The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry (MoFALI) of Mongolia and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding from Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) of the People's Republic of China, officially launched the project “Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South.” The initiative aims to strengthen Mongolia’s technical capacity in sustainable soil management and contribute to global efforts to protect and restore agricultural lands and soils.
Implemented under the FAO–China South–South Cooperation (SSC) Programme, the project will enhance Mongolia’s soil laboratory capacity, promote good agricultural practices and facilitate knowledge exchange with partner countries. It will also support research on soil fertility and fertilizer management, the implementation of FAO’s Global Soil Doctor Programme and the adoption of innovative soil monitoring and mapping approaches in Mongolia.
Project document handover from .E. Shen Minjuan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Mongolia to Mr. Jambaltseren Tumur-Uya, State Secretary of MoFALI
A shared commitment to healthier soils
“This project marks a new phase in FAO–Mongolia-China cooperation” said Mr. Jambaltseren Tumur-Uya, State Secretary of MoFALI. “Soil is the foundation of food, life, and livelihoods, yet over 30 percent of the world’s soils are degraded. Protecting Mongolia’s black soils is essential for food security and ecosystem balance”. He noted that the project will play a key role in supporting upcoming international initiatives hosted by Mongolia in 2026, including the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17).
H.E. Shen Minjuan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Mongolia, emphasized China’s commitment to supporting Mongolia in safeguarding its soil resources. She noted that China has successfully protected more than 916 000 hectares of black soils and continues to share its experience and best practices through the FAO–China SSC Trust Fund, which has supported 36 projects in over 140 countries.
Mr. Lifeng Li, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, underlined the global urgency: “Soil degradation affects one-third of the world’s soil resources. This project strengthens Mongolia’s capacity to act and will advance collective action for better soil health and resilient agrifood systems.
Mr Yahui Zhang, Senior Coordinator of FAO’s South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division, commended the collaboration between FAO, Mongolia and China noting that the technologies and experience gained through this FAO-China SSC could be shared and scaled up globally.
Ms. Qingyun Diao, FAO Representative in Mongolia, welcomed participants and reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to “working closely with MoFALI and national research institutions to build technical capacity and promote sustainable soil management for a more resilient agrifood sector”.
Broad engagement and visibility
The event drew national media attention, with coverage by the Montsame News Agency and local Television Eagle News. Updates shared on FAO Mongolia and MoFALI social media channels.
The launch of the “Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South” project marks a renewed commitment by Mongolia, FAO and China to protect one of the planet’s most precious resources: soil. By fostering technical cooperation and knowledge exchange, the initiative will not only support Mongolia’s efforts to build a resilient agrifood system but also contributes to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Published Date:2025-11-23