The 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17) continued with Water Day on August 25.

Rather than addressing water as a standalone issue, the day’s discussions focus on integrated solutions linking water, land and people, including the water-land-climate nexus, drought resilience, water security, land restoration and investment in these areas.

For example, the “Making Water a Connector” discussion highlights water as a strategic link between climate, land, biodiversity and food security, while “Transforming Agricultural Water Management” addresses efficient water use, drought-resilient food systems and increased investment. The “Water-Land-People” High-Level Dialogue explores ways to integrate science, policy and practice for the integrated management of water, ecosystems and land. Meanwhile, the “Land Restoration for Water Resilience” discussion examines solutions for mobilizing science, partnerships and investment to advance ecosystem restoration, strengthen water security and reduce drought risks.

Asked about Mongolia's Integrated Water and Land Management Initiative, which is being advanced through COP17, Sandag-Ochir Tsend, Minister of Environment and Climate Change said:

“As the host country of COP17, Mongolia today launched its Integrated Water and Land Management Initiative, the second of three initiatives proposed under the Steppe Action Agenda. We will present our water-related projects to build partnerships and promote cooperation. Results are already emerging, and a number of memoranda of understanding are being signed. Yesterday, we launched cooperation in the areas of forests, rangelands and water and signed major agreements.

The main objective of this initiative is to improve access to water for citizens, herders and farmers living and working in the Gobi and steppe regions. Investment and financing secured through these agreements and memoranda of understanding will create opportunities to support water projects.

As the country chairing the Convention in the coming years, it is important for us to clearly communicate the significance of our water initiative and projects to the public and draw international attention to them. At a time of growing water scarcity, there is a need to develop projects and programmes for recycling and reusing greywater in industry and services, as well as for supplying groundwater and surface water to areas facing water shortages. This will help create conditions for local communities to settle and live sustainably.”

Published Date:2026-08-26