Mongolian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Saldan Odontuya, emphasized the success of the cooperation between Mongolia and China in combating desertification, conserving biodiversity, and addressing climate change. The minister pointed out that the environmental initiatives undertaken by the two countries align with the goals outlined in the 2022 joint statement. She also announced the establishment of the China-Mongolia Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Center and shared that Peking University is conducting a comprehensive feasibility study for the project.
Minister Odontuya highlighted China’s support for Mongolia’s “Plant a Billion Trees” initiative, noting that these efforts play a significant role in combating desertification. She also mentioned that agreements have been signed between China International Development Cooperation Agency and Mongolia’s relevant institutions to prevent desertification. Mongolian officials and environmental experts have visited China to learn from its experiences in desertification control. The joint project between Mongolia and China to protect the Gobi bear from 2018 to 2024 has been successful. The project improved research conditions and strengthened collaboration between Mongolian and Chinese scientists. Minister Odontuya stated that cross-border conservation efforts would be expanded, focusing on protecting wildlife migration routes and preventing zoonotic diseases.