Mongolia will host COP17 in 2026 to address desertification, a pressing global issue affecting 100+ countries. The Gobi Desert is expanding, threatening food security and livelihoods, particularly in a region where 60% of land is used for grazing. Mongolia’s reforestation campaign, “One Billion Trees,” aims to combat this issue by planting trees strategically to stabilize soils.
Mongolia recently formalized an agreement with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to host COP17 in its capital, Ulan Bator, in 2026. This conference, the 17th session of the Conference of Parties, will gather representatives from 194 countries to address the issue of desertification. Ambassador Jargalsaikhan Ensaikhan of Mongolia, currently in Washington for conference preparations, emphasized the urgency of this global concern.
The Gobi Desert presents a significant challenge, progressively expanding across southern Mongolia and northern China. Ambassador Ensaikhan noted, “It is expanding bit by bit. The sands are moving.” Moreover, the region’s grasslands, which constitute 60% of the land and support one-third of the population, face severe threats from desertification, impacting food security and livelihoods.
According to UNCCD estimates, over 100 countries confront desertification issues, predominantly in the Global South. Ensaikhan indicated that 70% of Mongolia’s land is endangered by encroaching sands and severe drought, which strip the soil of nutrients and disrupt ecosystems.
In response, Mongolia launched a national reforestation initiative known as “One Billion Trees,” aiming to plant one billion trees by 2030, thereby empowering citizens to participate. Effective reforestation is necessary to combat desertification, as trees help stabilize topsoil and conserve water. However, Ensaikhan cautions, “Not every type of tree will grow in Mongolia. You have to know what will grow where,” emphasizing the need for researched solutions.
COP17 will focus on sharing effective practices in battling desertification and fostering collaborative research initiatives. Ensaikhan noted, “Nobody was working on how to do reforestation effectively,” highlighting the essential role of shared knowledge. With extensive experience as Mongolia’s ambassador, he now chairs Blue Banner, an NGO advocating nuclear disarmament in Northeast Asia.
In summary, Mongolia’s commitment to addressing desertification is underscored by its hosting of COP17 in 2026, a significant event aimed at fostering international collaboration. The country’s environmental challenges, particularly in the Gobi Desert, emphasize the need for concerted global efforts in combating desertification. Initiatives like the “One Billion Trees” program reinforce the importance of sustainable practices to protect the land and the livelihoods of affected populations.
Original Source: www.upi.com
