Ulaanbaatar, June 10, 2026 /MONTSAME/. An international policy dialogue titled “Reforming Rangeland Governance Through Stakeholder Participation” opened on June 9 in Ulaanbaatar.

The meeting has brought together representatives of government agencies, civil society organizations, and herders from 13 countries across Central Asia, South Asia, East Africa, West Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa in addition to Mongolia. Participants are discussing responses to climate change, sharing good practices in inclusive and participatory sustainable rangeland management, highlighting the role of pastoralists in climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation, and exploring opportunities for expanding interregional cooperation.

Organizers noted that the dialogue is taking place at a critical time for the world's rangelands and pastoral communities. An estimated 500 million pastoralists worldwide depend on livestock herding across lands covering more than 40% of the Earth's surface. Rangelands represent the world's largest terrestrial ecosystem, and their sustainable management is essential for climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and food security.

Javkhlan Bayarsaikhan, Advisor to the President of Mongolia on Civil Society Policy and Program Coordination, said, “This year, Mongolia is preparing to host the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17) at the initiative of the Government of Mongolia. In addition, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists at Mongolia's initiative, and today's event is being organized within that framework.

“The Office of the President has also established the National Green Platform. Through this platform, we receive, select, and support projects aimed at improving rangeland management and the sustainable use of natural resources. Professional organizations provide free technical advice and assistance to improve these projects".

“To date, 135 projects have been submitted, and 15 have been selected. We plan to present them to international investors during COP17 and develop the platform into a mechanism for attracting investment".

“These initiatives not only support domestic policy implementation but also create important opportunities to strengthen Mongolia's policy influence on the international stage and attract investment.”

Altantuya Ts., President of the National Association of Agricultural Cooperatives, said, “Mongolia's experience demonstrates that rangeland governance can be strengthened when herders, government institutions, and civil society work together. This dialogue provides an opportunity to share solutions, strengthen partnerships, and advance policies that support pastoralism.
” She added, “Mongolia has implemented numerous initiatives and projects aimed at improving rangeland management and governance, and tangible results are beginning to emerge. One positive progress is that more herders are trying to keep livestock numbers at levels compatible with the carrying capacity of pastures. However, this must be achieved without reducing herders' livelihoods and incomes. For this reason, projects are focusing on improving the quality and productivity of livestock products and developing value-added supply chains.”

Munkhnasan Ts., an expert at the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry, said, “Our ministry is actively pursuing legal reforms to improve rangeland governance and strengthen institutional capacity so that Mongolia can take a leadership role internationally.
“As part of COP17, which Mongolia will host in August, we plan to present three declarations prepared by pastoral communities: the Herders' Declaration, the Young Herders' Declaration, and the Women Herders' Declaration. This discussion is intended to gather comments and feedback on the initial drafts of these documents.”
He also noted: “Approximately 73 percent of Mongolia's territory consists of pastureland and hayfields. Research indicates that around 70 percent of the country's pastureland has experienced some degree of degradation. Therefore, reducing pasture degradation and improving pasture use have become urgent priorities.
“To achieve this goal, the time has come to introduce economic, business, trade, market, and management instruments. The most effective solution is to reduce grazing pressure by increasing herders' incomes, improving the utilization of livestock-derived products, and strengthening supply chains.

“A key policy objective is to bring all livestock-derived raw materials—including hides, wool, cashmere, and by-products—into the economic cycle and ensure that the resulting benefits reach herders directly.”

Maamankhuu S., a herder from Khanbogd soum of Umnugobi aimag, said, “I have been herding livestock for 60 years and have experienced both the rewards and hardships of pastoral life. Over the years, I have also participated in activities organized by international organizations and gained considerable experience.
“Recently, people have been saying that there are almost no young herders left in Mongolia. In reality, young herders do exist, but their voices are rarely heard and often remain invisible. Some university graduates are returning to rural areas and taking up herding, yet their achievements receive little public attention. Their work and contributions deserve greater recognition.

“For example, some young herders milk up to 100 camels a day, producing 50 to 60 liters of milk and earning MNT 500,000 to 600,000 daily. There are many successful examples like this, but they often go unnoticed and unsupported".

“Therefore, we need to highlight and promote the achievements of educated young people who choose to work in rural communities. The upcoming COP17 conference in Mongolia will provide an important opportunity to showcase Mongolia's livestock sector internationally, exchange experiences, and share practical success stories.”

The dialogue is jointly organized by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry, the International Land Coalition (ILC), the National Land Coalition of Mongolia (NLC), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It forms part of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and the International Land Coalition's “Pastoralism Matters” campaign.

Organizers aim to produce concrete policy recommendations that will directly contribute to discussions at COP17.
The main sessions of the meeting are being held at Millennium Plaza Hotel in Ulaanbaatar from June 9 to 11. Activities showcasing Mongolia's nomadic heritage and traditional way of life to international guests are scheduled to take place in Bornuur soum, Tuv aimag, from June 11 to 13.

Ooluun.B

Published Date:2026-06-11