The joint project agreement “Community-based Climate Resilient WASH Interventions in Mongolia” signed on December 17 will seek to improve local governments’ water and sanitation policies and plans, increase children’s access to quality and climate-smart facilities and enhance capacity to manage climate change risks related to water and sanitation during severe winters, droughts and floods.

Mongolia is extremely vulnerable to climate change due to its geographic location, vulnerable ecosystem, people’s lifestyle and economy. With projected climate change, the negative impacts for Mongolia may cause increase in the frequency and magnitude of climate related natural disasters, intensification of drought and aridity, increasing amount of snow in winter and rapid melting of permafrost and glaciers. Due to the potential increase in heat waves, air pollution, frequency of floods and drought and contaminated water, there is a risk of impact on population’s health, especially children.

The project will focus on development and implementation of community-based water safety plans, demonstrate climate resilient WASH facilities and sustainable energy options in schools, hospitals and households and strengthen ability for Child-focused Disaster Risk Reduction Planning and Child-friendly Winter Preparedness Planning.

The project worth USD 5.1 million will be implemented in Bayankhongor, Gobi-Altai and Zavkhan provinces in close partnership with national and local governments, CSOs, private sector, children and communities. About 38,000 girls and boys are expected to benefit from the project. 
Source: UNICEF Mongolia