soil structure and composition, nutrient storage and cycling. How fully has your national biodiversity strategy and action plan been implemented? Of the 87 actions detailed in Mongolia’s 1996 NBAP over 96% are complete or near What are the biodiversity targets set by your country? complete. Mongolia is now at a juncture between its NBAP and the development of new Mongolia’s NBAP consists of 21 overall targets with a total of 87 activities, 96% of objectives in line with the Aichi 2011-2020 targets in the new NBSAP. which have been carried out. Mongolia is in the process of renewing its targets in a new NBSAP to coincide with the Aichi 2011-2020 targets. What progress has been made by your country towards the implementation of the strate- gic plan for biodiversity 2011-2020 and its Aichi Targets? How has your national biodiversity strategy and action plan been updated to incorporate Mongolia is developing a new NBSAP with targets to be in line with the Aichi 2011- these targets and to serve as an effective instrument to mainstream biodiversity? 2020 targets, thus many of the objectives being worked towards until this point have been The updates to the national targets are ongoing however the implementation of Mon- part of the NBAP produced in 1996. However a number of the actions do fit with early golia’s NBAP was subject to two reviews in 2002 and 2010 respectively. The actions as a stages of work needed towards the Aichi targets. Therefore Mongolia has made reasonable result of this included the establishment of an implementation committee to oversee steps early stage progress towards most of the Aichi targets however there is still considerable towards targets. A fund was also established to aid this process. work to do in shaping the new NBSAP to the Aichi targets and increasing the effectiveness of national outputs towards the Aichi targets. What actions has your country taken to implement the Convention since the fourth report and what have been the outcomes of these actions? What has been the contribution of actions to implement the convention towards the In accordance with the decisions made at the COP 10, Mongolia joined and is contrib- achievement of the relevant 2015 targets of the Millennium Development Goals in your uting to the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable country? Sharing of Benefits, Cartagena protocol on Biosafety and The Nagoya – Kuala Lumpur Sup- A number of programmes have been implemented to reduce biodiversity loss (MDG plementary Protocol on Liability and Redress in Jan 26, 2012. These actions were approved 7.B) and integrate principles of sustainable development (MDG 7. A) under Target 4 – Sus- by the Mongolian Parliament in December 20, 2012. tainable consumption and production, actions such as the reduction in land under natural Major contributions to Mongolia’s efforts have included increased land under Special resource extraction from 25.2% in 2009 to 12.9% in 2013, forest and steppe fires were re- Protected Area status to 17.4% of total land area; engagement with the public and in- duced through the implementation of fire management systems adopted in 2013. In addi- creased mainstreaming of biodiversity into education and policy with the broadening of the tion to this pastureland thresholds were assessed during 2010-2011 and common National role the Ministry of Environment and Green Development across sectors. Methodology of Pasture Health legislation was approved in 2011.

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сhapter 1.

Status, trend and threats of biodiversity, and its impact on the well-being of human lives

and 386 km in 2010. The area of glaciers Climate Change has decreased by 12.3% in 1940-1990, a

Mongolia is susceptible to climate further 9.8% in 1990-2000 and 11.7% in change due to its location, vulnerable 2000-2010, totaling in 27.8% loss in the ecosystem and an economic system that past 70 years. The melting of glaciers has is dependent on seasonal climates. In intensified in the last decade. the past 40 years, climate change and The evaporation of surface water has other anthropogenic activities have had increased by 118.1mm since 1961, while a significant impact on the Mongolian precipitation has decreased by 33.0 mm, ecosystem, resulting in desertification, resulting in aridity and becoming the main increased occurrences of drought, water cause of desertification. The spring runoff source depletion, and a decrease in occurs a month sooner, lengthening the biological diversity as well as affecting the period during which vegetation is without well-being of local communities. snow cover. This has resulted in an increase

The annual average temperature in in soil degradation, thus the number of Mongolia increased by 2.14ºC between dust storms per day in the countryside has 1940 and 2008. When comparing this to increased by 3-4 times since the 1960’s. the global annual average temperature, In 2006, the total emission of which raised 0.85 ºC during 1880-2012, greenhouse gases in Mongolia reached climate change is occurring rapidly in Chapter 1: 18,868 (thousand tons of CO2 equivalent). Mongolia, melting glaciers and permafrost. Status, trends The net output after taking out absorbents The area under ice cap on Kharkhiraa, and threats of (greenhouse gases, dust particles and Turgen, Munkhkhairkhan, Tsambagaraw other pro greenhouse gas elements that biodiversity, and and the Sair mountains has decreased by enter the atmosphere) is 15,628 thousand its impact on the 30 percent from 1992 to 2002. The total tons of CO2. Out of the whole greenhouse area of glaciers was approximately 535km well-being of gas emission, 54.2% are from energy human lives in 1940, 490km in 1990, 438 km in 2000, the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -14- the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -15- Convention on biological diversity Convention on biological diversity

deposition, 34.2% from agriculture and reported human deaths, 1,100 livestock were running while 551 rivers were dry. to increase. In 2011-2012, 188 entities rest from private land use, decreased deaths, 2.8 billion tugrugs (1.6 mln USD) Out of 3,613 lakes, 3,130 had standing reported water use. Of those entities, forest areas, industry and anthropogenic worth of damages were reported in 2011, water while 483 had dried. Out of 10,557 123 held licenses for gold and placer waste. while in 2012, 19 human deaths, 8,444 springs and wells, 8,970 had water operations. livestock deaths, and 17 billion 132 million whereas 1,587 were dry. Throughout Furthermore, the occurrences of Land Use tugrugs worth of damages were inflicted. Mongolia, there are 34,313 wells, of which water and climate related dangers and 26,208 belong to mining operations, and As of 2012, 73.7% of land is being other natural disasters in 2011-2012 According to forecasts, the annual 1,595 are broken. used for agriculture, farming, and grazing, had grown in number since previous average temperate in Mongolia is expected 0.44% for urbanized cities and settlements, years. In 2011, there were a total of 70 to get warmer by 2.1 – 3.0ºC by 2050 and There was shortage in precipitation in 0.27% for infrastructure, 11.79% forested, reported dangerous weather warnings, 3.1 – 5.0ºC by the end of the century. Mongolia until 2011, which resulted in the 0.43% for water bodies, and 16% for of which 16 were heavy rain, 15 were Precipitation will increase by 6-15% by drying of many rivers and lakes including strictly national government purposes. floods, and 11 were heavy storms. These 2030, 7-15% by 2050 in the winter, and Orog, Taatsiin Tsagaan, Adgiin Tsagaan, numbers multiplied in 2012, with 140 by 50% after that. Khaya, Ulaan nuur lakes in the Gobi and Out of this, land use for mining reported weather warnings mostly made Ulaan tsutgalan waterfall in Arkhangai. purposes is drawing attention. Although Water Shortage up of heavy rain, 35 floods, 19 thunder However, precipitation became abundant mining is beneficial to a country’s and lightning, 16 gusty winds, 13 storms Based on the report from a water from 2012, and Taatsiin Tsagaan, Adgiin development, it is one of the main causes such as blizzards and sandstorms. Due census conducted across Mongolian in Tsagaan, Ulaan and Orog lakes have of land degradation. Exploration projects, to dangerous weather there were 13 2011, out of 6,646 counted rivers 6,095 restored to full capacity. preparation of building materials, road construction, geological studies, The permanence of flow in Mongolian construction of buildings and structures rivers was 82% in 2011, with minimal are impacting the landscape by stripping water runoff, while in 2012, permanence the soil, building up dirt piles and of flow was 44% with average run off digging trenches, causing technical soil and many rivers, springs and wells had degradation. Along with this, large heavy restored water levels. Although the flow machinery making branch roads alongside of surface water is increasing, the level of tarmacked roads in the countryside, underground water is continuing to decline. raising dust and polluting the surrounding For example, based on a nationwide environment. There is a lack of restoration study at water holes conducted from projects for these activities as well. 2000 to 2012, the underground water

level decreased by 0.63 meters at Murun At the time of publication, of the 9,856.3 soum of Khuvsgul province, 2.3 meters ha of land that has been degraded, 699.4 at , and 0.36 meters at Ekhiin ha were caused by geological exploration river of province. activities, 8,028.6 ha were caused by mineral exploitation, 205 ha were caused Due to an increase in mining by activities for defense purposes, 125.5 operations in Mongolia, water use, ha by construction, engineering grids especially underground water use is likely the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -16- the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -17- Convention on biological diversity Convention on biological diversity

and lines and 797.2 ha were caused by was medium, 6.7% was severe and 9.9% Orkhon valley and Dornod steppe were in steppe and Gobi regions, and 10-15 infrastructure developments. was very severe in terms of the level of notable additions. However, very severe percent in forest and high mountain areas. desertification. desertification areas such as Great Lakes In warm seasons, atmospheric climate Based on national statistics on Valley and some of Uvurkhangai, Dundgobi rapidly rises, which is due to the aridity damages to pasture land, 7.8 million The areas where severe desertification province’s deserted area classification was level we see today. ha of pasture land of vegetation cover occurred were: and Durgun downgraded from very severe to severe, were damaged in 2012, which makes up soums of province; Umnugobi Overgrazing has become the and the distributions of these areas are 95.6% of damages inflicted on land. If we soum of ; Santmargats soum main source of desertification and land likely to reduce. breakdown the types of damages caused of ; Khaliun soum of degradation in Mongolia. This is in part due to pasture land, 2.3 million ha were over Gobi-Altai, and soums There was no occurrence of to the lack of pastureland use management grazed, 8.6 thousand ha were caused by of Bayankhongor; Bayandelger soum of desertification in 10.4% of Mongolia’s and policies. Livestock numbers continue wind and water erosions, 384.1 thousand Tuv province; and Bayankhutag total land. However, 39% of total land to rise steadily in Mongolia. And based ha were inflicted by sand movements, soums of ; Matad, had been deserted due to anthropogenic on reports on land relation, geodesy and 2.2 million ha were degraded by rodents Chuluunkhoroot, Gurvanzagal and Khalkh and secondary impacts, while 50.6% was cartography, the grazing capacity has been and , 2.7 million ha caused by gol soums of Dornod; Erdentsagaan, deserted due to mainly natural impacts. exceeded by 32.5% or 16 million head desertification, 124.5 thousand ha were Sukhbaatar and Tuwshinshiree soums of Based on this, we can calculate that 56% of sheep. Due to the change in livestock degraded by mining activities. There Sukhbaatar province; Khatanbulag and of very severe and severe desertification herds, the population of goat has increased were also 218.7 thousand ha that were Zamiin Uud soums of Dornogobi province; areas were impacted by natural causes rapidly to occupy 40% of herds. This has damaged by wildfires, 63.2 thousand ha Khanbogd, Tsot tsetsii and Manlai soums while 44% was impacted by human significantly contributed to overgrazing. damaged by pests, 147.8 thousand ha of Umnugobi province; Gobi-, activities. Since the 1970’s, the Gobi region cut of damaged forest, bushes and saxaul Bayanjargalan, Gurvansaikhan and Besides the precipitation level, the down a large amount of saxaul forest for forests, 43 ha of area damaged by Undurshil soums of Dundgobi province; general summer rain shower characteristics fuel purposes. Due to this, 125 thousand mineral resource exploration and other Sumber soum of Gobisumder province have changed. Not only has rain stopped hectares of saxaul was deforested, and 3.5 thousand hectares damage by other Areas bordering very severe covering a wide range, the duration of 370 thousand hectares of saxaul have factors. desertification are classified as severe rain has shortened. Based on a number of lost the ability to naturally replenish and Desertification desertification areas. These consist of: studies, aridity has increased by 3.2-10% grow, thus becoming a driving force for Nomgon, Mandal- and Tsogt-Ovoo desertification. Calculations based on the methods soums of Umnugobi; Baruun Bayan Ulaan outlined in the UN’s Convention to Combat and Burd soums of Uvurkhangai; Bayan- Desertification (CCD) showed that Ovoo, Bumbugur and Bogd soums of approximately 90 percent of pasture land ; Tugrugs soum of in Mongolia lies within a vulnerable region Gobi-Altai. that is susceptible to desertification and land degradation. A report produced by Comparing the 2006 study report to scientists in 2010 showed that 77.8% of the 2010 report, the distribution of severe Mongolian landscape has been degraded and very severe desertification areas on some level. Of this, 35.3% was changed drastically, with new additions considered to be lightly affected, 25.9% to the very severe category. For example, the northern area of Bayankhongor, the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -18- the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -19- Convention on biological diversity Convention on biological diversity

PLANT Status, Trends, and Threats

Flora

VASCULAR PLANTS Some of the largest Mongolian In recent years, 292 species plant families include: Asteraceae (451 belonging to 20 genera, under 1 family species), Fabaceae (349 species), of vascular higher plants were recorded Poaceae (257 species), Rosacea (156 in Mongolia. As of today, there are 3,014 species), and Brassicaceae (149 species), species belonging to 676 genera, 112 while the largest genera are: Astragalus families, 39 orders, 14 classes of 5 phyla (128 species), Artemisia (105 species), (Urgamal et al., 2013). The number of Oxytropis (97 species), Carex (92 species) species shows that it has increased in and Potentilla (69 species) (Urgamal et al., recent years (table 1). 2013) (table 2).

Table 1. Historical records of the number of species of vascular plants in Mongolia

Taxon 1955 1982 1989 1996 2005 2009 2010 2013

Family 97 103 122 128 130 134 132 112 555 599 625 662 666 ~ 680 ~ 680 676 Species 1,897 2,239 2,443 2,823 2,930 2,946 2,950 3,014

Table 2. Largest plant families in Mongolian flora

Number of Number of Family Percent genus Species

Asteraceae 84 451 14.95 Fabaceae 27 349 11.57 Poaceae 62 257 8.52 Rosaceae 28 156 5.17 Brassicaceae 58 149 4.94 Cyperaceae 13 132 4.37 Ranunculaceae 21 131 4.34 Lamiaceae 24 101 3.34 Amaranthaceae 28 99 3.28 Caryophyllaceae 21 91 3.01

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The families that gained the most The ‘Mongolian Plant Family’ (20 Major publications on Mongolian plants There were no records of extinction new species of vascular higher plants books) series will continue to be published, due to climate change and natural causes. were (table 3): Asteraceae (49 species), assisting further detailed theoretical study However, there were a few species, whose Fabaceae (42 species), Poaceae (19 of plants as well as contributing to the distribution area has decreased due to species), Brassicaceae (19 species) development of botany in Mongolia. habitat loss, and the vegetation period and Rosaceae (17 species), while the skipped a season which resulted in a Large publications such as ‘Moss geographical regions with most species shortage of resources. Flora of Mongolia’ and ‘Flora of Northern recorded were: Mongol Altai (117 species), Mongolia’ were published in in Khentii (67 species), Mongol Daguur (58 Mongolian plant conservation has 2010. These publications featured species species), Zuungariin Gobi (40 species) always been a focus of government of southern Mongolia as well as 9 variety and Khuvsgul (24 species). agencies as well as the public. This species of 4 subspecies, 456 species, and is mainly because Mongolian flora is 41 families of moss found throughout considered a “model” setting to view the Table 3. Number of new species of vascular higher plants which were recorded in Mongolia /total 292/ plant origin and ecological development

Number of Number of Number of of plants growing in southern Siberian, Family Family Family Species Species Species Central Asian and Eastern Asia (especially

Amaranthaceae 8 Euphorbiaceae 1 Orobanchaceae 6 the Manchuria). Furthermore, the flora of Amaryllidaceae 4 Fabaceae 42 Papaveraceae 4 Apiaceae 5 Gentianaceae 2 Pinaceae 1 Mongolia is comprised of many rare and Asparagaceae 3 Geraniaceae 1 Plantaginaceae 3 endemic species; therefore, conservation Asteraceae 49 Iridaceae 7 Poaceae 19 Boraginaceae 14 Juncaceae 1 Primulaceae 2 measures for these species must consider Brassicaceae 19 Lamiaceae 12 Ranunculaceae 14 Caprifoliaceae 2 Liliaceae 3 Rhamnaceae 1 the ecology, distribution and biological Caryophyllaceae 8 Lythraceae 2 Rosaceae 17 attributes as a whole. It is important to Cyperaceae 8 Nitrariaceae 1 Thymelaeaceae 1 Cystopteridaceae 1 Onagraceae 1 Violaceae 8 identify the status of rare species and Dryopteridaceae 1 Onocleaceae 2 Таримал 12 Ericaceae 5 Orchidaceae 1 determine the conservation plans to ensure the well-being of the Mongolian ecosystem and nature as a whole. The publications of ‘Mongolian Plant Mongolia. The mosses were also reclassified Family’ series of field books, which are in accordance with the new classification During the Mongolian fourth national Mongolian based on years of research studies, have being used around the world today. The biodiversity database forum held in and international experts and researchers begun. These books are valuable to not book contains distribution maps of 444 October of 2011, over 150 species were determined the status of over 150 species only Mongolia, but global botany research. species of moss, with identification keys classified using the IUCN’s Red List of plants classified as Endangered in the Currently series 10 and 17 have been and illustrations. criteria. Mongolian botanists have set a Mongolian law on flora and Mongolian published. These books feature overviews goal to classify the conservation status In the frame of evaluation of plant Red List. The 30 experts used IUCN’s of 204 species of plants, which include of all reported plant species in Mongolia. conservation status outlined in section 2 of Regional Red List categories and criteria , identification keys, detailed The realization of this goal will be vital objective 16 of the Global Strategy of Plant to determine the status of plants. information of the species, vegetation for determining an accurate conservation Conservation, The Mongolian Red List of period, habitat and distribution within policy for plants. Plants and Conservation Action Plans were Mongolia. published in 2012.

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In the scope of the Supplementary Ericaceae, Paeoniaceae, Papaveraceae, Artthonia mediella, Basidia circumspect, Cladoniaceae, Peltigeraceae and Forest Resource Atlas (distribution, Ranunculaceae, Fumariaceae, Blastenia furfuracea, Calicium viride, are distributed in the resource, evaluation) published in 2011, Grossulariaceae, Saxifragaceae, Caloplaca chlorine, Cyphelium karelicum, southern parts of Mongolia. the distribution-resource of vital forest Grossulariaceae, Pyrolaceae, and Lecanora allophana, L.boligera, which have characteristics of ancient components such as Siberian Pine, Vacciniaceae). Also, 2,500 species of 600 L.cadubriae, L.subintricata, Lepraria Mediterranean species are Lecanoraceae, 9 species of fruits, and 7 species of genera, 119 families of 5 phyla have been ecorticata, L.rigidula, Leptogium subtile, Acarosporaceae, Collemataceae, mushrooms were identified and evaluated converted to digital editions. Ochrolechias zatalaлnsis, O.turneri, Verrucariaceae and Teloschictaceae, which by bio-ecological factors. The publication Placynthiella dasaea, Rinodina freyi, grow in the western part of Mongolia. At the moment, there are about aims to manage forest resource usage R.septentrionalis, R.trevisanii (table 4). Currently, there are 58 interdemic 124,000 collections at the Herbarium activities as well as set a quote for logging. and 4 native species of lichens recorded of Institute of Botany, including: 83,000 Table 4. Largest lichen families (number of The publication will set the foundation for in Mongolia. In 2013, Aspicilia hedinii (H. collections of vascular plants, 18,700 species and genera) this sector’s database. Magn.) Oksner, Cladonia mongolica Ach., mosses, 15,000 lichen, 4,000 algae, 3,500 Number Number Peltula zabolotnoji (Elenkin) N.S. Golubk. Herbarium and collection database collections of mushroom and 20 high tip Family of Genus of Species were recorded as new species, while plants and 6,000 collections from foreign Currently, there are information Acarosporaceae 4 51 the distribution of Aspicilia changaica countries. Bacidiaceae 6 21 sheets for 2,844 species of 681 genera of (Klem.) N.S. Golubk., Lobaria retigera Cladoniaceae 2 65 134 families available on the herbarium About 61,645 collections of 2,800 (Bory.) Trevis, Rhizoplaca baranowii Collemataceae 2 32 database in Mongolia. The photographic species of 600 genera of 111 families have (Poelt) Goluk., Squamarina pamirica N.S. Hymeneliaceae 4 58 database contains 2,821 photographs been converted to digital versions. Golubk., Aspicilia esculenta (Pall.) Flagey., Lecanoraceae 9 73 Cetraria alvеrensis (Wahlenb.) Vain., of 1,245 species of plants in nature, Parmeliaceae 33 147 Lichen including 356 photographs of flowers, 137 Physciaceae 10 94 Nephromopsis komarovii (Elenkin.) J. photographs of leaves and 93 photographs There are approximately 26,000 Rhizocarpaceae 2 19 C.Wei, Cetraria potaninii Oksner., Cetraria of fruits. Point distribution maps of 335 lichens reported across the globe. In Umbilicariaceae 2 36 species are also available on the database Mongolia, there are 1,050 species of Lichenaceae 12 23 system. 63 family, 12 orders of 4 classes. In Peltigeraceae 3 31 comparison to the report from 2010, 19 Pertusareaceae 2 18 The Vascular higher plant collection new species were reported, increasing Teloschictaceae 4 47 database contains 2,600 pages of Verrucariaceae 11 63 the recorded species richness of lichens herbarium data of 120 species of 80 genera Total 104 778 in Mongolia. The new species include: of 12 families (Apiaceae, Crassulaceae, The 778 species of lichens featured on the chart make up 74% of the lichens in Mongolia. The lichens growing in Mongolia are unique in that they contain characteristics of lichen families growing in Holarctic, Mediterranean Sea and eastern Asia. Lichen families with strong characteristics of Holarctic lichens such as Physciaceae, the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -24- the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -25- Convention on biological diversity Convention on biological diversity

steppae (Savicz) Cogt, Cladonia kanewskii From 1998 to 2012, there were 5 There are about 700 samples of Studies included identifying basic Oksner, Сaloplaca lenae Sochting et new species recorded at Khentii Region, 282 species of 102 genera, 39 family parameters of oyster mushroom’s Figueras, Tonina gobica Golub, and 13 species at Khangai region, 13 species and 2 classes at the Botany Institute’s (Pleurotus ostreatus) polmycel 107 sections of their distribution areas were at Daurian Region, 3 species in Eastern Mushroom Herbarium. Most samples seeding technology (Gantulga, 2010). taken under state protection. Mongol Region, and 1 new species recorded belong to Cortinarius (16), Clitocybe Also the impact of Oyster mushroom at , Mongol Altai (13), (13), (10), while (Munkhzaya, 2010) and Chaga mushroom Moss and Khovd Region, respectively. single samples of Crepidiotia, Anellaria, (Kherlenchimeg, 2010) on tumors has Studies on moss have been conducted Of the 217 species of mushroom Cotilidia, Crepidotia, Antrodia, Auricularia, been studied, we found these mushrooms at Darkhad valley in northern Khuvsgul for recorded in Mongolia, 26 are saprophytic Agrocybe, Spathularia, Tyromyces, suppressed tumor growth. Therefore, the past few years. So far, 6 varieties of 286 or coprolitic mushrooms growing in steppe Xeromphalina, Xerocomus are present. further studies must be conducted on species from 130 genera and 50 families regions (mostly species of Melanoleuca, There have been extensive studies on possibilities of deriving antineoplastic have been recorded in the study area. Agaricus, Conocybe, Agrocybe and obtaining culture, creating and breeding preparations from oyster and chaga Out of these species, 49 were reported Makrolepiota), 212 species grow in forest from edible and medicinal mushrooms, and applying those to tumor new in the Khuvsgul region, and 2 genera regions, where 152 species live with mushrooms. treatments (Kherlenchimeg et al., 2011) Gollania, Bryobrittonia and 5 species of other plants in mycorrhiza association (table 5).

Encalypta procera, Bryobrittonia longipes, (some species of , Russula, Table 5. production resource by regions /tonn/ Didymodon leskoides, Racomitrium , Tricholoma, , Suillus, The region estimated panschii, Gollania turgens of moss was Gomphidius), 41 species are saprophytes resources/ Khentii Tarvagatai Bulnai Khangai Khuvsgul Species Name reported as a new species in Mongolia (some species of Marasmius, Collybia, (Tsegmed et al., 2007, Ignatov et al., Mycena, Clitocybe, , Clitocybe gibba 1.2 1.5 1.6 2-3 2.5 2009). Lepiota), 19 are lygnophytes (some Lactarius torminosus - 1.5-1.8 - 2.5 3.5 There are 117 species of 75 genera species of Coprinus, Stropharia). Laetiporus sulphureus 8 - - 8 30 of 32 families reported for the Shariin Gol In 2013, the species Boletinus Russula emetica 0.5 - - 0.4 1 area. asiaticus Sing., aurantiacum Suillus grevillei 4.5 - - 5.1 1.5 Tricholoma mongolicum - - - - - Further classification studies will (Bull.) S.F.Gray., Agaricus tabularis Pers., Agaricus campestris - 0.6 - 1.5-2 1.8-2 assist in understanding the species Chlorophyllum agaricoides (Czern.) richness of the region as well as contribute Vellinga, Lepista caespitosa (Bres.) Sing., to the moss database of Mongolia. Leucopaxillus giganteus (Sibthorp: Fr.) Sing., Tricholoma mongolicum Imai, Fungus officinalis (Vill.) Bond. et There are 217 species of mushroom Sing., Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss ex in Mongolia that belong to 73 genera, Fr.) Karst., Inonotus obliquus (Pers.; Fr.) 22 families of 3 orders (Kherlenchimeg, Pilat, Calvatia gigantea (Batsch) Lloyd, 2013). In western Khentii province, there Lycoperdon molle Pers. were added to are 14 species of 6 genera that belong to the Mongolian red list, and sections of family Lycoperdon (Burenbaatar, 2013). its distribution area were taken under protection.

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Fauna Status, Trends, and Threats

Fauna INSECT AND OTHER INVERTEBRATEs determine the distribution of Carabus canaliculatus Ad., Carabus arcensis Herb., INSECT Pterostichus (Metallophilus) interruptus Dej., Pterostichus dauricus Geb., Insect species of Mongolia are spread Pterostichus (Euryperis) eximius Mor., throughout forest steppe (cool temperate Cicindela gracilis Pal., Carabus (Carabus) forests, alpine mountains, meadows, high billbergi Man., Carabus (Morphocarabus) mountain steppe, cool coniferous forests hummeli F-W., (Carabidae, Coleoptera), and mixed forests), steppe (arid steppe, as well as Xylotrechus rusticus Lin., semi-arid steppe, meadows, desert Monochamus urussovi F-W., Saperda steppe) and desert ecosystems as well as scalaris Lin., Xylotrechus ibex Geb. and wetlands, lakes, rivers, spring and other Xylotrechus hircus Geb. (Cerambycidae, habitats that are found in those regions. Coleoptera) (Gantigmaa et al., 2012; Due to this wide distribution, research Buyanjargal, 2010). During the research at ecosystem level was used to create a of insects in different habitats of Khentii foundation database for insect habitats. mountain range, a total of 362 species of There are many different species 265 genera, 109 families and 13 orders in Mongolia that are vital to the status, near Onon river valley. Out of the 362 fertilization and reproduction of plants. species, 13 were new (Puntsagdulam, These include insect species from 2011). New species include: Blue Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera Dragonfly (Aeshna juncea mongolica), and Diptera. Apollo (Parnassius apollo), Machaon (Papilio machaon), Narrow-bordered Bee Based on a nationwide research study Hawk-moth (Hemaris tityus) as well as conducted at regions such as northern Bombus sporadicus. Out of these species, forest areas of Khentii mountain range, the Blue Dragonfly has an important role coniferous forests along the western bank in the food cycle of its ecosystem. of Khuvsgul lake, and boreal forests of

Mongol Altai and Khangai mountain ranges, The larva of the dragonfly mostly there were approximately 300 species of 20 preys on some floating species, larva of families of butterflies (Muehlenberget al., amphibians as well as minnows. As an 2011; Enkhbayar, 2013). A detailed study adult it mainly preys on flies, mosquitoes, on forest insects conducted at the north gnats, etc. They themselves fall prey to of Khentii mountain range, which helped spiders, flies, moths and birds (Mongolian

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Red Book, 1997). Apollos, Machaon and and deciduous forest in Eg-Uur river During a study of Gobi insects and Martynov, and Limnephilus primoryensis Bee Hawk-moth are all vital to their valley; Jacobson’s Spanworm Butterfly invertebrates, species such as Bryodema Nimmo were very limited. Besides limited ecosystem as pollinators. (Erannis jacobsoni Djak.) in Umnudelger gebleri F-W., Bryodema mongolicum distribution area, Apatania mongolica soum of Khentii province. Based on the Zub., Calliptamus barbarus Costa., Martynov is endemic to Mongolia and There are 151 species of 97 genera report that these species’ populations are Compsorhipis bryodemoides Bei-Bienko., Limnephilus primoryensis Nimmo was of 34 families in 7 orders which feed increasing, the government took actions Compsorhipis davidiana Saus., Gryllus recognized fairly recently in 1995, and on parts of bushes, schrubs and trees to fight against these species in over desertus Pall., Leptopternis gracilis Evers., this occurrence is the first recorded in (Puntsagdulam, 2011). These include: 22,980 hectares (Ministry of Nature and Mongolotmethis kozlovi Bey-Bienko., Mongolia. Siberian Silk Moth (Dendrolimus sibiricus Environment, 2012). Zichya baranovi Bei-Bienko. and Zichya Lin.) in the forests of Tsenkhermandal, Studies aimed at arachnids sp. were reported abundant. Of these Umnudelger, Binder and Dadal soums of Another action was taken against the (Arachnida), crustaceans (Branchiopoda), species, Compsorhipis bryodemoides Khentii province (Badamjargal, 2010); Rusty Tussock Moth population in boreal annelid worms (Clitellata), rotifers Bei-Bienko., Mongolotmethis kozlovi Bey- Khurel Bulag passage and Suudriin forests of upper Tsagaan Maanit river in (Eurotatoria), gastropods (Gastropoda) Bienko., and Zichya baranovi Bei-Bienko Khavtgai of Orkhon soum, Tsagaan Erdenetsogt soum of Bayankhongor aimag and leeches (Hirudinea) in Mongolia are endemic to Mongolia. The study Passage of Khutag-Undur soum, Saikhan and was able to detain the population resulted in the cataloguing 30 species of 9 also recorded occurrences of Dericorys Modny Am of Saikhan soum, and Agtiin growth (Ministry of Nature, Environment, classes. These studies were conducted at annulata roseipennis which had not been mountain range in Bayanagt soum of and Tourism, 2011) Umnugobi province’s Khanbogd Mountain observed in recent years. Some interesting province; Gypsy Moth (Lemantria in Khanbogd soum, Galbiin Gobi, Undain data was collected about Trichoptera at dispar) in forests of Chandmani-Undur, river bed and Nariin Sukhait valley and water points in the Gobi region. Based on Tsagaan-Uur, and Erdenebulag soums Nemetgei mountain range in Gurvantes studies at over 40 springs and water holes, soum (Gantigmaa et al., 2012). the distribution of Apatania mongolica Papilio machaon- Маchaon

Photograph: Ch.Gantigmaa

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There were 3 species of Ostracods Pardosa uintana Gertsch (Lycosidae) and Odonata) (Helophorus sp., Helophoridae), (Gunbilig et al., 2009; Aldarmaa et al., (Brachionus plicatilis longicornis, B. Xysticus obscurus Collett (Thomisidae). and Hygrotus (Coelambus) had been 2010). Also, for respiratory illnesses, variabilis, Trichocera brachyura) that recorded in the springs previously. As medicinal treatments derived from were reported abundant in many water for crustaceans, Branchinecta ferox Bryodema, Angaracris, and Caliptamus reservoirs. Also, there was high abundance Status, trend and possible threats of M.Milne-Edwards, Branchinecta minuta species of are used for cures of cladoceran such as Ceriodaphnia species Smirnov, Branchinecta orientalis Sars, (Ganbold, 1993). However there have been pulchella Sars, Daphnia (Daphnia) galeata Ceriodaphnia pulchella Sars, Daphnia no detailed studies on the population trend The development of infrastructure Sars. Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia) triquetra carinata King and Moina brachiata Jur had or ecology of these species. Therefore, it following mining and exploration activities Sars. Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia) carinata been identified previously (Gantigmaa et is difficult to identify threats as well as its is fueling the threats to the natural King., Moina brachiata Jurine at many al., 2012). Further studies are needed value to the well-being of humans. Hence, landscape. There have been major springs, especially Bulansukhait Spring in to be conducted among species living in we must register insect species that are alterations to the soil and vegetation Khanbogd soum of Umnugobi province. aquatic environments, whose sources are valuable to the ecosystem as well as across Mongolia due to animal husbandry Arachnid studies were conducted near being threatened by livestock and human humans, and conduct a thorough study on and agriculture. Due to anthropogenic Dayan Nuur of Bayan-Ulgii province. activities, and a set of conservation action those species. threats feather-grass steppe near soum Researchers identified 53 species from plans must be set. For example, Apatania centers and water wells have been 22 genera of 11 families of which 9 mongolica Martynov and Limnephilus degraded. The oasis systems in the Gobi species were new to Mongolia (Azjargal, primoryensis Nimmo as well as other Insect Conservation and desert regions, which are used by 2013). New species included: Larinioides invertebrate habitats in the Nariin Sukhait herders and farmers, are degrading, In 2012, a study on the distribution cornutus Clerck (Araneidae), Phrurolithus valley of Umnugobi’s Gurvantes soum and the shrubs and willows which are on rare and endangered insect and festivus Koch (Corinnidae), Acantholycosa are limited by the two springs located vital to the oasis system are becoming invertebrate species was conducted altaiensis Marusik, Azarkina & Koponen., adjacently. However, due to climate vulnerable (Dash et al., 2003). In recent within the framework of the Ministry of Alopecosa pictilis Emerton., Pardosa change and mining operations, the two years, there has been overcrowding of Environment and Green Development’s albomaculata Emerton., Pardosa palustrus springs are in danger of drying. livestock at oases in Zahui, Ekhiin Rivers, Lin., Pardosa tesquorumoides Song & Yu., action plans. The database of species and Naranbulag, resulting in salt richness as “rare” in the Mongolian Red accumulation and dryness in the area. Due List as well as other rare and endangered Insect Use to the shortage in underground water of species were updated. Although, there oases, several species of plants have been Due to cultural aspects of Mongolians, aren’t enough data on insect biodiversity degraded, causing a significant change there is very little direct use of insects. and population trends, studies on insects in the habitat’s ecosystem. For example, However, ecological services (honey, and invertebrates of certain ecosystems during research studies at Khanbogd soum medicinal plants, other products derived within the last 4 years have provided of Umnugobi province, researchers found 7 from ) provided by insects fundamental data for the biodiversity of out of 20 springs had dried. Species such as and invertebrates are used widely. For these species. For example, “Oyu Tolgoi” Paracorixa spp., Callicorixa sp. and Sigara example, the Darkling Beetle (Blaps sp., and “South Gobi Sands” companies sp., Sigara lateralis (, ), Tenebrionidae) secretes a bio lipid for have implemented several projects Gerris sahlbergi (Gerridae, Hemiptera), self-protection. This secretion is used regarding environmental observation Ishnura elegans (Coenagrionidae, for traditional medicines and treatments and identifying current status of the Gobi

Dendrolimus sibiricus- Siberian Moth the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -32- the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -33- Convention on biological diversity Convention on biological diversity FISH ecosystem. Through these projects, we (Beybienkia lithophila Gorochov & hope to identify species that have not Mishchenko), and Mistshenkoi’s Green been observed in previous years as well (Mongolotettix mistshenkoi as monitor and determine the status of Chog.) have not been recorded in the currently known species. Species such as last 30 years. We will need to implement Similis Grasshopper (Eclipophleps similis further studies on the habitat, biology, Mishch.), Pale Grasshopper (Eclipophleps ecology of the insects and invertebrates lucida Mishch), Gobi Grasshopper listed in the Mongolian Red List. It is (Rhinotmethis beybienkoi Chog.), important to evaluate the population trend (Bryodema nigripennis Mishch), Andrea to determine best conservation actions. Grasshopper (Andrea gorochovi Mishch), Rattle Grasshopper ( stridulus Lin.), one species of Gobi Grasshopper

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(35 species). This shows that the lake is declined to only 320 caught per year. Lack being polluted by human activities, and of integrated database on the fishing in the cm since 2000, Ugii lake by 114 cm since FISH the fish stock is decreasing. past 15 years makes it difficult to conduct 2004, by 183 cm since 1999, Causes for decrease in fish species an accurate assessment of this situation. Khyargas lake by 281 cm since 1998, and Kharmai and Dood lakes of Darkhad in Mongolia: Many rivers, lakes and During this period the water level of Ugii Buuntsagaan Lake water level decreased Depression have a quota of 5-10 tons springs have dried due to climate change Lake reduced noticeably. This will continue by 603 cm since 1998. Steady decreases in of fish per year. At Targan Lake, the and global warming, thus having a negative to have an adverse impact on the breeding the water level of such reservoirs impact the breeding period of some species starts at impact on the distribution and population season of species living in the lake. balance of the ecosystem, threatening the the beginning of November until end of of fishes. As stated in the Environmental fish and other species dwelling in the area. December. There are instances of hunting Due to a growth in mining operations Trend Report (2006-2007), during the whitefish during breeding season at near large river beds, such as Orkhon and surface water census in 2007, about 852 In the framework of “Water Naiman lake, Ulaagchnii Khar and Darkhad Selenge, pollution has become a large rivers, 2,277 springs and 1,181 lakes ecosystem ecology and bioproductivity” Tsagaan lake, thus negatively impacting problem, mainly for disturbing the habitat were reported as dried up. Gobi lakes, theme, a team of 140 scientists worked in the fish’s stock. There are about 1,258 of fish. The breeding migration route of especially larger lakes such as Taatsiin the field to collect over 50 herbariums of whitefish at Naiman nuur of Uvurkhangai the omul fish has been shortened because Tsagaan, Adgiin Tsagaan and Ulaan Nuur zooplankton, 35 of benthonic species and aimag. A disperse analysis and comparison of pollution caused by mining operations. were completely dry, whereas 30 of higher plants from Borsog, Dalbaa, was applied to the biometric evaluations of As a result, spawn deaths have increased. and Tuin rivers had no source rivers. This Sevsuul, Noyon, Shagnuul, Turag rivers the fish, which showed that the ecological Following a study in the area, experts resulted in the decrease in distribution and east of Khuvsgul lake, Orkhon-Selenge status of the fish was safe, and the body estimated that the breeding migration of population of several native species of fish valley (Yuruu, Selenge, Eg), Ust, Ugii, size of an adult fish was steadily growing. Omul fish only continues for 5 kilometers living in the Central Asian Inland Basin. Targan, Dood, Tugrug and Kharmai from Therefore, we need a new legislative from Sukhbaatar city. Experts concluded Darkhad Depression and some springs and During the previous 13-14 years, the document to prevent hunting and fishing that Orkhon river is no longer valuable oases within Great Gobi Strictly Protected water level of lakes and rivers in the Gobi during breeding seasons. to the breeding migration of Omul fish Area, part A. The herbarium collected, region has lowered to its minimum level. (Dgebaudze et al., 2009). which was not mentioned in the fourth There have been instances of illegal The report submitted by the National report of the organization, enriched the fishing over the years. These human Due to mining and industrial Meteorology and Environment Monitoring academic databases. activities are having negative impacts operations, Tuul river near has Agency (2010), the annual average water on the fish community, resulting in been polluted, and 70 cm of slime and level of Khar-Us lake had decreased by 32 Based on the research, Ugii lake had endangerment and extinction. In the past mud have settled on the bottom, slowing cm since 2001, by 42 the highest numbers of benthonic species 20 years, fishing operations have been the flow. This has resulted in the extinction present at Great Lakes Depression, Khar- of rhyofite insects such as Plecoptera and Us, Khar, and Durgun lakes. Ephemeropter in the river. There are also fewer observations of Ephemerella, Baetis At Ugii lake of the Arctic Ocean Basin, insects. Such changes to the Tuul River are commercial fishing has been popular for affecting the breeding habits of Taimen, quite some time. From 1960-1983, up to Grayling and Lenok. During a monitoring 900 fish were caught per season. However study at Zaamar, not a single fish from the from 1983-1993, commercial fishing species mentioned above were caught. Brachymystax lenok-Lenok the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -36- the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -37- Convention on biological diversity Convention on biological diversity

Fishing is not a large aspect of operators offering such packages has have been listed in the Mongolian Fish Red to protect the population and evaluate the Mongolian tradition therefore it was not a increased. Just in basin, there List. The red list category of 64 species status of habitats suitable for fishes. common practice. However, it has become are 70 tour camps and agents offering as evaluated by the IUCN is shown below Studying the distribution, biology, more popular in recent years among fishing tours. (Ocock et al., 2006) (graph 1). ecology, population dynamics, stock and amateurs. Fishing near towns and cities Fish conservation and trend: The Graph 1. Status of fish in Mongolia hunting status of fishes and setting up a has decreased the stock of Taimen, Lenok, Mongolian Law on Animals listed Amur monitoring system will Grayling and Whitefish. There is a lack of Sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii) and ensure the conservation monitoring the implementation of law on Tench (Tinca tinca) as very rare, Eastern of the biodiversity of this illegal fishing therefore it is difficult to Brook Lamprey (Lethenteron reissneri) group. evaluate the damages accurately. and Taimen (Hucho taimen) as rare (in The “Mongolian The tourism sector is developing accordance with government decree Pisciculture Center” was rapidly in Mongolia. One of the main number 7, appendix 1 passed in 2012). established under the tourist packages is fishing. Today, tourists Species such as Eastern Brook Lamprey, decree of the government from all over the globe are coming to Siberian Sturgeon, Amur Sturgeon, to conserve the fish stock fish in Mongolia, and the number of tour Taimen, Omul, Tench, and Haitej Sculpin and increase population. The center has established Barbatula toni- Siberian Stone Loach a pisciculture laboratory Rarity status of Mongolian fish: Based at Dood Tsagaan lake of Khuvsgul on the evaluations, one species is listed as province’s Tumurbulag and Tsagaannuur Critically Endangered (Siberian Sturgeon), soums. Some of the large artificial tanks 6 species listed as Endangered (Gobi are studying biosynosis transformation, Loach, Dzundarian Dace, Pidschian, Amur and implementing projects to breed and Grayling, Khuvsgul Grayling, Taimen), manage fish stocks. These projects will 4 species listed as Vulnerable (Potanin’s ensure the sustainability of the population Osman, Small Osman, Mongolian of fishes in Mongolia. Grayling, Lenok), and 3 species listed as Least Concern (Amur Bitterling, Ide, Arctic Mongolia is set to prohibit fishing Grayling). Omul from August 30th to October 30th, white coregonid from September 15th to There are 22 species listed as data January 30th through applicable laws. This unavailable and 12 species listed as least will ensure the sustainable growth of the concern. Based on the evaluations, almost populations. A new cycle has been set up 80% of fishes in Mongolia are endangered at Ulaagchnii , which did not have in some way or have insufficient data. any previous stocks, and a new swarm of Therefore, it’s important to take fish species was established. This set the conservation measures in a timely manner foundation for a new stock of food source.

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Amphibian

Currently, there are 6 species of 4 families of 2 orders of amphibians in Mongolia (table 5).

Table 5. Species composition of amphibians

Order Family Species Caudata Hynobiidae Siberian Salamander (Salamandrella keyserlingii)

Mongolian Toad ( raddei) Bufonidae Pewzow’s Toad(Bufo pewzovi)

Anura Hylidae Far Eastern Tree (Hyla japonica)

Siberian Wood Frog (Rana amurensis) Ranidae Asiatic Grass Frog (Rana chensinensis)

The lack of amphibian species in Mongolia is due in part to the geographical location and continental climate of this country. These few species of amphibians are distributed throughout the Mongolian landscape. For example, in Khangai-Khentii mountainous region and Eastern Mongolan Plain, where surface water is plenty, amphibians are widely distributed. However, in the arid Gobi regions or the cool Altai mountain region, there are very few amphibian species (table 6).

Table 6. Distribution of amphibians in Mongolian geographical regions Khangai- Altai Eastern Khentii Mountain Mongolian Gobi Region Mountain Species Name Range Plain Range

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Salamandrella keyserlingii - - - + + + - - - + - - Bufo raddei - + - + + + + + + + + - Bufo pewzovi + ------+ - Hyla japonica - - - + + - - - + - - - Rana amurensis - - - + + - - + + - - - Rana chensinensis ------+ - + - - -

Reference:1. Mongol-Altai region: 2. Gobi-Altai region: 3. Siilkhem-Kharkhiraa region: 4. Khangai region: 5. Khentii region: 6. Khuvsgul region: 7. Khalkha and Dariganga steppe region: 8. Dornod steppe: 9. Khyangan hills: 10. Altai -Northern Gobi region: 11. Altai southern Gobi region: 12. Southern Gobi region: + Occurs in the region: - Does not occur in the region

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in Mongolia inhabit. Researchers of there were many oligodactyl tadpoles Conservation and trends of amphibians a Mongolian-Russian joint biological among the Mongolian Toad population Four species of two amphibians expedition studied two water reservoirs at Kherlen and Balj river basins (Borkin (Salamandrella keyserlingii, Bufo pewzovi, near Shaamar, where many amphibians et al, 2011). Studies recorded several Hyla japonica, Rana chensinensis) were are found, from 1983-1984. The population species with missing hind legs within a listed in the Mongolian Red List and the of the 4 species at these water reservoirs population of Mongolian Toad tadpoles Mongolian rare species list (Government was 880 per 1,000 m2 area for 1+ year, undergoing metamorphosis. For example, resolution number 7, appendix 1 passed and the juvenile population was 10,800 almost 40 percent of the population’s in), which is 66.6% of the amphibians. Rana amurensis -Siberian Wood Frog (Borkin et al., 1988). However, 24 years juvenile species had a deformity. The pH When the amphibians’ status was later, in 2008, a repeat study at the site level of the marshes these species are evaluated using the IUCN criteria (Terbish

Threats and negative impacts affecting showed that the first group of lakes had inhabiting is 8.3. However, there weren’t et al., 2006), these four species were amphibians dried, therefore no signs of amphibians any deformed species within the adjacent classified as Vulnerable [A3c, A1ab (iii), Climate change, global warming and inhabiting the area were found. There populations. The same situation was D2]. These populations are at the edge human activities such as urbanization are were amphibians inhabiting the second observed at Mankhaadai Lake in Dadal of their distribution areas. Therefore it is drying out many rivers, lakes and springs. group of lakes. However, the population soum of Khentii aimag (Munkhbaatar and important to study the distribution trends, This is affecting the population and and distribution was limited (Cuzman, Terbish, 2008). Researchers estimated population fluctuations, and threats of distribution of amphibians in Mongolia. 2009). that 35 percent of species were deformed these species and establish a management The population of Siberian salamander in The research showed that rare and they believe it is due to pollutants in system to ensure their conservation. the Tuul River basin near Ulaanbaatar has species such as Siberian Salamander the water. declined, and the Mongolian Toad has not and the Far-eastern Tree Frog are no been recorded in recent years. At Buurug longer found in these lakes. The reason in the Ukhert river basin, there are over for amphibian population decline and 30 small glacial lakes. However, more distribution area decrease at Orkhon- than half of them have dried out, causing Selenge basin is mainly anthropogenic. a disruption in the population of Siberian The vegetation of the surrounding areas Salamander. has been stripped, and majority of the land The drying of large Gobi lakes such as has been cultivated for fruit and vegetable Taatsiin Tsagaan, Ulaan and Adgiin Tsagaan crops. Also, the water in the surrounding has caused declines in the population reservoirs is being used for crop irrigation, and distribution of the Mongolian Toad. thus amphibian habitats have shrunk In recent years, due to disruption in the affecting their population. flow of Tuin River, Orog Lake’s water level There are also impacts of water has declined, which is likely to affect the pollutants. An albino species was population of Mongolian Toad. found amongst the Siberian Wood Frog The same negative situation was population at Shatan river which pours noted at Orkhon-Selenge basin, where into Kharaa lake at Batsumber soum of almost 66.6 percent of the amphibians Tuv aimag (Munkhbaatar, 2008). Also, Bufo raddei -Mongolian Toad

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REPTILE

Species composition: Based on research studies (Ananyeva, 1998: Terbish et al., 2013) there are 22 species of 1 genus, 6 families of 2 sub-order in Mongolia (table 7).

Table 7. Species composition of reptiles in Mongolia Suborder Family Species 1. pipiens 2. Cyrtopodion elongatus () 3. Teratoscincus przewalskii 4. Phrynocephalus helioscopus Agamids 5. Phrynocephalus versicolor () 6. stoliczkana (Lacertilia) 7. argus 8. Eremias arguta 9. Eremias multiocellata True 10. Eremias przewalskii () 11. Eremias vermiculata 12. Zootoca vivipara 13. Lacerta agilis Nonvenomous 14. Eryx tataricus snakes (Boidae) 15. Coluber spinalis 16. Elaphe dione Black Snakes 17. Elaphe schrenckii (Colubridae) Snakes 18. Natrix natrix (Serpentes) 19. Psammophis lineolatus Pit vipers 20. Gloydius halys (Crotalidae)

Venomous Snakes 21. Vipera berus (Viperidae) 22. Vipera ursini

True lizards (Lacertidae) and snakes Reptiles in Mongolia are mainly (Colubridae) make up 55 percent of reptile distributed in the Gobi region, with warmer species in Mongolia. and arid climate.

Gloydius halys - Halys Viper

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Elaphe dione - Steppe’s Rat Snake True lizards (Lacertidae) and snakes (Colubridae) make up 55 percent of reptile species in Mongolia. Reptiles in Mongolia are mainly distributed in the Gobi region, with warmer and arid climate (table 8).

Table 8. Distribution of reptiles by geographical regions Khangai- Altai Eastern Khentii Mountain Mongolian Gobi Region Species Name Mountain Range Plain Range

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Alsophylax pipiens + + ------+ + + Cyrtopodion elongatus ------+ - Teratoscincus przewalskii ------+ - Phrynocephalus helioscopus ------+ - Phrynocephalus versicolor + + - - - - + + - + + + Paralaudakia stoliczkana + + ------+* + - Eremias argus - - - + - - + + + + - + Eremias arguta ------+ - Eremias multiocellata + + ------+ + + Based on a detailed survey on But the study on sub-species of reptiles Eremias przewalskii ------+ + + the classification of Mongolian is not yet complete. Especially Toad- Eremias vermiculata ------+ + - (Laudakia) by K.J. Bair (2012), a headed Agama, Multi-ocellated Racerunner, Zootoca vivipara + - - - + + - - + - - - Lacerta agilis + ------new species called Paralaudakia was Gobi Racerunner, Halys Pit Viper needs Eryx tataricus ------+ + discovered, and the group distributed detailed study on classification. Coluber spinalis ------+ - - + - + within the Mongolian territory is classified Elaphe dione + + + + + + + + + + + + as Agama. Therefore, Agamas which had Threats and negative impacts on Elaphe schrenckii ------+ - - - been Laudakia stoliczkana is referred to as reptiles Natrix natrix + - - + + ------Psammophis lineolatus + + ------+ + - Paralaudakia stoliczkana in this report. There are almost no instances of using Gloydius halys + + + + + + + + + + + + reptiles for food, medicine, commercial or Vipera berus + - - - + + ------A taxonomic study resulted in the trade purposes in Mongolia. Therefore, Vipera ursini + ------addition of the following sub-species: there is very little direct anthropogenic Total 12 7 2 4 5 4 5 4 5 11 14 9 Eremias przewalskii tuvensis Szczerbak, threat to reptiles. However, there is threat Description: 1. Mongol Altai region: 2. Gobi Altai region: 3. Siilkhem-Kharkhiraa region: 4. Khangai 1970 (Szczerbak, 1970), Eremias to the habitat, distribution and population region: 5. Khentii region: 6. Khuvsgul region: 7. Khalkh and Dariganga steppe region: 8. Dornod multiocellata bannikowi Szczerbak, 1973 of reptiles caused by human activities. steppe: 9. Khyangan hills: 10. Altai northern Gobi region: 11. Altai southern Gobi region: (Szczerbak, 1973), Eremias multiocellata Pasture land degradation due to 12. Southern Gobi region: tsaganbogdensis Munkhbayar et overgrazing, desertification, wildfires,

+ Occurs in the region: - Does not occur in the region +*Reintroduced regions Borkin, 2010 (Munkhbayar and Borkin, pesticides and rodenticides, exploration 2010), Paralaudakia stoliczkanaaltaica, for natural resources, land erosion and Munkhbayar, 1971 (Munkhbayar, 1971). degradation are main threats. Although,

the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -46- the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -47- Convention on biological diversity Convention on biological diversity BIRD there is very little information on how Przewalski’s Wonder , Mongolian these threats are affecting reptiles. Agama, Tatary Sand Boa, Slender Racer and European Grass Snake were listed

Reptile conservation and trends: There as Near Threatened. However, due to are 6 species of reptiles (Cyrtopodion insufficient information, Stepperunner, elongatus, Phrynocephalus helioscopus, Sand Lizard and Amur Rat Snake were Eremias arguta, Eryx tataricus, Coluber listed as Data Deficient. spinalis, Vipera berus) listed in the Mongolian rare species list (Government A detailed study on the distribution, decree number 7, appendix 1, 2012) as biology, ecology and population dynamics well as the Mongolian Red List. of reptiles in Mongolia and implementing a monitoring system is vital to the These species make up 27.2% of conservation of reptile species in this the total reptiles in Mongolia. The species country. Also, protection of places such status was evaluated using the IUCN Red as Altain Gobi Nogoon Tsav and Numrug, List criteria, Gobi Naked-toad Gecko (D2) which contain rare and endangered species, and Adder (D2) were listed as Vulnerable is needed. This was also suggested in the (Terbish et al., 2006). fourth national report.

Phrynocephalus versicolor - Toad-headed Agama

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BIRD Bird Red List Workshop was organized as globally. Species include: Dalmatian largest group of birds in Mongolia, but are

Status of Birds in Mongolia: There in 2009, where many issues facing bird Pelican, Greater White-fronted Goose, the least threatened, therefore, are not are 476 species of birds in Mongolia species found in Mongolia were discussed. Swan Goose, White-headed Duck, Baikal vulnerable to environmental impacts and (Gombobaatar et al., 2011). Out of those National and international researchers Teal, Greater Spotted Eagle, Pallas’s Fish- is able to adapt to changes. species, 45 are winter residents (6% of and experts evaluated every bird species eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Saker The species richness of Mongolian all species), 67 species are vagrants (8% using the IUCN Red List criteria. Based Falcon, Siberian Crane, White-naped birds varies depending on the regions of all species), 91 species are breeding on the evaluations, 9.3% of species are Crane, Hooded Crane, Great Bustard, and habitats. Landscapes such as Mongol and non-migrants (12%), 263 species categorized under endangered criteria. Houbara Bustard, Relict Gull, White- Daguur, Dornod Mongol steppe’s Buir are breeding visitors and breeders (33%) This also includes species that are near throated Bushchat, and Yellow-breasted Lake, Ikh Khyangan, Khangai, Great Lakes and 329 species are migrants (41%). threatened. Bunting. Depression and Khuvsgul Darkhad valley One species can be breeding visitors and Distribution and species richness: The Currently, 0.5% of birds in Mongolia are have high species richness; whereas Gobi migrants at the same time, therefore, the distribution of threatened bird species Critically Endangered, 1.5% is Endangered, districts and desert steppe landscapes are species number adds up to more than 446 in Mongolia vary depending on the 3.2% are Vulnerable, and 4.1% are Near low species richness. Species richness is species (graph 2). landscapes, regions and protected areas. Threatened. Out of all the species, 7.7% are high in most parts of Mongolia because it Dornod Mongol and Great Lakes Valley Graph 2. Bird status in Mongolia Data Deficient, and 83% are Least Concern, is on the junction of Central, Western and strictly protected areas are vital areas for while 18.3% are Not applicable by IUCN Red Eastern Asian flyways (map 2). rare birds (map 1). List criteria (graph 3). Special Protected in Areas such About 70% of the endangered species A total of 36 species are endangered as Numrug, Altan els, Mongol Daguur, in Mongolia are threatened throughout the in Mongolia. Out of these, 2 species Onon-Balj, Khugnu Khaan, Otgontenger, globe. Mongolia is home to many of the are regionally extinct, 6 species are Uvs, Khar-Us lake, Tsambagarav, Toson world’s endangered species. Mongolian Endangered, and 12 species are Vulnerable, Khulstai, Khar Yamaat and Ikh Nart are cultures have worshipped and conserved while 16 species are Near threatened high in species richness, and conservation birds since ancient times, and is a (graph 3 and table 9). efforts must be implemented at these sites relatively safe place for birds migrating, (Gombobaatar et al., 2011). The recorded number of of Mongolian Graph 3. Threatened category of birds breeding and wintering. Sparrows are the birds increased by 10 species in 2013. The Map 1. Species richness of threatened birds and protected areas data for evaluation are being reviewed by the Mongolian Bird Taxonomy and Rarity Committee composed of national ornithologists, bird researchers and conservationists.

Evaluation of bird habitats, rarity and impacts were completed in 2009 and the evaluation was applied to a The chart below shows species select number of species. The National that are endangered nationally as well the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -50- the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -51- Convention on biological diversity Convention on biological diversity

It must be noted that there are 30 species categorized as data deficient, and detailed Map 2. Species richness of birds studies on these species are needed.

Table 9. Threatened bird species of Mongolia

Устаж байгаа Ховордож байгаа Эмзэг Ховордож болзошгүй (CR) (EN) (VU) (NT)

Dalmatian Pelican White-headed Duck Lesser White-fronted Great Bittern Pelecanus crispus Oxyura leucocephala Goose Botaurus stellaris Anser erythropus Siberian Crane Relict Gull Little Bittern Grus leucogeranus Larus relictus Baikal Teal Ixobrychus minutus Anas formosa Greater Spotted Eagle Purple Heron Aquila clanga Ferruginous Duck Ardea purpurea Aythya nyroca Pallas’s Fish-eagle Greater White-fronted Haliaeetus leucoryphus Lammergeier Goose Gypaetus barbatus Anser albifrons Short-toed Snake-eagle threats to Mongolian birds were habitat electrocuted due to the faulty construction Circaetus gallicus Eastern Imperial Swan Goose Eagle Anser cygnoides loss and degradation at 38.1%, human of power lines and poles. To alleviate Reed Parrotbill Aquila heliaca Paradoxornis heudei Mute Swan disturbance at 13.6%, pollution at 11% this threat, organizations such as the Saker Falcon Cygnus olor and changes in native species dynamics Mongolian Ornithological Society, Ministry Falco cherrug Falcated Duck at 10.7% (Gombobaatar et al., 2011 & of Environment and Green Development, White-naped Crane Anas falcata Grus vipio 2011a). National University of Mongolia, Academy White-tailed Eagle of Sciences, Wildlife Consultancy UK and Hooded Crane Haliaeetus albicilla The largest threats to birds are Grus monacha the Wildlife Science and Conservation Altai Snowcock habitat loss and degradation due to Asian Dowitcher Tetraogallus altaicus Center of Mongolia are collaborating in mining and infrastructure developments, Limnodromus producing action plans. The number of semipalmatus Common Pheasant establishment of tourist camps and Phasianus colchicus raptors being electrocuted on the new 15 Great Bustard spread of wild fires in the fall and autumn. Otis tarda Common Crane KV lines is likely to increase in the fall and These factors must be considered for the Grus grus autumn seasons. Houbara Bustard conservation actions. Chlamydotis Tree Pipit undulata Anthus trivialis A second threat affecting waterfowl Illegal hunting of birds is still a serious Mongolian Ground-jay White-throated Bushchat are nets as well as water and air pollution issue. Altai Snowcock, Black Kite and Podoces hendersoni Saxicola insignis (caused by mining operation), predators, Mongolian Groundjay are being hunted Saxaul Sparrow avian flu and other diseases. Passer ammodendri for exhibit purposes as well as medicinal

Yellow-breasted Bunting uses. Although, exhibiting hunted birds is The way these threats affect birds Emberiza aureola diminishing, medicinal uses of bird species vary with each species. For example,

Ochre-rumped Bunting is still in demand. species of Galliformes are being mostly Emberiza yessoensis threatened by illegal hunting, cranes and National and international research other waterfowls are being threatened Threats were evaluated using the IUCN Red List threat criteria as well as conservation has found that many birds are being by habitat loss due to human activities, status criteria (IUCN2003, Lamoreux et al., 2003). Based on the evaluation, the biggest the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -52- the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -53- Convention on biological diversity Convention on biological diversity

Haliaeetus albicilla - White-tailed Eagle Saker Falcon, Houbara Bustard and Short- Based on the comparisons of each year, toed Snake Eagle. Unfortunately, not all out of 476 species, 64.9% have stable mining companies are conducting similar populations, 4% of species’ population is studies. likely to decline and 0.1% of the species’ population is declining while 31% of Due to a chemical toxin, Bromadiolon, species’ population trend is indeterminate created as a rodenticide for Brandt’s Vole, (Gombobaatar et al., 2011&2011a). many raptors are dying out. Government and non-government organizations have Based on this general evaluation, the reached an agreement to cease using this majority of the bird population is stable, preparation. However, it is still being used while a small amount of the population in some parts of several soums. is declining due to human activities and changes in natural circumstances. The population trends of birds were evaluated from 2000-2011 using the It must be noted that 31% of the Birdlife International methods (2011). population’s trend cannot be evaluated. livestock grazing and aridity, while Professor S. Gombobaatar’s Falco cherrug - Saker Falcon raptors’ biggest threats are power lines "Mongolian Saker Falcon" book, which and pesticides. These threats, and that details the life of this species, was of mining developments, are expected to published in 2013. increase in the future. Research on Mongolian migrating Since 1994, Saker Falcons have been birds was conducted by national and exported to Arabian countries for scientific international scientists. As a result, and commercial purposes. The Ministry of migrating routes of species such as Swan Culture, Sport and Tourism together with Goose, Bar-headed Goose, Whooper scientists from Mongolian Ornithological Swan, Saker Falcon, Cinereous Vulture, Society and National University of Mongolia Amur Falcon, White-naped Crane and petitioned to proclaim the falcon as the Northern Lapwing, and their threats has national bird of Mongolia in 2012. Based been identified. on a national public survey, Saker Falcon Oyu Tolgoi, one of the largest mining received the most votes and was chosen as companies in Mongolia, are funding the national bird. The government accepted the monitoring of species inhabiting the Ministry of Environment and Green the surrounding sites. National and Development’s motion to prohibit Saker international experts are studying and Falcon trading for 5 years starting in 2013. monitoring the status of species such as

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A further study on the population is The development of special interest needed as well as an evaluation of the bird tourism, sustainable and responsible forms red list in 2017. of tourism will need the collaboration of the local communities. Ecotourism and Changes in the bird population have community based tourism will ensure the little immediate effect on Mongolians’ conservation of birds and their habitats livelihood. However, there is dispute while providing a steady income for between the herders and protected areas herders. management over pastureland and water resource.

Buteo hemilasius - Upland Buzzard

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MAMMAL Table 10. Population size of Gobi Bear

Years when population Population Sources studies were conducted Of the 128 species of mammals in Almost 6% of the population is 1960 15-20 Bold, 1967 Mongolia, 16% are regionally threatened, categorized as near threatened. The 1970 20< Bold and Dulamtseren, 1981 of which 2% are Critically Endangered Asiatic wild dog is regionally extinct (Clark 1980 20-25 Dash and Tumur, 1983; Bugaev and Tumur, 1985 (Gobi Bear, Przewalski's Horse and et al., 2006). 1985 25-30 Jirnov and Il’inskii, 1985 Red Deer), and 11% are Endangered 1990 20< Shaller et al., 1993; МcCarthy, 2000 Population status and trend of mammal 1995 30-35 Тulgat, 1995 (Mongolian Marmot, Eurasian Beaver, species: Studies of the population trend 2004 20< Batsaikhan et al., 2004; Аmgalan et al., 2005 Alashan Ground Squirrel, Small Five-toad of (Camelus bactrianus 2011 22-31 Оdbayar et al., 2011 Jerboa, Mongolian Three-toad Jerboa and 2013 30< Мijiddorj, 2013 ferus), conducted in 2012, indicated a others) while 3% are Vulnerable (Long- steady increase (graph 4). eared Jerboa, Sable, Black-tailed Gazelle, Sources: Mijiddorj, 2013 Reindeer).

Population status and trend of Saiga antelope: Studies on the population status and trend of Saiga antelope was conducted by scientists from Academy of Sciences and WWF Mongolia. The result showed that since 2009, the Saiga Antelope’s distribution has widened, the population is stable with the possibility of increasing (graph 5).

Graph 4. Bactrian Camel population dynamic and trend

Sources:Dovchindorj et al, 2006. Jirnov, Gunin, Yad,Adiya, 2011.

Population status and trend of Gobi bear: When comparing previous years’ population Graph 5. Saiga Antelope population status and trend studies to that of recent studies on the Gobi Bear, there were no significant changes and Source: Amgalan, Buuveibaatar, Chimeddorj et al., 2008. the population is still sparse. But the small population of this species in the has drawn the attention of government and non-government agencies, and there have been deliberate attempts at conservation as well as other population and classification studies (table 10). the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -58- the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -59- Convention on biological diversity Convention on biological diversity

Population status and trend of Przewalski’s horse: The reintroduction of the Przewalski’s horse, is considered relatively successful. The population of Przewalski's horse is likely to steadily grow as seen in the reintroduced population at Khustai Nuruu National Park (graph 6).

Ovis ammon - Sheep

Changes to the natural landscape changed the seasonal position of species

Graph 6. Population dynamic of Przewalski’s horses at Khustai Nuruu National Park and condition are negatively affecting such as Bactrian Camel, Asiatic Wild Ass

Sources: Usukhjargal and Bandi, 2013. the wild mammals. Especially for species and Black-tailed Gazelle. inhabiting the Gobi, such as Gobi Bear,

Bactrian Camel, Saiga Antelope, Black- These pressure and over exploitation opulation status and trend of forest Population status and trends of other P tailed Gazelle and Asiatic Wild Ass, water have resulted in a number of species falling ungulates rare mammals shortage and habitat loss are impacts of into threatened categories. climate change. The status of the population of forest There haven’t been any significant It is common for mammals to migrate ungulates in Mongolia has been charted. changes to mammal populations since The Mongolian government and across the border and the grazing potential Based on recent studies, populations of 2009 (fourth National Report) as reported other non-government organizations are of this side of the border is deteriorating. Elk, Red Deer and Siberian Musk Deer are by scientists. For example, based on working together to alleviate these threats. Threats of logging and wild fires are likely to reduce while populations of Wild the results of the 2010 steppe ungulate For example, a generator was installed at increasing. Boar and Roe Deer are increasing. population study conducted across the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area A in Mongolia, the population of Ibex was 2013 to induce precipitation and improve As stated in the constitution, the 35,300, Mongolian Gazelle was 5,700,000, the habitat of the Gobi bear. wildlife is state property and the proper Black-tailed Gazelle was 11,900, while use and conservation of these species Asiatic Wild Ass population was 14,000 Natural threats such as desertification, is regulated by the constitution, Law on (Assessment of Steppe Ungulates, 2010). water shortage and land degradation are Environment Protection (1995), Law on affecting the landscape of the species Wildlife (2012) and other applicable rules Spermophilus undulatus- habitat, which is changing year to year. and regulations. Long-tailed Ground Squirrel Drying out of oases in the Gobi has the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -60- the 5th National report chapter 1 mongolia 2014 -61- Convention on biological diversity

Hunting of wild animals is also In 2011, the Mongolian government regulated by applicable laws. updated the ecological-economical value The conservation and sustainable of animals, animal resource use fee, use of Mongolian fauna is vital to the and hunting permit fees. However, the subsistence of herders and the national development of the mining sector and land economy. For example, fees from hunting use has degraded the habitat of wildlife regulations bring in concentrations of and the hunting stock is decreasing. funds to the state budget. Also, animals are a large part of the Mongolian diet.

Marmota sibirica- Mongolian Marmot

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CHAPTER 2. The National Biodiversity Action Plan, The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and Aichi Biodiversity Targets

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• The Mongolian general secondary Strategic Goal A: Address CHAPTER 2. school curriculum was amended to include the underlying causes wildlife species protection under the of biodiversity loss by broader topics of Human Environment, mainstreaming biodiversity Biology and Civic Education for grades The National Biodiversity support of the UNDP ‘Community based across government and society conservation of biodiversity in the Mountain 1-12 (6-18 years old). Action Plan, The Strategic landscape of Mongolia’s Altai Sayan Eco- Plan for Biodiversity region’ project. and Aichi Biodiversity The main result of the evaluations show Target 1: By 2020, at the latest, Targets • Teaching materials and training that the NBAP fulfilled its main objectives people are aware of the values and it made its potential contribution to for teachers including a methodology of biodiversity and the steps protect biodiversity in Mongolia. According handbook was provided to support It should be noted that Mongolia to the evaluation, 46 activities were 90-100 they can take to conserve and has reviewed its initial NBAP, which was amendments to the curriculum. per cent complete, 39 activities 70-80 per produced in 1996, twice – in 2000 by use it sustainably. cent complete and 3 activities (0-20 per Mr. Batbold Dorjgurkhem and Dr. Laurie cent completed) were ongoing or had just Andrew (Batbold and Laurie, 2002,) and in started being implemented. This indicated 2009 by a team of Mongolian experts led by • The National University of Mongolia that 96.5 per cent of the NBAP had been NBAP objective 6: Establish Dr. Adiya Yansanjav (Adiya, Enkhbileg and developed a curriculum on Assessment achieved. Collectively the reviews generally Ariunbayar, 2010). national education and reported positively on the fulfilment of and Monitoring Biodiversity’ for PhD level training programmes for The first review in 2000 indicated Mongolia’s original NBAP. students. that the NBAP was only partially filling biodiversity conservation. The subsequent stage led to the its objectives due to there being issues recruitment of Mr. D. Enkhbileg as project with project implementation; a lack of manager, who produced a draft of the revised coordination, monitoring and management • 10 credits for environment NBSAP for Mongolia before an Inception meant there was a lack of detailed Seven actions have been listed Workshop in June 2012. The project manager protection have been applied to the awareness of overall implementation of in Mongolia’s NBAP involving the has developed a draft of the content after curriculum of Bachelor teaching degrees projects. Although there were holes in organizing various discussions with many establishment of a degree programme overall coordination a significant number at Mongolian State University of Education participants of the previous Biodiversity in ecology, training teachers and higher of actions were being implemented. This (MSUE) and 8 credits for a Master’s degree Action Plan development process. In review highlighted the lesson that in order level officials in ecological issues, assist addition, the Australian NBSAP was used as in teaching subjects. to improve the efficiency of output to ensure a model for reasons of similarities between schools throughout the country in greater NBAP targets are met, improved the two countries: vast area, low human obtaining appropriate training materials implementation of the plans should be density, traditional knowledge of nomadic exercised. and establish national quizzes in schools herders and local groups living traditionally • The Government of Mongolia as part of institutionalised courses in As a result of this a committee was off the land. announced 2013 as the “Year of established to oversee the implementation the curriculum. The establishment of a Until the revised NBSAP has been Environment education”. of the NBAP and a trust fund provided conservation training centre to provide completed the original NBAP will be referred funding for some of the actions with support to along with the 2011-2020 Aichi targets. high level training to staff of the Ministry • The Ministry of Education and from the GEF/UNDP Biodiversity project. Here we indicate the overarching CBD of Environment and Green Development Sciences organised the distribution of Seven years after the first review strategic goal and the related CBD targets as well as a library at MEGD for related books and posters covering themes was published by the Ministry of Nature with the Mongolian national objectives that materials. of environment protection throughout Environment and Tourism (MNET) Mongolia correspond followed by the actions taken secondary schools. reviewed the NBAP again in 2009 with the towards those objectives, targets and goals. the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -64- the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -65- Convention on Biological Diversity Convention on Biological Diversity

• The Ministry of Education and • The Ministry of Environment • Amendments to the law on • Environment and Society Sciences in partnership with the Swiss and Green Development, the Ministry environmental impact assessment in Protection and the Green Quest Journal Development Cooperation produced a of Education, the Swiss Development 2012, includes participation of the were published with financial help from handbook designed to implement the Civic Cooperation’s Coping with Desertification public,especially local residents,in the the Environment Protection Fund. Education course into the curriculum for Project, Environment Information Training review process. • The Ministry of Environment and grades 1-3. Training materials including Centre and the Mongolian Environment NBAP, Objective 7: Establish a Green Development has committed to a DVD and book were published and 500 Consortium piloted the ‘Eco School public information programme producing a report on the condition of the copies distributed to schools. Additionally Programme’ in schools during 2007, since to improve people’s knowledge environment every two years. teacher training sessions were held for then 77 schools of 11 provinces were of biodiversity and the this subject. registered in the programme involving • In frame of building a biodiversity importance of conserving it. 3500 teachers and 6000 students. database, government and non- • Formal and informal training and government organizations such as MEGD, interactive public outreach TV programmes • In 2012-2013 WSCC organised NUM, MAS, ZSL, and the Mongolian and online distance learning were public lectures and presentations for school Five actions are listed involving Ornithological Society developed the conducted on environment protection. children and ecology clubs on their project monitoring public perceptions of Mongolian Red List of Birds and Summary involving artificial nests for raptors. Training biodiversity and its importance along • MOS and NUM organised ‘Shore Conservation Action Plans for Mongolian materials were distributed throughout with increased media coverage of birds of Mongolia’, a field course for students Birds and the Mongolian Red List of Plants two eastern provinces with funds from environmental issues and the publication university in 2012 and 2013. Field guides and Summary Conservation Action Plans International Wildlife Consultants. of magazines and production TV and and training materials were also produced during 2011 to 2012. The rare plant radio programmes on issues of the for students of these courses. •About 6 million tugrugs were given species Conservation Action Plan was also environment. Public awareness was raised by the Nature Conservation Fund to produced. • MCST, MOS, NUM and the Ecology through arts competitions, the promotion support the Ecology Education Centre of Education Centre of NUM organised training of local museums and history clubs as well • In 2013, MEGD published an NUM for organizing and updating education on biodiversity and sustainable tourism for as publication by MEGD of periodic fact updated version of the Mongolian Red materials. special interest sites in 2013 for the private sheets and newsletters to raise awareness Book. sector, government organizations and NGOs. •Within the project ‘Strengthening at various levels throughout society. Environmental Governance in Mongolia’, an environment journalism module for the Bachelor degree at Mongolia’s Press Institute was introduced.

•The Steppe Forward Programme of NUM, Zoological Society of London and with support from MOS continue to organise annual summer field courses on biodiversity and monitoring for Mongolian and international university students.

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• The Ministry of Environment and green development competitions were (Gombobaatar and Jargalsaikhan, 2011); A 2012 and 2013. MEGD, Mongolian Council and Green Development and Eagle conducted. Field Guide to the Birds of Hustai (Gombobaatar of Convention on Biological Diversity Broadcasting jointly organised the Green and Usukhjargal, 2011); Red List Summary of and school children from Binder, Khurkh, • The journal Ornis Mongolica was Mongolia project in October, 2013. The Vertebrate Animals of Mongolia (Gombobaatar Bayan-Adraga and Dadal soums of Khentii launched which is a summary of studies project aims to understand the impact et al., 2011), Birds of Khan Bogd (Purevsuren, province participated in the event. and conservation work on birds. The journal of mining on ecological balance and 2013); Photographic Guide to Mongolian was initiated by MOS and produced by • The Mongol Post Company and investigate approaches to mitigate Birds (Boldbaatar and Tugsbayar, 2013); A scientists of NUM and MAS. This work will MOS produced a limited edition postage impacts and disseminate this information Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of contribute to the study and dissemination stamp collection in December 2012, titled and study through media outlets. Mongolia (Terbish, Bunkhbayar, Munkhbaatar, of biodiversity in Mongolia. ‘Beautiful Birds’. A photo exhibition of the 2013); A Field Guide to the Flora and Fauna of • The Saker falcon was declared birds of Mongolia took place in Ulaanbaatar • A series of handbooks and field Gun Galuutai. the national bird of Mongolia by the and a joint exhibition ‘Raptors of Mongolia’ guides of biological diversity and Special government in 2012. In the frame of this • MOS organised the international took place in France in 2012. Protected Areas have been developed work, various activities including national conference on Asian raptors with the through cooperation between NUM, MOS, • Biobeers event by the Steppe student competitions, the issuing of a Asian Raptor Research and Conservation MEGD, Oyu Tolgoi and NGOs. These works Forward Programme and supported by national bird postage stamp, souvenirs, Network in 2010. Moe than 200 participants are an important contribution to publish WCS continues to take place to publicise the ‘Khaan Falcon’ photography prize with from 23 countries attended. up-to-date, accurate information on biodiversity studies and conservation categories covering sustainable tourism, studies of biodiversity and conservation • A consultation meeting with the activities in Mongolia to members of green development, nature conservation, in Mongolia. Publications include: -The topic ‘making electricity pylons safer for MEGD and across various research and history and tradition was organised by Dictionary of Vertebrate Animals of Mongolia birds’ was organised between MEGD, conservation departments. MCST, MOS, NUM and MEGD (Gombobaatar, 2009); A Field Guide to the Ministry of Energy, NUM and MOS with • For the project ‘Ecosystem Based • Events were organised such as Mammals of Mongolia (Batsaikhan, Samiya, funds from MEGD in 2013. This resulted in Adaptation Approach to Maintaining Water environment training to generally improve Shar, Sarah King, 2010); A photographic guide a prevention model to retro fit on pylons Security in Critical Water Catchments students’ knowledge and awareness. For to the birds of Mongolia (Gombobaatar, 2010); and instalment manual being published. in Mongolia’ (MON/12/301): handbook example, academic contests involving Field Guide to the Common Birds of Mongolia • International training on Shore produced, advertising material for public, environment essay competitions, eco- (Tseveenmyadag, Nyambayar, Munkhzul, birds was organised by MOS, MEGD and students have had interactive lectures friendly school contests, and gardening 2010); Birds of Khurh-Khuiten Valley other partners in Ulaanbaatar and Tsagaan about climate change and eco-system Nuur in in 2012 to 2013. adaptations, broadcasting TV and radio programmes, publishing ‘eco-corner’ in a • MOS facilitated ‘World Migratory national newspaper every 2 weeks. Bird Day’ in Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar in May

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• Representatives from MEGD, NUM, • For the first time in Mongolia MAS and NGOs participated in the TV eco-camp training was held within the Target 2: By 2020, at the latest, • In 2012, the discussion on programme Biodiversity of Mongolia. international Eco School programme. biodiversity values have been lowering gas emissions, and sustainable This training was organised jointly by the • The UNDP cooperated with the integrated into national development were set during the Rio+20 Environment Information Training Centre, project to implement adaption measures and local development and the UN 3rd conference on sustainable DuDu private education fund, and students in rivers basins (MON/12/301). Student poverty reduction strategies development in Rio de Janeiro. For this from the School of Natural Sciences of essay competition titled ‘what can we do to and planning processes and matter MEGD and the UNDP are producing Switzerland. This was backed by support prevent and adapt to climate change?’ was are being incorporated into Mongolia’s National Strategy for Green from MEGD, SDC, Nature Conservation announced among university students in national accounting, as Development. Centre, and UBS channel. April 2013 in order to improve knowledge appropriate, and reporting • According to the Green Economy about climate change, highlight the • TNC established an information systems. Initiative and the UN Environment’s importance on reducing it. centre to organise training and provide PAGE (Partnership for Action for Green information to children in eastern Mongolia • A short-animation contest Development) Programme, Mongolia has to protect and see the benefits of their Although the original NBAP does not was organised covering the topic of become one of the 30 signatories to aim land and nature in Toson Hulstai PA. contain objectives that directly relate ‘climate change and its adaptation’. The for a green economy in 2020. to Target 2, Mongolia has carried out Environment department of the Dornogobi • The Leopard Protection Fund has a number of actions that incorporate • The Ministry of Environment and province’s local governance office with been organising an eco-tour summer camp both poverty reduction and issues of Green Development has been given the the education department had announced training since 2013 which will continue to biodiversity and environment management. power to evaluate national projects and an essay competition named ‘protecting be organised each year among the children programmes to be implemented with nature’ among general education high of Gurvantes soum, Umnugobi province. • Although the economy is evolving regard to its 2012-2016 programmes, school students in order to highlight issues In 2013, 20 children overall attended the the disparity in wealth is increasing and vetting and influencing large scale regarding nature’s resources and increase course. The training has its own curriculum about 30% of the population is still living industrial and logistical projects in line awareness. and student and book. in poverty and acute social problems are with priorities to maintain and protect increasing. The government has paid • The Directory of Important Bird • MCST, MOS, NUM, government biodiversity. attention to this matter and has established Areas (IBAs) in Mongolia was published and non-government organisations MEGD to implement a “Green Economy” by MAS and WSCC with funding from the organised various events and activities in order to broaden the Consultant Trust Fund of Japan. such as ‘Mongolian bird watching day’ and potential for income for ‘National bird day’. those not directly involved in extraction industries. Farming schemes and cooperatives and advances in eco-tourism are examples of this.

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• The new government, and MEGD in particular, has focused on policies to Target 3. By 2020, at the latest, the law on development at river basins and owning cultivated forest was enacted introduce eco-friendly technology and to incentives, including subsidies, in 2009, and laws on soil protection by the Minister of Environment and Green renew the appropriate management and harmful to biodiversity are and preventing desertification (2012) Development and Minister of Finance in legal conditions to facilitate progress that eliminated, phased out or were developed as well as laws on March 29, 2013. One aim of the statement is based on the green concept, intensifying reformed in order to minimise forestry, water, fauna, environmental is to encourage citizens to plant forest on actions for broadening cross-sectoral or avoid negative impacts, impact assessments, waste removal and their own land with their own investment cooperation and to support foreign and and positive incentives treatment have all been amended and the to improve stewardship. domestic investments in these areas. for the conservation and Law on Environmental Protection has been sustainable use of biodiversity • The aims behind such policy amended with some additions. are developed and applied, changes are to provide a good environment consistent and in harmony • There are several points for for green development involving tax with the Convention and encouraging public involvement or exemptions on income from more efficient, other relevant international participation in biodiversity conservation environmentally friendly equipment, obligations, taking into and to help reduce impact in biodiversity support sustainable use of natural account national socio with incentives in the following laws: resources and reduce environmental economic conditions. pollution and waste. The law on income -Article 45 of the Law on Environment tax (article 18, 18.1.8, article 19, 19.11) • Mongolia has been renewing Protection included considerations for provides a list of 41 instruments which are the legal framework on environment community participation on natural approved by the government meeting in protection and introduced a new package resource management and economic June 2012. of environmental law. These laws included incentives for nature conservation in article 54. • A decision by Parliament in June, 2013 ensured that afforestation, forest -In article 10 of Law on Soil industry and wooden goods from import Protection, incentives were introduced for shall be exempt from custom tax and VAT soil protection, preventing desertification. until December, 2017. The government

-In the article 39 of the Forestry acknowledges that this decision will Law, economic incentives for forest support afforestation and increase the conservation were introduced. amount of imported wooden goods, and hopefully decrease illegal logging and • Tenure processes for forest improve forest conservation. patches planted with own investment (article 4, 4.2.) was introduced. The statement А-96 / 71 on afforestation planning, managing and financing the forest industry, estimating, purchasing

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Target 4. By 2020, at the latest, • The Institute of Water, Climate, NBAP, Objective 11: Establish • The Nature Conservancy with Governments, business and Nature and Environment has determined effective land-use planning MEGD developed the handbook of offset stakeholders at all levels pasture capability and has given carrying control and transportation methodology. Professional training for have taken steps to achieve or capacity information to the government. policy governmental and non-governmental have implemented plans for In 2010-2011 65% of the pasture was workers has also been conducted in this Action 3: Regulating the transportation sustainable production and sufficiently healthy to support its current work. field planning to reduce the effect on consumption and have kept livestock and in 2011-2012 80% of the the biological species. The main goal of the impacts of use of natural • Environmental auditing procedures pasture was sufficient because of the the planning is to reduce the amount of resources well within safe were approved in 2013 and made a abundant precipitation. However the branched roads. ecological limits. legal requirement for entities which are remaining 20% exceeded its carrying operating in the extraction and use of capacity by 2-5 times the stated amount. • In 2011 Mongolia had 49,250 km of NBAP, Objective 3: Implement natural resources. road, of which 2,629.8 km are asphalted, an effective environmental • A programme to support livestock 1,483.6 km are gravel paved roads, 1,126.3 impact assessment programme breeding has been implemented between km improved earth roads and 7,373.3 km to understand the effects 2003 and 2015. Therefore cow, pig and NBAP, Objective 10: Prevent simple earth. In 2013 3,321.4 km of road of proposed actions on chicken farmers were supported by the Pasture deterioration through was planned to be asphalted and 2,984 m biodiversity State Government with subsidies and overgrazing of iron and concrete bridges were planned. loans. One of the 4 primary fields of Mongolia’s However 1,700 km roads were asphalted Key issues were highlighted in the mid-term strategy plan on social economic • A pilot model of collective pasture and 924 m of bridge were built. These original NBAP, and the need to determine development is the “Green economy” management has been implemented in roads and bridges connected 6 provinces the health of Mongolia’s pasture land, according to the 2012-2016 action Toson Hulstai Natural Reserve by The with Ulaanbaatar and all provinces are establish grazing capacities and establish plans. The government strategy plan for Nature Conservancy. planned to be connected with Ulaanbaatar. procedures to ensure that numbers and the environment 2012-2016 is aimed at species are within grazing capacity • The Suburban Pasture Project by • Now there are 1,905 km of railway conserving and restoring biodiversity and of a given pasture land and that the the Millennium Challenge Corporation by in Mongolia and the government railway promoting its sustainable use. best traditional and modern grazing the US government has been implemented policy was approved in 2010. A total

• In 2012, the Law on Environmental management systems are used. involving 300 herder groups to developed of 5,600 km railway was planned to be Impact Assessment has been applied intensive and half-intensive milk farms built in the east, west and south-east • A national methodology to under the revised law. The law consists near Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan and regions of Mongolia. The goal of railway determine pasture health was approved of strategic environmental assessment, from 2008 to 2013. The aim is to improve development is to produce transport that in 2011. This methodology is based on environmental impact assessment and a culture of sustainable land use by the is economically effective and ecologically those piloted over the last 5 years by cumulative impact assessments. settled farmers and improve their earning sound, connecting infrastructure and the Environment Monitoring Department potential. populations in the mining sectors. The under SDC’s Green Gold project. The • The requirements for offset South and Easterly railway will be 1,800 methodology training has been conducted • The organised activities are in methods to be included in planning were km long and being built between 2013 throughout the country and monitoring is experimental stages. The legal framework included in the Law on Environmental and 2016. East railway is in technical and organised in over 300 soums. is lacking in the development of intensive Impact Assessments. logistical development stages however the farming.

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South railway is under construction. The 1,237 over 880,600 ha have been granted NBAP, Objective 14: Ensure 81,740 m2 were delivered in 2011 and environmental impact of unmade roads for mining proper. The land under license that agriculture and forestry 2012 respectively to 21 provinces along on the route of the South railway between covered 25.2% of all land by the end of are carried out in ways with training and a 50% government Tavan Tolgoi and Gashuun Sukhait is 2009, but in the start of 2013 this had compatible with biodiversity subsidy to fund local growing projects. estimated at 50.5 billion tugrugs (29 reduced to 12.9%. conservation million USD) in environmental damage. The NBAP acknowledges that unsound • Within the ‘Coping with • The Environment Impact practices have caused decreases in forests Desertification’ project of Swiss • The south railway will be built with Assessment Law (article 9.10) states that and grasslands, reducing productivity Development Cooperation, improved 132 tunnels to allow passing livestock. companies should submit an environmental and biodiversity. Actions are focused on adopting new forestry practices that methods were introduce such as natural The East railway has 102 tunnels for management plan with a budget for its ensure sustainability and help to conserve windbreaks and plastic mulching to livestock and 32 tunnels specifically implementation for a given project. In Mongolia’s biodiversity. A number of bans decrease water loss and soil erosion. designed for wild animals. order to let the project commence, the on cutting any remaining primary forest Over 643 ha land, 70% of the surface is company must submit 50% of the cost and clear-cutting as well as support NBAP, Objective 12: Develop for solar and wind energy to remove protected from soil erosion as a result. within that budget to MEGD. strong regulations to protect pressure for firewood are addressed. Similarly supports for ecologically sound NBAP, Objective 16: Develop biodiversity from the effects • The national standard (MNS 6200: agricultural practices are highlighted. renewable, clean energy of mining 2010) for restoration of land which has These involve land use and soil sources and ensure been subject to crude oil exploration and evaluations before cultivation of virgin In accordance with Mongolia’s Ecologically soil or major changes in crops, improved environmentally safe extraction was introduced. Sound Economic Development Guidelines water management systems, no-till transport of fossil fuels agriculture in order to protect the soil minimization of environmental impact in • The law to prohibit mineral from water and wind erosion, the use of • Since 2009, The National Centre mining production through appropriate exploration and mining operations at green manure and other forms of organic for Renewable Energy is operating its technology is required. Actions outlined headwaters of rivers, water protection materials in addition to crop rotations activities under state-owned factories. to enable nutrient balance in the soil and under this objective involve stringent zones and forested areas (known as the minimise the use of chemical fertilizers. Amendments to the Renewable Energy environment protection and restoration, ‘long name law’) was approved resulting in Also the use of plants and animals that Law in 2007 are currently running. or offsets, are to be undertaken by the the revoking of some mining licences. are adapted to environmental conditions in extraction companies during and after Mongolia is addressed so there are fewer • Revising and approving work of the • In the Environment Protection requirements for supplement nutrients and operations have ceased. Environment Impact National Programme on Renewable Energy Law projects relating to natural resource greater yield relative to input cost. Assessments are to be conducted for not began in 2005. extraction are to be audited every 2 only the mining sites themselves but also Action 2: Introduce and support ecological years during operation, conclusions from • In Mongolia the green energy of new settlements and other developments agricultural practices the audit regarding offsets are to be development strategy is run by the Global that result from the mines. Additionally implemented by organisation or project. • Agricultural regulations were Green Growth Institute and the Ministry of regulations should be developed to deal developed to provide tax incentives Energy, implemented on January 1, 2013. with mining waste products which are to be • The Nature Conservancy along on the use of registered efficient and removed, stored or disposed of. with the government is testing the environmentally sound equipment and “Development by Design” approach, which • In a total area of 20.2 million technologies. is to equally combine mining development ha there are 3,540 licences relating to with the necessity to protect livestock, • Polytunnels and greenhouses mining, of which 2,303 licences over 19.3 wildlife and habitats. collectively covering 50,170 m2 and million ha are for mining exploration and the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -76- the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -77- Convention on Biological Diversity Convention on Biological Diversity

procedure, mineral water exploitation This project aims to help Mongolian policy Strategic Goal B: Reduce license amendments, and mineral water makers by giving them recommendations the direct pressures on exploitation registration instructions are NBAP, Objective 14: Ensure based on estimates and conclusions of biodiversity and promote now mandatory. that agriculture and forestry different forms of energy supply to meet sustainable use are carried out in ways energy demands while minimizing the • The nature conservancy made Target 5. By 2020, the rate compatible with biodiversity impacts on the environment. Within the determinations on the eco-system of the of loss of all natural conservation. project, 4 scenarios have been developed steppe region lakes and marshy places in habitats, including forests, which show how energy supply and usage will the scale of the valuation. This became the Action 1. Adopt forestry practices that is at least halved and where increase until 2035. To enter environmentally significant information in natural resource ensure sustainable forests and conserve feasible brought close to friendly, modern technologies in the energy management. biodiversity. zero, and degradation and sector and to use renewable energy source fragmentation is significantly • The Green belt project is being in a broad extent, the following activities • Methods for conducting technical and reduced. implemented in 3 stages between 2005- have been conducted: biological restoration in areas degraded by mining activities were adopted in 2009 2035. Implementation involved tree NBAP, Objective 15: Identify and • Project Durgun water power station and methods for calculating the cost of plantation: 16 provinces with 253 ha in restore damaged lands was built during 2008 to 2011. Taishir water conducting restoration in areas degraded 2010, 365 ha over 15 provinces in 2011, power station from 2008 – 2011, Salkhit – Actions outline the need to assess by mining activities and assessing 256 ha over 15 provinces in 2012 and 106 wind power station began in 2013, and a total damaged lands to determine areas, environment damage costs and calculating ha across 14 provinces in 2013. wind farm project in Choir from 2011. The distribution and reasons for degradation. offsets were adopted in 2010. • The National Forest Programme project to use waste gas to produce energy Priorities for restoration should then be • The damaged soil database was was developed and implemented between has been implemented in Darkhan city. established. Restoration methods should established in January 2012 and open to 2001 and 2015. be defined and tailored relative to each • Heating technologies were the public. The database includes reports on individual case. In all cases the cause • Mongolia became a partner of implemented using ground source heat causes of damage and location of the damaged of degradation must be stopped prior to UNREDD+ and renewed the action plan for in schools, kindergartens and hospitals in or polluted soil. The database information is restoration. national REDD+ development integrating Tuv province. designed to be simple and quick to use and is with Green development in 2011. The • A surface and underground water open to improve local community control. • Solar heating trials were conducted assessment of the financial value of monitoring program was approved in Ulaanbaatar households and buildings. • From 2009 to 2011, the areas mongolia’s forest sector and its key financial in 2011. Amendments to the water Solar energy lighting has been widely damaged by mining activity which have constraints was made in 2013. pollution payment law, methods to used in streets. not been restored were inventoried in • In cooperation with UNFAO and determine the economic value of clean 20 provinces revealing 4,256 hectares of GIZ, preparations are underway to conduct • Solar energy is used to mechanise water services and waste water removal damaged land which is in need of restoration. a national forest inventory in 2014 with 10 deep wells in Tuv, Dundgobi, services were approved. Moreover, methods consistent with international Uvurkhangai, Arkhangai and Sukhbaatar mineral water exploitation and protection • The Environmental Information standards. provinces. Research is being developed to Centre cooperated with MAS and the consider the building a solar power plant. Geo-Ecology Institute, funded by SDC, • Custom payment law amendments to produce desertification and land and VAT amendments were approved to • Work to build a 5-30 mVt solar degradation assessments and mapping. ensure wood products imported are not wind power station is planned. the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -78- the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -79- Convention on Biological Diversity Convention on Biological Diversity

subject to tax and have full exemption • Forest pest research has been • The Mongolian-Korean Green Belt Target 6. By 2020 all fish from import duties. Reforestation activities completed over 1.3 million ha from a total project, initiated in 2007, is set to continue and invertebrate stocks and are also exempt from VAT. 2.2 million ha planned and pest control to 2016. 200 ha forest were planted in aquatic plants are managed has been conducted over 53,000 ha of a 2008; 105 ha of new forest was planted and harvested sustainably, • Forest and steppe fires have been total of 121,000 ha planned. and 113 ha re-planted in 2009; 110 ha legally and applying ecosystem reduced by implementing fire management forest planted, 115 ha re-planted in 2010; based approaches, so that activities in 2013. A forest and steppe • The scientists of Institute of Botany 110 ha of forest planted, 37 ha forest overfishing is avoided, fire protection system was established established field stations to ensure the affected by fire was re-planted and saxaul recovery plans and measures involving revisions to estimation of robust practice and facilitate expansion in forest protection in 10 ha was conducted are in place for all depleted losses caused by wild fire, producing a international cooperation. in 2011; and 100 ha forest planted, 30 species, fisheries have no list of mandatory tools and skills for fire • The Institute of Geo-ecology ha re-planted and 60 ha forest affected by significant adverse impacts fighters and establishing the board of fire have begun a project on changes of the fire was re-planted and 10 ha saxaul forest on threatened species and prevention and protection in 9 provinces. forest ecosystem in North-west Khentii were planted in 2012. Also in 2013, a total vulnerable ecosystems and the In these provinces regular patrols were in order to mitigate against changes and of 100 ha of forest were planted in Lun impacts of fisheries on stocks, established in accordance with the level of improve the techniques and technology to soum of Tuv province and species and ecosystems are fire hazard, and protocols for when wild mechanise the work of planting seedlings of Umnugobi province. Afforestation with within safe ecological limits. fire breaks out we set. to restore. The Food and Agriculture 96,000 saplings in 200 ha in Bayanzag in • A forest fire map has been Organization of the UN has implemented Bulgan soum of Umnugobi province was developed with hotspot information and a national forest support programme, carried out. In 2014, the preparation work NBAP, Objective 9: Control related environment information included and taken measurements against harmful for afforestation was conducted (digging, Hunting and fishing in a database for the map. forest pests, such as Siberian Silk setting up a fence, electricity resource, The NBAP acknowledges Moths, and supporting the development and creating wells etc) as well as more • Under the Forest Tenure System overutilization and illegal harvests are a of forestry management. In addition than 1 million seedlings including 15 1,062 partnerships consisting of 21,000 serious threat to the country’s wildlife. GIZ, has successfully implemented a species have been nurtured. members performing stewardship Five actions are listed which relate to nature protection and natural resource activities now own roughly 2.34 million ha improvements in laws on hunting and management project. of forest area.

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fishing as well as providing training changes in the biodiversity in Naiman Lake Action 1. Determine the country’s carrying At the time the NBAP was published for law enforcers. Public information in Uvurkhangai province. capacity based on the availability of pastureland accounted for 80% of will also address issues relating to the • WWF and the Geo-Ecology Institute renewable natural resources (soil, water, Mongolia’s land, although it states need for natural stocks to replenish of have cooperated on fish distribution and forest, grassland, renewable energy estimates are known to vary, it does and the responsibility of local people to resource surveys in lakes Khyargas and Buir. etc.), and the requirement to protect the acknowledge a significant amount is prevent illegal fishing. Where harvest environment and conserve biodiversity, overgrazed and damaged as a result of quotas are applied ensure they are based • Fish breeding ponds have been achieving a quality standard of living for causes other than grazing. Actions state on sound scientific knowledge following established in Erdene sum of Tuv province its citizens while maintaining the country’s that ministries responsible should meet to the precautionary principle ensuring for breeding Lenok and Carp which reproduce most important cultural traditions. establish plans for a national assessment that quotas are known to be sustainable. in spring and summer in this pond. Also of Mongolia’s pasture land using the full Along with ensuring adequate quotas are conserving the species of fish by implementing • Between 2007-2012 the project extent of available knowledge and existing in place the NBAP states reviews of the breeding technologies in Mongolia. ‘Strengthening Integrated Water Resource information. law may be necessary regarding wildlife Management in Mongolia’ was conducted • The hunting laws introduced in exploitation, fishing seasons, permits and with aims to support implementation of • National method for assessing 2000 have been assimilated into the new methods of taking. integrated water resources management pastoral health was approved in 2011 and wildlife law of 2012. The law on the use of at national and river basin levels by training and monitoring was conducted over • During 2007-2012 the Taimen natural resources wa srevised in 2012. developing and improving capacity at 300 soums and it was designed as part of national protection programme was selected institutes and agencies. SDC’s Green Gold project with the National • In 2011, the regulation on the established. During 2008-2015 fish Agency of Meteorology and Environment costing of use of wildlife resources was protection and breeding programmes are • The plan of Integrated Water Monitoring. introduced. In 2013 two regulations were being implemented. Resource Management during 2014-2021 introduced on the working procedures was approved in 2013, in accordance with • Intensified husbandry development • A fish breeding and research of hunting organisations and the issuing the Mongolia state law on water. support programme has been implemented centre was established under the auspices of special licenses to hunt or trap rare and government supports to farmers by of MAS in September 2009. • Ecosystem Based Adaptation animals were adopted. giving subsidised loan in 2003-2015. Approach to Maintaining Water Security • The centre and the Taimen Target 7. By 2020 areas under in Critical Water Catchments in Mongolia • The Peri-urban Rangeland Project of Conservation Fund established fish agriculture, aquaculture (MON/12/301) project 2012-2015 funded the U.S Millennium Challenge Corporation breeding sites in Olon Gol Belcher in and forestry are managed by adaptation fund The Baikal Basin Trans is focused on supporting land-use schemes Tumurbulag soum, Khuvsgul province sustainably, ensuring boundary Ecosystem Project (IWC 78317) to encourage investment and improve and Dood Tsagaan Lake in Tsagaan Nuur conservation of biodiversity. funded by UNDP and GEF was set up in sustainable management of pastureland soum. 2012 and is due to run operations until around Ulaanbaatar, Darhan and Erdenet

• Since 2011, the Institute of Biology 2015. cities. NBAP, Objective 2: Establish of MAS has been conducting studies on NBAP, Objective 10: Prevent • Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology effective population control ecology, age, growth and reproduction of pasture deterioration through and Environment identifies the capacity measures to limit human impact Mongolian grayling in Taishir hydropower overgrazing of stocking and gives information to on the Nation’s biodiversity station at Gegee Lake in Gobi-Altai government every year. province and ecology, animal species,

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The NBAP states pollution as being a 186 control points, 128 water analysis • Under the National meteorological serious problem which is increasing and points, 1 glaciations study station, 2 and environmental monitoring network, NBAP, Objective 14: Ensure that therefore requires vigorous action. Four lake study stations, 21 environmental there are 119 river and 16 lake monitoring agriculture and forestry are actions are described to establish clear monitoring laboratories, 36 aerial stations stations, totally 135 water research carried out in ways compatible standards for acceptable levels of toxic (7 stations to observe the top layers stations are working. Ground water level with biodiversity conservation. and bacterial substances in the air, water of the atmosphere, 15 solar radiation and temperature measured in 28 water Action 1. Adopt forestry practices that and soil. The actions advise stricter or stations, 2 stations of agro-meteorology, holes and wells and headwaters studied ensure sustainable forests and conserve higher standards in Protected Areas. 11 sandstorm stations, 1 permanent in 14 springs. Samples of water planktons biodiversity. Improvements in monitoring of pollutants radar). The Institute of Meteorology and and benthic substances analysed at 79 (see Aichi target 4, NBAP Objective 14) and supplying the necessary equipment and Environment, Environmental Information stations and chemical analysis of water training to do so are advised. It is stated Centre, Central Laboratory of Environment samples conducted at 140 stations. Five that Environment Impact Assessment Target 8. By 2020, pollution, and Metrology, Aviation Metrology Centre, hydrology stations provided by equipment results should be used in the decision on including from excess Khuriin Shim Centre, Professional Agency to measure water levels and temperature. granting permits for development projects nutrients, has been brought to of Air Quality and numerous agencies • During 2011-2012 as part of and stronger regulations should be levels that are not detrimental of meteorology and environmental the national programme for combating enforced on granting permits. to ecosystem function and monitoring. desertification the National Agency of biodiversity. • Third stage of actions to develop • In the frame of technology reform Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring the field of meteorology and environmental NBAP, Objective 8. Control in meteorology and environmental conducted research on soil quality in monitoring is ongoing until 2015. pollution of air, water and monitoring, currently 31.2% of climate Mongolia; 1,500 monitoring posts were stations, 40% of solar radiation stations, established to assess land degradation, soil. • The national meteorological 14.3% of air quality stations and 43% soil quality, and flora. and environmental monitoring network of all measurement work on pasture soil in Mongolia consists of 130 stations, • The following new standards were moisture, data is collected automatically. formulated and approved those associated • In 2009, air quality was defined by contamination of air, water and soil by just two different parameters in 4 from 2009. Water quality: Maximum level stations. This was improved from 2010 of pollutant substances in underground with funding support from the French water; Air quality: Maximum amount of government; five air quality monitoring chemicals from burnt matter, maximum stations, a mobile station and 4 new amount of pesticides remaining in an air monitoring points were established in and ground; organic insecticide introduced. capital city. Under this activity, air quality Soil quality: Methodology to determine is continuously monitored at 15 points content of organochlorine pesticides by 3 to 8 parameters (sulphur dioxide, and polychlorinated biphenyl by gas nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone chromatography using electronic detector level, content of big particles etc.) near - MNS ISO 10382:2012; Insulating liquid: Ulaanbaatar. Methodology to determine polychlorinated

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technology to decrease dioxin and furan • Governmental and non- biphenyls pollution by gas chromatography dedicated waste banks 38,836m3 of formation and their accumilation in the governmental organizations such as using capillary column - MNS CEI EN contaminated earth was neutralised and environment. Action plan for 2007 to 2011 MEGD, NUM, MAS and MOS planned to 61619:2011. buried. Additionally contaminated earth was approved. define and study invasive alien species from illegal gold mining from Selenge, composition and to organise a national Umnugobi, Bayankhongor, Uvurkhangai, • Research was instigated in order meeting although funding is still needed. NBAP, Objective 12: Develop Gobi-Altai, and Tuv provinces was to produce standardised protocols to clean strong regulations to protect neutralised. areas contaminated by petrol production Target 10. By 2015, the biodiversity from the effects activities. These protocols were delivered multiple anthropogenic • Proposals submitted relating to the of mining to the Development Agency of Czech pressures on coral reefs, and proper management of mercury delivered Republic and approved. Protocol use began other vulnerable ecosystems Action 3. Develop regulations to remove to the UNIDO and submitted to Global in. impacted by climate change and store mining waste and establish a Environmental Fund. or ocean acidification system for its disposal. Target 9. By 2020, invasive • The programme on slow are minimised, so as to alien species and pathways • In 2012, the law on waste was demountable organic pollutants is to be maintain their integrity and are identified and prioritised, renewed and 11 regulations and acts carried outduring 2006-2020. functioning. priority species are approved relating to that law. • Nine chemicals included in the controlled or eradicated, • In 2013 Mongolia signed up to the appendix of the Stockholm Convention on and measures are in place to NBAP, Objective 4: Establish Minimata Convention on Mercury. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) were manage pathways to prevent a research programme that added to the list of toxic and hazardous their introduction and • The accumulated Mercury improves knowledge of chemicals prohibited for use in Mongolia. establishment. cyanide waste of Selenge, Umnugobi, biodiversity and relevant Import and usage of these chemicals been Bayankhongor, Uvurkhangai and Gobi- While updates have been made in threats banned. Altai province was neutralised then buried legislation and law, Mongolia’s current Action 1 of this objective is relevant in 2009 under government regulations • Arrangements on the approval NBAP does not list objectives or actions to Target 10, this action is to initiate relating to contaminated earth. In of harmful chemicals were amended, specifically relating to the control of a research programme to improve approval procedure for the use of harmful invasive species or measures to manage understanding of the functioning of chemicals, and protocols for the safe pathways to prevent their introduction Mongolia’s ecosystems and the processes disposal of harmful chemicals have also and establishment in the wild. This could affecting their health. This action sets been amended in order to minimise the be a consideration for the revised NBSAP. out to determine which anthropogenic presence slow degrading organic pollutants • The Fauna Law was introduced in activities are sustainable and which are derived from a variety of burning process, 2012. Also In 2010, amendments were not. Priority was given to understanding such as those outlined in annex ‘C’ of the made to the Law on Wild Flora which was the carrying capacity of the important Stockholm Convention. initially introduced in 1995. Articles on grassland ecosystem. • During a cross ministerial meeting invasive animals and plants were included • In the frame of the Project held in 2007 in Thailand, UNIDO intiniated in these laws. ‘Strengthening Integrated Water Resource a forum to support best practice and

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Management in Mongolia’ Integrated water of migratory birds. This work requires management national assessment report further policy and financial support for its water purification, carbon storage, and sound ecological land-use plans were to was conducted by MEGD and Government continuation. nutrient exchange depends upon intact be developed with enforceable rules to of The Kingdom of Netherlands. soil, stores of nutrients and water, plant protect biodiversity. • A project to improve water supply diversity and viable internal nutrient • The Nature Conservancy identified and availability in Bayannuur sum of Bulgan (For additional information see Aichi cycles and energy flows. The NBAP conservation priorities and threats in aimag Р2010-00140-2 was implemented target 4, NBAP objective 11). addresses the potential anthropogenic the grasslands and Gobi regions and by КОICA in 2010-2012. impacts on Mongolia’s grasslands through are continuing this work in Khangai with measures to establish grazing capacities funding from the Mongolian government. NBAP, Objective 14: Ensure and to ensure sound management of pasture NBAP, Objective 10: Prevent that agriculture and forestry • In the frame of the Ramsar land through a combination of modern and Pasture deterioration through are carried out in ways Convention and the East Asian and traditional techniques. overgrazing. compatible with biodiversity Australasian Flyway Partnership wetlands (For additional information see Aichi conservation. are protected in a number of projects such Mongolia’s grasslands account for target 4, NBAP objective 10). projects on the ‘Sustainable Management the majority of land cover and the NBAP Actions outline a need to adopt and Conservation of Migratory Birds in acknowledges that a significant portion of NBAP, Objective 11: Establish sustainable forestry practices which the Wetlands of Bayannuur, it is at risk of desertification as a result effective land-use planning help to conserve biodiversity. Similarly and Tsаgaan nuur’ have been working to of climate change and overgrazing or other and transportation policy. ecologically sound agricultural practices establish a research centre for monitoring poor land-use practices. The integrity were to be implemented with measures Land use is divided into seven land shore birds, and to cover Bayannuur of of those grasslands and their capacity to protect soil structure and integrity. classifications including agricultural Bulgan aimag into Local Protected Area to produce valuable animal products and In turn some effects of this will be land, forest territory and water as a base for research and conservation provide other ecosystem services such as healthy grasslands less susceptible to territory. Within these relevant desertification. classifications actions have been listed

to develop policy on land use taking into

account biological resources and their

distribution. Based upon this policy

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Action 1. Adopt forestry practices that Strategic Goal C: To improve National Conservation Parks, Strictly PA agenda. Currently with step-by-step ensure sustainable forests and conserve the status of biodiversity protected Areas Nature Reserves and development, a total area of 27.2 million biodiversity. by safeguarding ecosystems, Natural and Historical Monuments as hectares of land (or 99 SPAs) has been species and genetic diversity. well as extension to protected area put under special protection by the state. (For additional information see Aichi boundaries. Percent cover of Protected Ninety nine SPAs occupy about 17.4% of target 5, NBAP objective 14). Area was also a focal point of this the total territory of Mongolia. Out of the 99

objective and was intended to increase SPAs, 20 of them are national reservations Target 11. By 2020, at least 17 from eight to eighteen percent under occupying about 12,402 hectares of land per cent of terrestrial and Action 2. Introduce and support the 1996 NBAP. Mongolia has almost (equal to 45.6% of the total area of the inland water, and 10 per cent ecological agricultural practices. reached this target with 17.4% of SPAs), 32 are parks occupying 11,888 of coastal and marine areas, land under protection. A further hectares of land (43.7%), 34 are natural (For additional information see Aichi especially areas of particular 9.6% is classified as Local Protected reserves occupying 27,79 hectares of land target 4, NBAP objective 14). importance for biodiversity Area. The ultimate aim for establishing (10.2%), and 13 are natural landmarks and ecosystem services, are 30% Protected Area coverage is still occupying 129.6 hectares of land (0.5%). conserved through effectively maintained and remains unless this In addition to this, by the decisions of the NBAP, Objective 15: Identify and and equitably managed, is changed and stated in Mongolia’s Citizens Delegation Council of the local restore damaged lands ecologically representative future NBSAP. Actions listed also soums and provinces, there are a total and well connected systems indicate a need to establish sound number of 911 Local Protected Areas (LPA) of protected areas and guidelines for delineating protected occupying about 16.31 million hectares other effective area-based A process of assessment of damaged lands area zones. Along with area increases, of land. The LPAs cover about 10.3% of conservation measures, and and a classification of varying degrees of public support for protected areas is the total territory of Mongolia. However, integrated into the wider damage was to be developed. From this, outlined as an important factor in their since the registration procedures of LPAs landscapes and seascapes. priority areas were to be highlighted for integrity. Processes of consultation, are incomplete and the regimes to protect restoration with tailored restoration joint planning, proper dissemination of them are obscure the issue of including methods designed for each site to ensure information, training of local people them in the list is unregulated. For this NBAP, Objective 1: Establish effective outcomes. and the establishment of standardised reason, LPAs have not been considered the a complete protected area monitoring procedures are stated as same as SPAs. In spite of this, if the areas (For additional information see Aichi system representative of all actions under objective 1 of Mongolia’s occupying the territories of both the LPAs target 5, NBAP objective 15) ecosystems and protecting NBAP. Additionally traditional land and the SPAs are summed up together, endangered species, including use forms of grazing and utilizing other the total territory of Mongolia under state joint actions with the Russian biological natural resources is promoted protection reaches 27.7%. Federation and the People’s with recommendations for their revival Republic of . • In 2013, 15 areas from 24 different where appropriate was advised. soums (or from 9 different provinces) were Mongolia has outlined seven actions • In accordance to the National planned to be put under state protection under this objective. These actions outline Programme on SPAs (Specially Protected and thus surveys were initiated. planning of PA boundaries involving a Areas) at least 30% of the total territory of total of eighty-five sites consisting of • At the moment preparations for Mongolia is planned to be included in the talks are being made in Russia in which a the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -90- the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -91- Convention on Biological Diversity Convention on Biological Diversity

cross-border SPA named “Amarin Khel” is local Environment and Tourism agencies. • Also changes were made in the • Standard of requirements of the soon to be established in the Onon-BaljNP. Under present conditions the issue laws related to SPAs and comments are accommodations and services of eco- of skilled personnel has been solved. currently being taken through public tourism in SPA’ developed and approved • Russia has already agreed to Currently there are 625 employees, discussion on the first draft of the Law. by MEGD in 2013. establish a cross-border SPA named “Uvs and out of these 325 of them are forest Lake Depression” with Mongolia. • A number of regulations were • Due to the introduced regulation on rangers. By 2014 these rangers will be endorsed by the minister and took collecting, allocating and reporting income from • Research works conducted on a working according to specific norms. It effect regulations on the following areas natural resource usage in 2014, it is mandatory number of rare bird populations in Mongol is expected that the workforce has been were introduced: -Area under Local to allocate 30% of income from the SPA tothe Daguur Strictly Protected Area located built up of competent employees. Protected Area status; -Use of mineral protection and restoration of the SPA. around the borders of Mongolia, Russia • SPA management councils and water in SPA; -Temporary regulations on and China. Mongolian Gazelle and large • Discussion held to renew the regional environmental councils have land use and issue in the SPA; -Control predators in Mongol Daguur SPA and Yakhi regulation for conducting research in SPAs already been established, and are the number of wolves and feral dogs in Nuur Nature reserve, fish studies in Khar- adopted by the Minister of Environment in working on developing and implementing the SPA; -Conducting research work Us, Durgun, Khyargas, Airag lakes and 1996, in accordance with present conditions. management plans. So far, 19 regional in SPA; -Regulation on controlling census of Argali Sheep in Khoridol Saridag environment management plans have the structure; -Collecting samples, • Research works studying the changes SPA etc. been developed based on established taking measurements; -Conducting re- in ecology, the dynamics of biodiversity, the • There are currently 31 authorities standardised method and best practice. introductions; -Kill and catch wildlife to worth of SPAs and the capacity of tourism responsible for the protection of SPAs; Furthermore during 2012 and 2013, a control the contagious diseases; -Running have been conducted and are being used however there are some natural landmarks management efficiency assessment was forestry activities in SPAs; -Regulation on to report and operate future activities. In and reserves which are protected by the conducted in 13 SPA’s in order to evaluate calculating the ecological and economical 2012, out of a total number of 63 research the effectiveness of implementation. impact of illegal activities in SPA.

This gravel pit pond is a suitable area for creating a bird watching site Gurvan Saikhan PA the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -92- the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -93- Convention on Biological Diversity Convention on Biological Diversity

works conducted by the SPA authorities: Target 12. By 2020 the programme on the conservation of flora • Zoological Society of London 4 were related to rivers, its water flow extinction of known was developed with summary action plans supported three EDGE fellows conducting and its compositions; 6 were related to threatened species has and comments on the national programme research on the Long eared jerboa, forests and woodlands; 4 were related to been prevented and their from ministries. Saiga antelope and wild Bactrian camel. soil and subsoils; another 6 were related conservation status, Following on from this workshops were • The Institute of Biology, MAS to plants and plantations; 31 were related particularly of those most in held in the region of Gobi ‘A’ to identify had conducted research on Tengis and to mammals; 2 were related to insects decline, has been improved and major threats to the wild Bactrian camel Shishged river basins for registering in and amphibians, 3 were related to birds; sustained. in 2010. Based on this work the Steppe the Ramsar Convention. Due to the work, 4 were related to economy and society; Forward Programme and the Mongolian habitat improvements for mammals such and 3 were related to history, tourism Accademy of Science submitted the Wild as Reindeer, River Otters and Brown Elk, and famous landmarks. As for 2013, with NBAP, Objective 4: Establish Bactrian camel action plan to the MEGD in with reducing populations and distribution, funding from the World Wildlife Fund the a research programme that 2013. will be protected. SPA authorities wrote a total number of 52 improves knowledge of • Ulaanbaatar city council, MEGD and research papers: 11 were related to plants; biodiversity and relevant • The Nature Conservancy has NUM reintroduced the Eurasian Beaver to 30 were related to endangered species of threats. conducted anecological assessment of the Tuul river basin successfully. mammals; 3 were related to fish; another grasslands of eastern Mongolian as well Action 2 of this Objective is to develop 3 were related to forests; 2 were related to as the Gobi with government funding. • Since 2008, the snow leopard has population and distribution information preserving historical and cultural heritage; The assessment has been continued in been part of a long-term study in which on Mongolia’s flora and fauna with and another 3 were related to rivers and Khangai region, 19 snow individuals were monitored priority given to threatened, endangered waters. with electronic collars after being left in and endemic species. This is a first step in • From 2008-2010 the Institute Umnugobi province’s Gurvantes soum, near • Since 2011, a five year project understanding threats and how to mitigate of Biology of MAS conducted a series of the Tost Mountain range. From preliminary called “Strengthening the Protected Area them for specific species. research on the ecology of Mongolian results the female leopards have travelled Network” was initiated with the support of mammals and relevant conservation • A national programme on 40-60 km into the mountains whilst the the UNDP and the World Wildlife Fund. management. Between 2011-2013 endangered and critically endangered males have actively travelled as far as 450 research titled ‘Ecology and Conservation • The Steppe Forward Programme species was approved by decision of km. There are also other ongoing projects of Key and Rare Mongolian Mammals and of NUM used the Wildlife Picture Index the government in 2011. Within this of small mammals, birds and plants. between 2012-2014 and Biodiversity in involving the largest camera trap studies programme, management plans on Mongolian Daurian steppe were conducted. • In the frame of the Mongolian in Mongolia reaching important research critically endangered animals are in biodiversity database, international working and conservation outputs. Some of results development stages. • In order to improve the habitat of group meetings of the Mongolian red list of of this work resulted in Myangan Ugalzat the Gobi Bear and to accelerate research • The National Security Council birds in 2009 and Conservation Action Plans NP boundaries being changed. on the species, a working group was developed recommendations and notes to of birds in 2011 and the Mongolian red list established which developed 7 objectives • WSCC was involved the take action on the conservation of wildlife of plants in 2012 took place respectively and 41 tasks for implementing the following: establishment of the LPA. It and plants, which were subsequently in cooperation between MEGD, ZSL, NUM, landscaping springs, establishing food covers 35,000 ha and 8 species of raptors delivered to the government. According MAS, SFP, MOS and other governmental supplements, and conducting population breed and 6 species of raptors crosses to the recommendations, a national and non-governmental organizations. As studies with camera traps. during their migration. a result of this work Mongolia became the the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -94- the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -95- Convention on Biological Diversity Convention on Biological Diversity

first country in Asia to complete the Red population data across all taxonomic • From 2012, the Snow Leopard extinct Mongolian species or those whose

Lists of all vertebrate species. groups with priority given to endemic and Trust set up a wildlife monitoring project extinction is immanent. All programmes

endangered species. Under this objective involving local herders to define the major should involve a commitment to habitat • Hunting of Saker Falcon was banned there was also a requirement to improve threats for Snow Leopards. Additionally restoration and protection of the wild for 5 years as a result of this species being data collection with the use of new MAS and WSCC are studying 6 individual population and a sufficient monitoring announced as Mongolia’s National Bird. technologies, such as remote sensing, and White-naped Cranes relating to bird flu programme. • The field study and training centres place an emphasis on monitoring as a role since 2014. Action 1. Assess carefully the needs in Gobi, Khentii Nuruu and Khuvsgul lake of Protected Area staff. • NUM, SFP and ZSL are commencing for captive breeding in Mongolia. Limit established by NUM take place long term Action 2. Improve biological a monitoring project to establish population, captive breeding and reintroduction research and conservation on biodiversity. information, especially occurrence and density, behaviour and reproduction of the programs to Mongolian extant species or

NBAP, Objective 5: Establish distribution data for all taxa. Presently Wild Bactrian Camel in 2014. to those whose extinction is otherwise nationwide information distribution and population data for many imminent. There must also be a commitment • MAS and WSCC are studying 6 and monitoring system for species are poorly known. Priority should to habitat restoration and protection of individual white napped cranes relating biodiversity conservation. be given to endemic and endangered species. the wild population. to bird flu since 2014. Also database on

The NBAP recognises the need • State owned organisations such as reproduction of these species is being • MEGD has set goals to breed to monitor species in order to collect NUM and MAS are continuing to develop the established. endangered and rare animals in the wild robust trend data to understand species Mongolian biodiversity database according and has developed feasibility studies NBAP, Objective 17: Improve ex- behaviour, relationships, interactions to IUCN methods by cooperation and to increase growth of populations situ management for species and threats. This process follows on from funding from ZSL, MEGD, World Bank and of Mongolian Saiga in territories of conservation and conserving the initial research programme listed the Netherlands; the programme began in Bayanhongor province. In order to improve genetic resources. above and involves collecting biological 2006. the habitat of endangered animals: information on species, environmental data Although the NBAP recognises the • Since 2000, MOS and NUM - In order to increase water and socio-economic information in order preference of conserving species in their have been developing and maintaining supply in the Great Gobi SPA a number to make informed decisions regarding natural habitat it is recognised that these a database of the migratory birds of of generators have been installedto species protection and extinction avenues should also be explored. The Mongolia, database of migratory raptors, a encourage precipitation; training was prevention. Four actions are listed importance of a thorough understanding photographic database of Mongolian birds organised for rangers during September in the NBAP which involve improved of all aspects of breeding in captivity with over 3000 individual photographs of 2013. Three generators and 108 fuel tanks coordination of various monitoring is an essential pre requisite to any such 350 species making it Mongolia’s largest were provided for the Great Gobi SPA networks in order to collate and analyse programme. The NBAP states that all photographic bird database. also weather and enviroment monitoring existing data which may not be readily ex-situ conservation programmes should equipment for Gobi-Altai provincewere available. The NBAP indicates a number • As a result the National be linked to in-situ programmes which provided. By activating the generator in of organisations collect data on weather photographic database of biodiversity correct the cause of the need for ex- areas of Tsagaan Bogd on september 21st, and ecology but the availability of this has been established with the initiation of situ conservation. Actions are listed 2013 precipitation of 5 ml has fallen. At 2 data and its coordinated use was poor MEGD, MOS and NUM in 2013. involving rigorous assessment of the need pm of the same day, Segs Tsagaan Bogd at the time of publication. Improvements to conduct ex-situ conservation and that • The WWF and TNC conducted GAP and Ikh Bogd Mountains had snow cover were also required in the amount of any such programme should involve only analysis in the central and eastern steppes. on top halves. the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -96- the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -97- Convention on Biological Diversity Convention on Biological Diversity

- Gobi Bears additional food • In order to breed and domesticate Action 3: Develop a genetic conservation • Research was conducted by MAS supplements of 5 tonnes were placed Red Deer in territory of Batsumber sum Tuv research programme during 2008-2010 on the mitochondrial in April and June of 2013. Great Gobi province, in 2012 approval was granted to genomes of Mongolian livestock and some Action 3 of this Objective relates to SPA administration placed additional catch 5 female Red Deer. wildlife with phylogenetic relations with the development of a genetic conservation supplements of 11.5 tonnes of feed in the livestock. • Reintroduction of Przewalski’s 15 different areas of Atas, Inges, Shar research programme. Horse is continuing successfully in Khustai Hulst and Tsagaan Bogd Mountain which • Scientists of NUM conducted Nuruu and Takhiin Tal. • As stated in National Biosafety is the main location for Gobi bears after genome research of rare Mongolian Action Plan, the law on Genetic Resources hibernation on March 15th of 2013. 10 wildlife successfully by support from the Target 13. By 2020, the genetic has been developing since 2010 and a tonnes of fodder and 1.5 tonnes of feed Foundation for Science and Technology; diversity of cultivated concept paper of the law was approved by for dogs rich in proteins and high calories DNA of a number of rare species has been plants and farmed and government in 2014. extracted. also turnips and carrots for experimental domesticated animals and needs were placed in feed containers. 10 • In 2012 a parliament decision was of wild relatives, including • Plant Science and Agricultural new containers were placed in 10 more made for Mongolia to join the Nagoya other socio-economically as Research Institute implemented different areas. There are two containers Protocol that same year. well as culturally valuable successfully a project ‘Establishment each in Altan Tevsh and Shar Huls and species, is maintained, • Parliament also decided to join the of the National information sharing container with 2 tonnes of feed near the and strategies have been Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2012. mechanism on the implementation of the security building of Alag Uneet and Shar developed and implemented for Global plan of action for the conservation Huls were placed. • Baseline studies on genetic minimizing genetic erosion and and utilization of plant genetic resources safeguarding their genetic resources of Mongolian livestock have - October of 2013 solar energy diversity. been conducted by the Institute of Biology powered wells with short chimneys were of MAS in 2011 to 2013. handed over to park administration in Baruun Sharge and Myangan Tooroi of NBAP, Objective 4: Establish Great Gobi SPA. Also, wells (khudag) of a research programme that Myangan Tooroi provides 25/30L per hour improves knowledge of whilst wells of Baruun Sharga provide biodiversity and relevant 200/250L per hour. threats. • In 2010 the Mongolian musk deer protection association got approval to catch four Musk Deer in order to domesticate. To prevent from inbreeding in the Musk Deer research station of the Institute of Traditional Medicine, the organization approved to catch and introduce two Musk Deers. In total granting 6 Musk Deers to be removed from the wild population. the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -98- the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -99- Convention on Biological Diversity Convention on Biological Diversity

for food and agriculture in Mongolia’ Strategic Goal D: Enhance the NBAP, Objective 8: Control management plans in order to prevent GCP/RAS/240/JPN with the fund from benefits to all from biodiversity pollution of air, water and water shortage in the basin, and ensure the Japanese government and UNFAO. and ecosystem services. soil. the appropriate use of available resources Meta-analysis was conducted of all works to prevent pollution and implement The actions listed under this national including project results and literature on restoration activities where needed. objective are designed, in part, to ensure plant genetic resources and the combined Target 14. By 2020, ecosystems healthy lakes and river systems. • The Tuul River basin authority was information has been analysed. The that provide essential established in 2012. importance of this project is to assess services, including services Action 4. Continue pollution mitigation successes, gaps, weaknesses and possible related to water, and measures initiated in the Tuul River under • The government has approved conservation actions and highlight the use contribute to health, the Tuul the “Khatan Tuul” programme and its of genetic resources for agriculture. livelihoods and well-being, implementation plan Phase 1 (2012-2016) • The National Action Plan for water, are restored and safeguarded, to reduce river pollution and improve its NBAP, Objective 17: Improve ex- 2010 to 2020 was introduced in 2010. taking into account the needs protection management and establish situ management for species of women, indigenous and local cross-sectoral coordination. conservation and conserving • River basin administration was communities, and the poor and established under MEGD. According to genetic resources. • In 2014 the river basin authority vulnerable. the Law on Water, Mongolian territory is implemented the Tuul River Improvement Action 4. Establish a livestock gene bank divided into 29 river basins and there are Project with support from the Poverty for traditional Mongolian breeds. administration units in each basin. Recently Reduction Fund of the Japanese NBAP, Objective 1: Establish 25 river basin administration units were • The National livestock genetic Government. a complete protected area established and have developed their resource centre was established in 2006 system representative of all management plans. The responsibility of • With support from the Asian with a focus on genetic stock, adapting ecosystems and protecting this authority includes; coordinating and Development Bank the Tuul River pollution biotechnology and genetic engineering for endangered species, including implementing integrated water resource evaluation project is in developmental breeding technology. joint actions with the Russian stages at the time this • A National Mongolian livestock Federation and the People’s report was written. programme was initiated in 2010 and Republic of China. • The EcoAsia National livestock genetic resource The establishment of protected areas will University research team complex established in Darhan-Uul provide protection for ecosystem services made a survey on river province. in the protection of flora, fauna and ecology in 2010. The microbial species which lie within protected research work focused area boundaries. on the ecological balance of the river basin and its (For additional information see Aichi tributaries through studies target 11, NBAP, Objective 1). examining the factors effecting ecosystem changes and the impact Tuul river valley

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intensity, river ecosystems assessment Action 1. Adopt forestry practices that NBAP, Objective 10: Prevent By assessing the extent of damaged indicates the systems are currently facing ensure sustainable forests and conserve Pasture deterioration through land along with the main causes, actions environmental damage, based on the biodiversity overgrazing under these objectives were designed to results of this work, the river ecosystem lead to a classification of land according Planned actions are focused on NBAP, Objective 10: Prevent degradation and pollution reduction plans to the level of degradation and to new ensuring conservation of forest resource Pasture deterioration through are being established. management to help restore and maintain and biodiversity. overgrazing those lands. Restored land will increase • Restoration work has been carried (For additional information see Aichi NBAP, Objective 14: Ensure potential for providing ecosystem services out in the Tuul River basin by Mongol target 5, NBAP Objective 14). that agriculture and forestry in the form of carbon sequestration and jodoo Co. during this work landscaping are carried out in ways also improve resilience to disturbances. restoration was conducted, 9802 m3 of NBAP, Objective 15: Identify and compatible with biodiversity Improved resilience will enable the rubbish waste was collected and removed restore damaged land conservation system to recover from fire, flooding and and 55ha of trees were planted before pest outbreaks quicker than it would in a Action 2. Establish priorities for registering the area with National Park NBAP, Objective 15: Identify and degraded state. restoring damaged lands and establish protected status. restore damaged lands a ten-year timetable within which to (For additional information see Aichi target accomplish restoration. Define the (For additional information see Aichi 4, NBAP, Objectives 10, 14, Target 5, restoration methods that should be target 5, NBAP, Objective 15). NBAP, Objective 10: Prevent Objective 15). employed in each case. In all cases, the Pasture deterioration through cause of degradation has to be stopped overgrazing before restoration begins. Pasturelands provide food, fuel, (For additional information see Aichi water storage, gas exchange and nutrient target 5, NBAP Objective 15). cycle services to humans and the three Actions listed under this national Objective will help to maintain the system in such a Target 15. By 2020, ecosystem state that it can provide these services at resilience and the a valuable level. contribution of biodiversity (For additional information see Aichi to carbon stocks has target 4, NBAP Objective 10). been enhanced, through conservation and restoration, including restoration NBAP, Objective 14: Ensure of at least 15 per cent of that agriculture and forestry degraded ecosystems, thereby are carried out in ways contributing to climate change compatible with biodiversity mitigation and adaptation and conservation to combating desertification. skeleton of a dead in the desert the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -102- the 5th National report chapter 2 mongolia 2014 -103- Convention on Biological Diversity Convention on Biological Diversity

• Within The United Nations • The Swiss Development Strategic Goal E: Enhance Target 18. By 2020, the Framework Convention on Climate Cooperation established the ‘Combating implementation through traditional knowledge, Change and the Convention to Combat Desertification’ project (2007-2013). participatory planning, innovations and practices Desertification, The National Programme The Netherlands government established knowledge management and of indigenous and local on Combating Desertification (2010- the project ‘Decreasing Desertification capacity building communities relevant for the 2020) and a law on Soil protection and with Sustainable Land Management’ conservation and sustainable preventing desertification and protection (MON/08/301, 2008-2012), UNDP and use of biodiversity, and their of soil were introduced in 2010 and 2012 The Adaptation fund Adaptation of main Target 17. By 2015 each Party customary use of biological respectively. forest ecosystems to climate change” has developed, adopted as a resources, are respected, (2012-2017) implemented, respectively. policy instrument, and has subject to national legislation • Within the legal obligation on UN’s commenced implementing an and relevant international base convention of Climate Changing, Target 16. By 2015, the Nagoya effective, participatory and obligations, and fully the Mongolian government produced The Protocol on Access to Genetic updated national biodiversity integrated and reflected in National Programme on Climate Change Resources and the Fair and strategy and action plan. the implementation of the in 2000 and revised it in 2011. The Equitable Sharing of Benefits Convention with the full revised programme is being implemented Arising from their Utilization As stated above Mongolia has begun and effective participation with two stages between 2011-2021. is in force and operational, the process of a draft framework for the of indigenous and local By the decision of the former Minister of consistent with national development of a new NBSAP. communities, at all relevant the Ministry of Natural Environment and legislation. A working group and project leader levels. Tourism, a coordination department of In addition to the national objectives, for Mongolia’s NBSAP development were climate change was established under NBAP, Objective 2: Establish the NBAP outlines legislation requirements installed, following a workshop in 2012 the MEGD in 2011. By the decision of the effective population control to facilitate the implementation of the the frame of contents was established minister of Ministry of environment and measures to limit human impact objectives. followed by a draft of programme content. tourism, a climate change coordination on the nation’s biodiversity. office which includes Kyoto protocol’s Adopt legislation and policies to ensure In April 2013 a working group Action 5. Spread information among National Clean Development Agency in the conservation of biological diversity that was established with the Minister of the public about the effects of increased its structure was established beside the require the integration of conservation and Environment. The first meeting of the population on the environment and link ministry in 2011. The Special envoy for environmental protection into sustainable group defined member’s responsibilities programmes for elimination of poverty and Climate change appointed as Chairman development. and developed an action plan to develop the reduction of unemployment with protection of climate change coordination office. NBSAP which was sent to the secretariat of Under this legal objective, of biodiversity, and develop international The National climate committee was the CBD. In order to combine the NBSAP actions involve analysis of current cooperation in this field. established in 2012. with local programmes they analysed the laws, improvements in laws affecting development strategies of each province. • Poverty reduction by community- • The National Ozone Layer biodiversity and the implementation of A model was then designed to show based natural resource management in Protection Programme (1999-2030) new legislation. There is no mention of the potential biodiversity loss between 2012 Onon-Balj basin (JFPR9125 MON project, approved and related activities continue Nagoya Protocol in the NBAP due to the and 2020. 2008-2013) was initiated and funded by to be organised. date it was published however Mongolia Japan’s Fund for Poverty Reduction. joined the Nagoya Protocol in 2012.

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• In the frame of community time frame, compensation is granted; 40 • GMO food registration, monitoring conservation of the snow leopard (2012- percent of the insurance fund is provided imports and public awareness is regulated NBAP, Objective 5: Establish 2015), funded by GEF, the following by herders collectively they themselves by the law on food in Article 7, this law nationwide information activities are ongoing. set the livestock cost estimation. also prevents receiving GMO foods in aid and monitoring system for and loan packages. GMO raw materials, 1.Community based monitoring and biodiversity conservation. product registration, risk assessment and data collection of the Snow Leopard in the Target 19.By 2020, knowledge, control of domestic and imported products Altai-Sayan eco-region, the science base and is reflected in the law on food security in Action 1. Improve the coordination and 2. Preventing revenge hunting of technologies relating to Article 14. use of various information and monitoring Snow Leopards by humans through biodiversity, its values, • The national standards ‘methods to networks. appropriate insurance system for livestock functioning, status and trends, determine genetically modified organisms which have been taken by Snow Leopards. and the consequences of its Action 1 under this objective is to and their derived products, Nucleic acid- loss, are improved, widely improve the coordination and use of various 3. Support habitat and prey animals based methods MNS ISO 21569: 2011’ shared and transferred, and information and monitoring networks. (including livestock) by implementing was approved. In the frame of work applied. Much of this involves allowing greater sustainable pasture management. to adopt international and specifically access to information collected by various • National Plan on Biosafety was European Union standards, 15 standards • In the frame of a project to conserve government institutions and societies so submitted to the Government in 2013. A have been submitted to the National the Saiga Antelope (2011-2014), support they can be cross referenced and analysed strategy plan for 2020 was approved and Standards Office. at local and regional levels increased due with other supporting data sets to improve the planned actions of National committee to the implementation of appropriate • In order to detect and identify the overall potential scientific output and reflect this strategy plan. training and awareness campaigns. GMO, in partnership with the Institute knowledge. • The management for the project of Biology, a testing laboratory was • The Snow Leopard enterprises In the year of 2010, the Environmental ‘capacity building for biosafety were established to detect genetically modified programme by the Snow Leopard Trust is Information Centre was developed further trained during 14 workshops, trainings organisms and a GMO risk assessment running to mitigate the conflict between and since then there have been 19 sub- and consultation meetings to which 506 workshop was held in 2011. Snow Leopards and human and to directories serving customers. Currently staff attended. improve community based conservation • In 2013, a census and inventory the following databases are available by addressing needs to increase earning of the area in which oilseed is sown was to the public: meta database, geo– potential of local communities. Artisan conducted. Also within the provinces which database, administrative management products made by community groups have agricultural industry, guidelines on of the National database, SPA database, with local materials from Uvs, Khovd, conducting their own GMO inventories toxic and hazardous chemical database, Bayan-Ulgiim, Gobi-Altai, Bayarkhongor were submitted to the Ministry of Industry environmental Impact Assessment and Uvurkhangai provinces for sale in US and Agriculture. Additionally guidelines database, database of air pollution, markets. 400 women are involved in this to conduct GMO inventories for materials environmental statistics, database on project. Also, 30 herder families insured used in medical practice were submitted Forest management, land destruction their livestock through the insurance to the Ministry of Health. database, desertification database, fund. If livestock are taken with a certain environmental legal status, policy, projects

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database. These databases are available to • The Steppe forward programme the public at the Ministry of Environment and ZSL continue to implement the Wildlife Sheep, and the programme on protecting clouds (2007-2015), National programme and Green Development’s site, which can be Picture Index camera trap study which species diversity have been implemented. on supporting quality and environment accessed at this web address www.eic.mn has been conducted across 5 provinces In 2011, the government of Mongolia management (2002-2016), National throughout Mongolia. The study results are approved the National Programme to programme on reducing the danger Action 3. Improve monitoring of trends significant to assess biodiversity trends in protect endangered animals. of earthquake (2008-2020), National through use of advanced technologies such protected areas. programme on protecting the Mongolian • Mongolia has implementing 27 as remote sensing. Gobi Bear” (2013-2018), National national programmes in accordance programme on protecting Taimen (2007- • Developed forest fires map which is with sustainable development: National 2012), National programme on protection available on www.icc.mn, and fire hotspot Target 20. By 2020, at the water programme (2010-2021), Green of game fish (2008-2015), National information on www.geodata.mne-ngic. latest, the mobilization Belt national programme (2005-2035), climate programme (2011-2021), National mn. MODIS data from Aqua satellite used of financial resources for National forestry programme (2001- programme on preventing desertification to produce MYD13 NDVI data to produce effectively implementing the 2015), National programme on specially (2010-2020). vegetation map and MODIS data also Strategic Plan for Biodiversity protected lands (1998-2015), National been used to produce drought map. The 2011-2020 from all sources, programme on protecting the ozone layer • Mongolia added new sites to vegetation and drought maps are available and in accordance with the (1999-2030), National programme to the Ramsar Wetlands Convention, and on www.icc.mn web site. Also drought consolidated and agreed develop the survey of water, climate and continued membership of CITES, CMS, monitoring, vegetation and biomass maps process in the Strategy for environment until 2015, Programme on Vienna Convention on the Protection of been produced. Also, drought monitoring Resource Mobilization should slowly-resoluble organic pollutant (2006- the Ozone Layer” “The UN framework maps and maps of vegetation and biomass increase substantially from 2020), Develop activates to artificially Convention on climate change and the are produced. the current levels. This target influence the weather, such as seeding Kyoto Protocol, and Cartagena Protocol. will be subject to changes • By using Landsat TM, ETM + contingent to resource needs satellite data, the forest types were assessments to be developed classified at Eruu sum of Selenge and reported by Parties. province, and mapped the Bogd Khan SPA forest cover change. NDVI data is used for rangeland monitoring, vegetation Funding needs assessments were not and forest mapping. MODIS NDVI data is included in the original NBAP and may used for monitoring the state of pastures need to be worked into the revised NBSAP and produced for each separate zone for to be submitted in 2015. each of the vegetation type. Forest fire risk has also been mapped using this data • Within CITES, the Law on as has drought mapping. Desertification Environment Protection, Wildlife Law, “Law has also been mapped using remote on Specially Protected Areas, National sensing technologies. Forest cover maps, Programmes to protect the Mongolian vegetation maps and land cover maps of 5 Saiga, Red Deer, Snow Leopard and Argali protected areas were made in each case.

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cipitation of 33ml since 1961, Mongolia’s grasslands are beginning to suffer signs of aridity and desertification; 90% of pastureland in Mongolia is recognised as being vulnerable to Chapter 3: Conclusion - Progress Towards further degradation. A report in 2010 showed that over 77% of Mongolian land has signs the Aichi 2011-2020 Biodiversity Targets of degradation and an increasing amount since 2010 is considered to be very severely de- graded. Mongolia’s NBAP is, up to now, the current standard reference point from which the A telling sign that reliable databases of Mongolia’s species need to be developed and National Reports have been written and so efforts towards the conservation of biodiversity maintained are the number of species across several taxonomic groups which have been have been aimed at the objectives and actions outlined in the NBAP published in 1996. found new in their respective areas. Since 1955 the number of plant species discovered in Mongolia is currently renewing its NBSAP and so actions undertaken in previous years have Mongolia has steadily increased at every national survey point, since 2010 there have been not necessarily coincided with the current Aichi targets. Thus progress to the targets as a 19 lichen species found new to Mongolia, 35 new species of fungus since 1998, and 10 new hole is mixed with significant achievements in some areas and limited progress in others. bird species were recorded in 2013. However Mongolia has worked well towards its NBAP, completing over 96% of all proposed Assessment of Mongolia’s Action Outcomes Towards the Aichi 2011-2020 Biodiversity actions, and in that process has carried out actions which are also in line with the current Targets Aichi 2011-2020 targets. However, Mongolia must incorporate the Aichi 2011-2020 targets Mongolia’s original NBAP approved by ministers in 1996 consisted of 21 overarching into its developing NBSAP in order to maximise the global value of national outputs. objectives with 87 specific actions to be carried out in order to achieve those objectives. Although Mongolia has some way to go in completing the new Aichi targets at this The status of the NBAP was reviewed in 2002 and in 2010. The first review concluded there stage a number are progressing very well, such as protected area size and improving was a lack of coordination in carrying out the actions and so there were significant gaps knowledge about biodiversity issues. The government is making numerous developments in progress. As a result of this a committee was established to oversee the implementa- regarding the environment and is showing increasing regard in this area. Structural and tion of the NBAP and a government fund set up to facilitate this. Following these changes name changes within the Ministry of Environment and Green Development (formerly Min- the second review showed significant improvement in the implementation of actions. Just istry of Nature, Environment and Tourism) allow the ministry to work as a generalist across under half of all actions had been completed to 90-100% and just under half completed to sectors to review industrial and national logistical projects as well as continue to work in between 70-90% the remaining 3 actions had been completed to 0-20%. Collectively Mon- its own traditional sectors such as protected area management. golia’s original NBAP was 96.5% complete in 2010. This leaves Mongolia at an important Here we synthesise the status and trend information from Part I and II of the report juncture between its NBAP completion and the adoption of the new Aichi 2020 targets in indicating Mongolia’s overall progress towards the Aichi 2011-2020 Biodiversity Targets. its new NBSAP. Chapter 2 describes the increase in Mongolia’s protected area network and specifically The table indicates Mongolia has made significant efforts and achievements in Goal the amount of land under Special Protected Area status. Currently 17.4% of Mongolia’s A: Target 1, 2 and 4 where biodiversity and conservation have been integrated into the land lies within a SPA. This number has been steadily increasing since 2008 when that school curriculum at all levels and in the national university system as well as into teaching figure was 11.1%. This is a great success story which Mongolia has been able to report qualifications. Additionally environment journalism courses have been introduced in order consistently. Furthermore in addition to increasing area the current government is taking to increase the quality in coverage of environmental topics. A number of government initia- steps towards improved management and capacity of the Protected Areas with numerous tives designed to draw attention to environment issues were launched, as were a number projects launched aimed at improved local management and community support and en- of outreach publications. Mongolia has also been strong in Goal C: with the continuation gagement. of efforts towards having 30% of land covered by SPA status and in becoming the first The importance of SPAs is highlighted in the increasing pressures and degradation of country in Asia to publish IUCN red lists and summary action plans for all vertebrate spe- some of the habitats found outside of the SPA network. Most severely hit are Mongolia’s cies. An area Mongolia has shown to be less effective is Goal B,this indicates a difficulty in grasslands which are under increasing grazing pressure and impacts of climate change. reducing the direct threats to biodiversity and sustainable use. The causes of this may be With average increased temperatures of 2.14ºC since 1940 and decreases in annual pre-

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a combination of land use and climate, both large factors which are difficult to mitigate in short periods of time and will require significant efforts to change. Issues relating to these broad-scale problems should be addressed in the coming NBSAP with considerations for all of the many social and economic factors that are likely to be linked to issues of land use. Although significant efforts have been made to improve awareness of biodiversity and current technical knowledge, improvements will be required to provide long-term and consistent monitoring. This will enable tracking and feedback mechanisms to be developed adding tangible value to these efforts and enable re- focusing, where necessary, in the future. Mongolia’s efforts in the valuation of its species and biodiversity are an important step in making informed management decisions. Especially as some of the external factors such as climate change are likely to have long lasting implications for species and their habitats and thus, the people who are dependent upon them. The table below provides a self-assessment of Mongolia’s progress towards the Aichi 2020 targets, a reference to national objectives of a given work and to the relevant MDG targets, where applicable. It indicates in qualitative terms which indicators are showing a general upward trend, downward trend or those which are showing no significant changes.

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Chapter 3: Conclusion - Progress Towards the Aichi 2011-2020 Biodiversity Targets

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MDG targets Mongolia’s achievements toward Relevant headline indicator Progress Chapter 3: Conclusion - Progress Towards the Aichi 2011-2020 Aichi Targets implementation Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Biodiversity Targets Strategic Goal A: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society Awareness, attitudes and public • Introduction of biological conservation engagement in support of biological to the curriculum for 12-18 year olds. diversity and ecosystem services Also credits in wildlife conservation added to bachelor teaching qualification has been promoted. Key to indicator assessment Progress indicator at the Pedagogy University of Mongolia. Additionally reference materials and 5000 Awareness and attitudes are Target 1- Awareness consciously being integrated into DVDs were published for general education increased and awareness. Insufficient data project development. Improving • Environment Journalism course was No significant progress or impact Public engagement with included in thejournalism bachelor degree biodiversity has increased at the Press Institute of Mongolia. No significant impact or change 6). Establish national but still very limited Reasonable progress being made education and training for Negative impact or no relevant activities biodiversity conservation in some areas. / • MEGD announced ‘2013 Year of Good progress made 7). Establish a public Environment Protection’. information programme to • Quarterly journal launched ‘Green Quest’ improve people’s knowledge Efforts to change trends in launched by the Ministry of Nature and of biodiversity and the communication programmes and Green Development. importance of conserving it. actions promoting social corporate responsibility are being taken and • Biennial environment condition report MDG targets promoted. to be published by the Ministry of Environment and Green Development. Aichi Targets

Mongolia’s 1996 objectives

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MDG targets MDG targets Mongolia’s achievements toward Mongolia’s achievements toward Aichi Targets Relevant headline indicator Progress Relevant headline indicator Progress implementation Aichi Targets implementation Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Strategic Goal A: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across Strategic Goal A: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society government and society Integration of biodiversity, ecosys- tem services and benefits sharing Integration of biodiversity, ecosys- into planning, policy formulation tem services and benefits sharing and implementation and • Mongolia became one of thirty countries into planning, policy formulation to aim towards a green economy in 2020 and implementation and • Renewed legal framework specifically incentives. following the Green Economy Initiative Target 3: Incentives incentives. the environment protection law has been Guidelines and applications of and the UN’s PAGE programme. reformed. emended. Tax incentives and land tenure economic appraisal tools have • MEGD has been granted powers to evalu- programmes have been put in place. Trends in establishment and been updated in 2011. ate country projects across sectors with regards to environment impact. Thus strengthening of incentives that Target 2: Biodiversity Integration of biodiversity and mainstreaming environment issues into reward positive contribution to values integrated ecosystem service values has been numerous sectors. biodiversity and penalize adverse taken into account across sectors • Internal Audit of ecological value of spe- impacts. as a matter of policy. cies conducted. • In 2011, the Mongolian government Policies considering biodiversity updated the ecological-economical value and ecosystem service in environ- of animals, animal resource use fee, and mental impact assessment have hunting permit fees. been implemented but some are still threatened by mining.

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MDG targets Mongolia’s achievements toward MDG targets Aichi Targets Relevant headline indicator Progress Mongolia’s achievements toward implementation Relevant headline indicator Progress Aichi Targets implementation Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Strategic Goal A: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use

• Reduction in land under natural resource ex- Condition and vulnerability of • Damaged soil database was established in Target 4: Sustainable Pressures from unsustainable agriculture, forestry, fisheries traction from 25.2% in 2009 to 12.9% in 2013. ecosystems showing declining 2012. Reports location, damage, causes, consumption and produc- • Polytunnels and greenhouses covering 50,170 trend with changes in climate and and is open to public. tion. addressed. 2 2 m and 81,740 m were delivered in 2011 and Target 5: Habitat loss land use. • Evaluation on damaged land by mining was Ecological limits of grasslands 2012 respectively to 21 provinces with training halved or reduced conducted in 20 provinces between 2009- 3) Implement an effective Extinction risk trends of habitat environmental impact assessed in terms of sustainable and a 50% government subsidy to fund local 2011and revealed 4256 ha of land desig- growing projects. dependent species in each major assessment programme. 1) Establish a complete pro- nated restoration was still unrestored. production and consumption. • Common National Method of Pasture Health habitat type are likely to tected area system repre- • Greenwall reforestation project was estab- 10) Prevent Pasture deterio- legislation was approved in 2011. Pressures from habitat conversion, • In 2010-2011 pastureland thresholds were as- sentative of all ecosystems increase. lished in an ongoing programme from 2005 ration through overgrazing. climate change, overexploitation sessed. and protecting endangered Proportion of degraded/threatened – 2035. Between 2011-2013 706ha of land have been difficult to curb with • 300 herder groups involved in MC Suburban species, including joint habitats has increased in recent was under forest restoration. 11) Establish effective land- raising livestock numbers. Pasture Land tenure project to encourage sus- actions with the Russian years healthy forest has declined • Forest and steppe fires were reduced use planning and transporta- tainable land management. Federation and the People’s and grasslands have shown degra- through the implementation of fire man- tion policy. • A model for collective pasture management was Republic of China. agement systems adopted in 2013. Nine dation in general. introduced in Tolson Hulstai PA. provinces adopted the strategies for fire • Between 2011-2013 1,700 km of dirt road were 12) Develop strong regula- 14) Agriculture and forestry control. I n c r e a s e i n s u s t a i n a b l e e n e r g y u s e . defined and asphalted and 924 m of iron bridg- tions to protect biodiversity compatible with biodiversity Pressures from unsustainable • Forest map has been established with fire from the effects of mining. es were built to prevent environmental dam- age from unregulated cross country industrial conservation. agriculture, forestry, fishing. hotspot information installed to a nation- transportation. Six provinces were connected to wide database. 14) Agriculture and forestry Integration of biodiversity, ecosys- Ulaanbaatar by this project. 15) Identify and restore • Nationwide, 540 partnerships with 8,000 compatible with biodiversity tem services and benefits sharing • In 2013, 1,800 km of railway began construc- damaged lands. Proportion of land affected by members have signed up to land tenure conservation. into planning, policy formulation tion in the south and east of Mongolia. desertification is increasing. programmes owning and stewarding 134 • On 235 km of new asphalt road between min- 16) Develop renewable, and implementation and Target 7. A: Integrate ha (1.34km2) of forest. ing operations and communities in the South • Of 2.2 million ha of forest 61% has been incentives. Gobi, 132 tunnels were established to allow the principles of sustainable Efforts to protect forests have clean energy sources. studied for pest outbreak. Of that 61%, safe passing of wildlife and livestock. development. increased with a number of pro- 9% was said to need intervention. Of which Target 7. A: Integrate • During 2008-2013, 2 wind and 2 hydro-electric grammes nationally power stations were built. Also development 44% has received pest control intervention. principles of sustainable are been made in solar and thermal springs. established. development the 5th national report chapter 3 mongolia 2014 -118- the 5th national report chapter 3 mongolia 2014 -119- Convention of Biological diversity Convention of Biological diversity

MDG targets MDG targets Mongolia’s achievements toward Mongolia’s achievements toward Relevant headline indicator Progress Relevant headline indicator Progress Aichi Targets implementation Aichi Targets implementation Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use • Between 2007 and 2012 the taimen pro- • 38,836 m3 or 58,253 tonnes of subsoil pol- Pressures from unsustainable tection national programme was incorpo- luted by mining operations was neutral- agriculture, forestry, and fisheries rated and game fish protection and breed- ized and buried. Target 8: Pollution reduced. are being addressed although ing programmes have been established in Cleanup operations from major • Additionally 79,926 m2 topsoil polluted by 2009. chemicals have been neutralized. impact still remains. 8) Control pollution of air, wa- polluting factors have been under- Target 6: Sustainable • Lenok and carp breeding ponds have been • Major cross border waterway cleanup op- ter and soil. taken. management. established in Tov province to restock riv- erations are being conducted with Russia. Trends in extinction risk of target ers and lakes in the province which pro- • Technical reforms have significantly in- 12) Develop strong regulations Develop legal framework to consider 9) Control Hunting and fishing. and by catch aquatic species is not vides fish for Ulaanbaatar markets. creased aultimated data collection and to protect biodiversity from the • Hunting laws were revised and developed negative mining impacts. storage in meteorology. defined. effects of mining. and the law on the use of natural resourc- • Stricter standards were adopted in terms Target 7.B: Reduce es was emended in 2012. of acceptable water, air and soil pollution. biodiversity loss • Green bel project planted 980 ha between 2010 and 2013. Trends in population of target and Trends in the impact of invasive • Within Mongolian -Korean Green Belt pro- alien species on extinction by catch aquatic species. ject 775 ha forest was planted, 405 ha re- risk trends. planted and 110 ha Saxaul fores planted.

Target 9: Invasive alien Trends in number of invasive alien species. species. Target 7: Sustainable Trends in pressures from unsus- agriculture, aquaculture and tainable agriculture. • A national monitoring of pastoral health Trends in incidence of wildlife forestry monitoring was established in 2011 since diseases caused by invasive alien Area of forest, agricultural and which time training and monitoring has species. 10) Prevent Pasture deteriora- aquaculture ecosystems under been conducted in over 300 towns. tion through overgrazing. sustainable management.

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MDG targets MDG targets Mongolia’s achievements toward Mongolia’s achievements toward Relevant headline indicator Progress Relevant headline indicator Progress Aichi Targets implementation Aichi Targets implementation Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity

Coverage of protected areas has • Since 2008 the amount of Specially Pro- Target 10: Pressures on Trends in climate change impacts steadily increased over the last 5 tected Area has increased from 14% to vulnerable ecosystems re- • National integrated water management on extinction risk. 17.4% of Mongolia’s land cover in 2012. duced plan developed. years. • Ecological threat assessments conducted • The number of protected area staff has 4) Establish a research pro- in the Gobi, steppe and Khangai mountain Trends in protected area condition Target 11: Protected areas. increased from 380 at the time of the 4th gramme that improves knowl- region. and/or management effectiveness report to 625 currently. edge of biodiversity and rel- • The climate change coordination office is increasing with greater numbers 1) Establish a complete pro- evant threats was established in 2011. of skilled staff and training. • Mongolian assessment report on climate tected area system represent- • In 2011 a five year project was initiated ative of all ecosystems and title Strengthening the Protected Area 10) Prevent Pasture deteriora- change produced in 2009. protecting endangered species, Network which looks at changes in the tion through overgrazing. Trend in monitoring and • Pasture health assessment conducted nationa wide. including joint actions with the ecology, dynamics, biodiversity and value assessment of effects of Russian Federation and the Trends in the connectivity of pro- of the SPAs. 11) Establish effective land- • Biodiversity conservation has been incor- climate change. People’s Republic of China. tected areas and other use planning and transporta- porated into infrastructure developments area based approaches • The procedures for conducting research tion policy. in major road and railway projects. integrated into landscapes • Forests protection through policy and in- work in state protected areas adopted in Land restoration programmes in and seascapes. 1996 have been renewed in accordance 14) Ensure that agriculture sentive schemes developed. affect with current conditions. and forestry are carried out in • Degraded land database established. ways compatible with biodiver- • Economic cost of degraded land has been sity conservation. assessed and a method to calculate res- toration and off-set cost has been estab- 15) Identify and restore dam- lished. aged lands

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MDG targets MDG targets Mongolia’s achievements toward Mongolia’s achievements toward Relevant headline indicator Progress Relevant headline indicator Progress Aichi Targets implementation Aichi Targets implementation Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity • Since to the 4th National Report in 2009 two new Ramsar sites have been added, Target 13: Genetic bring the number to 13 in Mongolia pro- diversity maintained. • Genetic labs have been established at the Trends in abundance, distribution viding protected sites for riparian species Institute of Biology and the National Uni- Target 12: Extinction and extinction risk of species have such as wild deer (CR). 4) Establish a research pro- • Wild Bactrian camel (CR) Species Action versity of Mongolia and Agriculture. prevented. not significantly changed since the gramme that improves knowl- Trends in genetic diversity of culti- Plan has been submitted to the MEGD. • Genetic research has been conducted on 4th report. edge of biodiversity and vated plants, and farmed a number of endangered species such as 4) Establish a research pro- • Between 2009 and 2012 the first IUCN relevant threats. and domesticated animals the Gobi Bear and wild Bactrian Camel. gramme that improves knowl- Red Lists and summary conservation ac- and their wild relatives • National livestock genetic resource com- edge of biodiversity and rel- tion plans were produced for the following are being studied. plex established. evant threats. Mongolia taxonomic groups: 17) Improve ex-situ manage- -Mammals • State law development on genetic re- ment for species conservation sources is ongoing. 5) Establish a nationwide infor- -Birds and conserving genetic re- mation and monitoring system -Amphibians and reptiles sources. for biodiversity conservation. -Fish -Plants 17) Improve ex-situ manage- • The publications detail threats, distri- ment for species conservation Develop research to understand bution and ecology of all of Mongolia’s and conserving genetic re- threats and outline conservation known bird species providing an impor- sources. actions. tant tool for future conservation works. • A summary IUCN Red List of all Mongolian vertebrate species was published. • The Red Book is used to list and catego- rise threatened species in Mongolia.

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MDG targets MDG targets Mongolia’s achievements toward Mongolia’s achievements toward Relevant headline indicator Progress Relevant headline indicator Progress Aichi Targets implementation Aichi Targets implementation Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Strategic Goal D: Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services Strategic Goal D: Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services Target 15: Ecosystems Status and trends in extent and Target 14: Ecosystems restored and enhanced. condition of habitats that provide • Percent cover of land under forest has and essential services carbon storage. decreased from 8.59% in 2006 to 8.26% in 2010. safeguarded. 10) Prevent Pasture deterio- • Tuul River basin authority was established ration through overgrazing. • During 2010 and 2012, pastureland use 1) Establish a complete pro- in 2012 to coordinate water resource Exceeded capacity by 2-5 times in 20- tected area system repre- management plans. Under this a 4 year 14) Ensure that agriculture Trends in coverage, condition, 45% of the total pastureland. sentative of all ecosystems plan was implemented in 2012 to reduce and forestry are carried out and effectiveness of protected • Law on soil protection and desertififcation and protecting endangered river pollution and improve river protec- in ways compatible with bio- areas have generally been prevention established in 2012. diversity conservation. • Area under SPA reached 17.4% and a fur- species, including joint tion with cross sectorial compliance. positive. actions with the Russian Trends in area of degraded • The Tuul River improvement project was ther 10.3% under LPA was reached. ecosystems restored or 15) Identify and restore Federation and the People’s initiated in 2010 with continuing status Republic of China. being restored. / surveys of the river. Based on the find- damaged land. ing of this work environment degradation 8) Control pollution of air, reduction plans will be made. water and soil. • Increased activities such as forest resto- Include considerations relating to • The NBAP was produced in advance of the ration and legal ammendments regarding Target 16: Nagoya the Nagoya Protocol in Mongolia’s Nagoya Protocol and so no actions were 10) Prevent Pasture deterio- forests have been implemented by MEGD. Protocol enforced. outlined. May be a consideration for Mon- new NBSAP. ration through overgrazing. golia’s NBSAP.

15) Identify and restore damaged lands.

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MDG targets Mongolia’s achievements toward MDG targets Aichi Targets Relevant headline indicator Progress Mongolia’s achievements toward implementation Relevant headline indicator Progress Aichi Targets implementation Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Mongolia’s 1996 objectives Strategic Goal E: Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and Strategic Goal E: Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity-building capacity-building Trends in implementation of national biodiversity strategies Trends in accessibility of scientific/ • 2010 launch of the Environment Informa- Target 17: NBSAPs and action plans, Target 19: Knowledge im- technical/traditional knowledge tion Centre. All databases are available to adopted including development, the public and include GIS data, admin- . proved, shared and applied. and its application. comprehensiveness, adoption and istrative management, SPA, Environment implementation. statistics etc. Currently 12 such databas- 5) Establish a nationwide Trends in related capacity-building es are publically available. Target 18: Traditional information and monitoring and knowledge transfer, plus • Mongolia is yet to adopt the internation- knowledge respected. system for biodiversity con- ally recognized IUCN Red List for directing • Comunity participation snow leopard trends in uptake into policy. conservation projects implemented with servation. species conservation efforts. 1) Establish a complete emphasis on sustainable and culturallly protected area system rep- Trends in accessibility of scientific/ appropriate methods. resentative of all ecosystems technical/traditional knowledge • Since the 4th report MEGD is implement- • National biodiversity strategy work- and protecting endangered ing 16 major funding project streams and its application. ing group established and implementing species, including joint ac- Target 20: Financial re- Trends in mobilization of financial and has joined/increased involvement in planned activities. tions with the Russian Feder- sources increased. resources. a number of international conventions ation and the People’s Repub- such as CBD, CMS, Ramsar and Montreal lic of China. protocol.

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Munkhbayar, Kh., and L.Ya. Borkin. 2010. New subspecies Multi-ocellated racerunner, Terbish, Kh., Kh. Munkhbayar and M. Muinkhbaatar. 2013. A guide to the amphibians Eremias multiocellata tsaganbogdensis, subsp. (Lacertidae) from southern Mongolia. and reptiles of Mongolia. Admon Publishers. Ulaanbaatar. p.1-80. Bulletin of the scientific centre of Samara in the Russian Academy of Science. v. 12, № 1. p. 122-124. The report of evaluation on population of forest ungulates of Mongolia. 2010. Laboratory of Mammal Ecology, Biological Institute, MAS. Ulaanbaatar. p.16-30. Munkhzaya, B. 2010. Impact of Extract of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom on liver cancer cell and cancer. “Fungology-in Mongolia” Summary of the research workshop, Tsogt, Z., N. Kherlenchimeg, N., B. Munkhjargal, 2011. Forest resources atlas Ulaanbaatar. (distribution, resource and assessment). Bembi fund. Ulaanbaatar. p. 51-60.

Myagmarsuren, D. and A. Namkhai. 2012. Mongolian protected areas. (4th edition). Kherlenchimeg, N. and G. Burenbaatar. 2008. Result of the study of macromycelium in Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia. Khentii aimag. Proceedings of the workshop in Khurel togoot -2008. Ulaanbaatar. p.66- 70. Nyambayar, D. 2009. Flora of Mongolia. v. 17. Bembi fund. Ulaanbaatar. p.137. Ulziikhutag, N. 1989. Review of fauna of Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar.

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Urgamal, M. 2009. Flora of Mongolia, v. 10. Bembi fund. Ulaanbaatar. p.139.

Urgamal, M. 2012. The database on the herbarium and the flora of Mongolia. Erforschung Biologischer Ressourcen Der Mongolei. Proceedings of the International symposium on biodiversity of research in Mongolia. Halle (Saale). Germany. 25-29 March. p.39-40. ANNEX AND APPENDIX Urgamal, M., B. Oyuntsetseg and D. Nyambayar. 2013. Synopsis and recent additions to the flora of Mongolia. Scientificproceedings of the Institute of Botany, Mongolian Academy of Sciences 25: 53-72.

Usukhjargal, D., N. Bandi, T. Batbayar. 2008. Protected area and wildlife conservation. Proceedings of the international conference fundamental and applied issues of ecology and evolutionary biology. Ulaanbaatar. р. 211.

Usukhjargal, D. and N. Bandi. 2012 Current population of Przewalski’s horse (Equus przewalskii, Poljakov, 1881) in the protected area of Khustain nuruu. Research report in 2011-2012. p.10, 16.

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Annex 1. Case studIES Case study 3: Increasing Mongo- Figures showing protected areas increasing in lia’s protected areas number across Mongolia over time with date Case study 1: Red lists and sum- Case study 2: Community-based periods given for each map mary conservation action plans conservation of biodiversity in the Mongolia’s protected area network can mountain landscape of Mongolia’s Al- be considered a success story of the work car- From 1957 Within the work to establish a national in- tai Sayan Eco-region ried out since the original NBAP. By the end of to 1991 formation and monitoring network relating to 1996 there were a total of 33 protected areas biodiversity conservation, national and inter- This project was implemented in 20 sums in Mongolia covering 15, 305.4 ha, or 9.8% national experts cooperated and evaluated 64 in Bayan-Ulgii, Khovd and Uvs province be- of the total land cover. The government set species of fish, 27 species of amphibians and tween 2005-2011. One of the main achieve- the goal to protect 30% of Mongolia’s land as reptiles, 487 species of birds, 128 species of ments of the project was to improve herder either, Strictly Protected Area, National Park, From 1992 mammals and 150 species of plants distributed community regulation on conservation, use Natural Reserve or Historical Monument. to 1998 throughout Mongolia. and possession of certain types of natural re- sources (known as the Herder Community The objective under that particular NBAP The output of this collaborative work was Regulation). Through consultations with herder was to increase the land under protection to the production of the IUCN Red Lists of all groups, government organisations and partner 18%. As the NBAP is due to be superseded by known Mongolian vertebrate species. Mongolia organisations working on community projects, the new NBSAP Mongolia has achieved pro- From 2000 became the first country to complete such Red between May and December 2009, the Regula- tected area coverage of 17.4% in total over 99 to 2008 Lists of vertebrate species in Asia. tion was revised in July 2010. The revisions sites and 27,199 ha. This gives a growth rate to the Regulation include: (1) increasing the of 3% per year since 1996 and so Mongolia, if “Summary conservation action plans” of maximum contract duration for community this rate is maintained, could achieve comple- Mongolian fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, managed areas from five to ten years; (2) de- tion of this goal by 2030; however this rate From 2009 mammals and some plants were produced. creasing the minimum number of community could be impeded by the amount of land under to 2011 These publications include population status, members from 20-30 to ten; (3) communi- mining licence. current conservation actions and future needs ties are now allowed to nominate a volunteer of the endangered and critically endangered ranger from their members; (4) membership The figures show the new protected areas species. is limited to the area of residence; and (5) lo- over time, supported by the graph data show- cal authorities now have formal duties to as- ing the total percent area of Mongolia under sist communities in their formation. Before the protection as it has gradually increased over Regional Red Lists Project few community groups existed in the subsequent years. region, but now community-based conserva-

tion is a common concept. The Project offi- All protected areas mapped as of 2011 cially registered 116 herder community groups Graph showing per cent land cover of protected managing 1.3 million ha. areas in Mongolia over time Case study 4: Tree planting day During the project period local environ-

mental units were set up in the Altai Sayan As of the 14th of April 2010, “Tree Planting regionto strengthen community conservation, Day” occurs on Saturdays of the second week of improve coordination of local government of- May and October each year. The event involves fice, improve coordination between environ- statesmen planting trees to encourage the pub- Summary conservation mental protection and local social and economic action plan for threatened species lic to do the same as well as large numbers of development policies, ensure the implementa- people planting trees ceremonially. In its first tion of integrated management, and to provide year 7,637 organisations and 226,000 people advice to herders. These units proved to be an were involved in the national event planting a effective mechanism for coordinating synergy total of 1.7 million trees and bushes. The fol- between local government and herders and so lowing year in 2011, 4,669 organisations and MEGD promoted the structure of the Local En- 156,000 people were involved in planting 1.5 vironmental Unit in town centres throughout million trees and in 2012, 1.7 million trees were Mongolia. planted throughout Mongolia.

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Appendix 2. Further source of information Appendix 1. Preparation of the fifth national report Source Websites Environmental geo-database http://geodata.mne-ngic.mn/ The development of the Fifth National Report was conducted by the Steppe Forward Environmental information center http://www.icc.mn/ Programme according to the contract between the SFP and MEGD. Scientists and http://www.biology.mas.ac.mn/index.php/2013-01-17-11- researchers from the National University of Mongolia, the Mongolian Academy of Science, Institute of Biology, MAS 48-26 and the Institute of Biology, Meteorology and Hydrology have contributed to Chapter 1 of MEGD http://mne.mn/v3/ the report “An update biodiversity status, trends and threats and implications for human MEGD, Information on policy, http://www.eic.mn/policy/index.php?id=5&page=2 well-being”. Consultation meetings were organised with taxonomic experts of plants, projects and projects insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals and related experts were appointed Mongolian laws http://www.legalinfo.mn/law to contribute to the report. Mongolian Ornithological Society http://www.mos.mn National data of monitoring of In Chapter II, “The national biodiversity strategy and action plan, its implementation implementation of Global Plan on Protecting genetic resources of http://www.pgrfa.org/gpa/mng/mngwelcome.html and the mainstreaming of biodiversity”, according to the NBAP objectives and actions, Plants of Food and Agriculture the information on implemented activities in Mongolia was gathered from the relevant (GPA-PGRFA) organisations. A summary of the actions relating to the NBAP objectives and outputs http://www.swisscooperation.admin.ch/mongolia/en/ Home/Completed_Projects_2001_2013/Coping_with_ SDC, Coping with Desertification which are in line with the Aichi biodiversity targets was produced. In the process to collect Desertification project relevant information for the report a headed letter requesting project outlines was sent http://www.greenmongolia.mn/mn/about-codep.html to government and non-government NGOs. Related ministries and organisations sent http://www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/mongolia/en/ their information and reports via letter and emails. Meetings had been held with some SDC, Eco-school project Home/Completed_Projects_2001_2013/Ecological_ Education organisations in order to clarify project details where necessary (see Appendix 2 for parties http://www.mn.undp.org/content/mongolia/en/home/ UNDP, MDG involved). A draft version of the report was sent to the main contributors for amendments mdgoverview/ were then used in the final edit of the report. http://www.mn.undp.org/content/mongolia/en/home/our- UNDP, Program work/overview.html The fifth report includes information from the annual reports of MEGD and summaries of ongoing projects of the National Programmes which were approved by the decision of

Parliament; additionally internationally funded projects which were also implemented by List of Reports: MEGD in the first half of 2013 are included. • Annual Report of MNET in 2010.

During stages of the report which involved collection of information and input from • Annual Report of MNET in 2011. other external organisations the team noted difficulties in receiving timely responses from • Annual Report of MEGD in 2012. potential contributors. We advise that it may be useful in the future for CBD to provide a • Assessment report on climate change 2009. Mongolia. MNET. Ulaanbaatar 2010. standard headed letter outlining the scope of CBD and the benefits an NGO or research institute may gain from being mentioned in the National Report. For example, who reads • List of Rare Animals confirmed by Government Decree in 2012, the reports, how often they are accessed online and by whom? This information in a short document number 7, Appendix 1. Ulaanbaatar. CBD headed letter may provide operational teams with a greater opportunity to collect the • Millennium Development Goals Implementation. 2011. required information as needed. The Fourth National Report.Government of Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar.

• Mongolian Government Action Plan (2012-2016). 2012.

Mongolian Government. Ulaanbaatar.

• Summary of ongoing National programmes implemented by MEGD by the

decision of the Mongolian Parliament (first half of 2013).

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• Summary report of ongoing projects with international grants in green development

(first half of 2013).

• National Report on The convention on Migratory Species. 2011. Ulaanbaatar.

• National report on the convention on migratory species. 2012. Ulaanbaatar.

• Priorities of Mongolian Social and Economical development. (2012-2016). 2012.

Mongolian Government. Ulaanbaatar.

• Program to develop the Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment research up to 2015.

• Report of The National Committee of Biosafety in 2010-2013.

List of Parties:

- Administration of Land Affairs, Geodesy and Cartography

- National Remote Sensing Center

- Ecological Education Center

- Forest Research and Development Center

- Institute of Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences

- Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology

- Ministry of Education and Science

- Ministry of Environment and Green Development

- Ministry of Food and Agriculture

- Ministry of Mining

- Ministry of Sport, Culture and Tourism

- Ministry of Transport

- Mongolica Publishing

- Mongolian Ornithological Society

- National Livestock Genetic Resource Center

- National Renewable Energy Center

- National University of Mongolia

- Snow Leopard Conservation Fund

- Steppe Forward Programme

- The Mongolian Society for Rangeland Management

- The Nature Conservancy

- Wildlife Conservation Society

- Wildlife Science and Conservation Centre

- World Wild Fund for Nature

- Zoological Society of London

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