The Mongolian Nature's Legacy Foundation (MNLF) successfully co-organized 11 side events in the Green Zone and 8 in the Blue Zone with partner organizations at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17). During the conference, MNLF representatives participated as speakers and panelists in 19 side events, and 5 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed.
Under the “Eternal Mongolia” Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiative, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and MNLF, we participated in the conference with the following highlighted achievements:
Financing for Rangeland Conservation and Herder Livelihoods
In support of the “Rangeland Flagship Initiative,” MECC, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry (MOFALI), and MNLF, in collaboration with Khan Bank, Golomt Bank, State Bank, Hustai National Park, and URECA, announced the implementation of the “Sustainable Herder and Value Chain Financing” scheme. Within this framework, a major highlight was the signing of MoUs with Khan Bank and Golomt Bank.
To scale this initiative, we introduced the $150 million “Nutag Facility” to international investors, while also presenting the national strategy for the co-management of natural resources and announcing our upcoming grant programs to the public.
Sustainable Financing Solutions
The “High-Level Sustainable Finance Forum 2026,” a special COP17 side event, was co-organized on August 19–20 by the Office of the President of Mongolia, MECC, the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association, MNLF, UNCCD, and the World Bank Group. The forum explored innovative green financing solutions to support rangeland conservation and regenerative value chains, discussing opportunities to mobilize the necessary investments to scale these efforts.
Biodiversity Offsets and Biodiversity Credits
MECC, the “Chinggis Khaan Sovereign Wealth Fund,” and MNLF signed an MoU aimed at improving the implementation of biodiversity offsets and increasing financing for environmental projects.
Furthermore, Mongolia’s first biodiversity credit projects, to be implemented in Khomiin Tal and Hustai National Parks, were presented to investors.
“Baigal” Virtual Card: An Opportunity to Contribute to Nature Conservation
As part of our goal to increase green financing, we launched the “Baigal” (Nature) virtual card in partnership with Golomt Bank. 80% of the card issuance fee will be donated to protected area conservation activities. This initiative will make a tangible contribution to preserving Mongolia's natural heritage and pristine ecosystems.
Protected Area Policy and Financing
The revised draft of the Law on Specially Protected Areas (SPA) has been submitted to the Parliament, and during the conference, the implementation roadmap and action plan for the national SPA strategy were presented.
Additionally, cross-sectoral discussions on introducing results-based financing in the environmental sector marked a crucial policy step toward increasing state budget allocations for nature conservation and aligning financing with actual conservation outcomes.
“National Green Lab”
Initiated by the Office of the President of Mongolia and jointly implemented by the Business Council of Mongolia and MNLF, the top 15 projects of the “National Green Lab” were showcased. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Golomt Bank have committed to providing financing and technical assistance for the initial projects.
“Nature” Pavilion
Under the “Eternal Mongolia” initiative, in collaboration with MECC, TNC, and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), we operated the “Nature” Pavilion in the COP17 Green Zone for 12 days. We successfully presented the results of Mongolia's conservation efforts, future goals, and collaboration opportunities to international participants.
Thank you to all our partners and supporting organizations working with us to protect our nature's legacy!