Land degradation, pollution, unsustainable land use and land-related conflicts are becoming increasingly complex and pressing, driven by population concentration, urbanization, mining, intensified land use in the livestock and infrastructure sectors, and the impacts of climate change. In this context, the need to accurately assess land condition, land quality and land-use change through science-based data, analysis and advanced technologies, and to implement effective measures for the sustainable use, protection and restoration of land, has become an urgent priority not only for Mongolia, but also for the global community.

Pastoral livestock husbandry is not merely an economic sector for Mongolia. It is an inseparable part of the country’s environment, national history, culture and social fabric. Developing pastoral livestock husbandry in a way that supports national security, environmental sustainability and ecological balance is therefore one of the foremost priorities of our time. For many years, Mongolia has faced the need to assess livestock systems not only through quantitative indicators such as fodder availability and carrying capacity, but also through a more comprehensive understanding of rangeland productivity, vegetation composition, levels of degradation and recovery potential. Integrating effective approaches for the sustainable use, protection and restoration of this vital natural resource into land management policy, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation is essential for the long-term sustainability of rangeland-based livestock husbandry.

The Law of Mongolia on Land provides for the long-term contractual use of rangelands in accordance with seasonal grazing arrangements. It also establishes the basis for a national monitoring network to track changes in rangeland condition. In line with these functions, the General Authority for Land Administration, Geodesy and Cartography has been implementing the “Assessment of Rangeland Change through Photo Monitoring” since 2015.

This work has supported important progress in several areas. It has strengthened the monitoring of changes in rangeland condition, quality and productivity in relation to land-use impacts. It has also helped adjust rangeland use and carrying capacity based on recovery potential. In addition, it has contributed to assessing the implementation of rangeland use agreements. Over time, the methodology, institutional arrangements and use of monitoring information have continued to improve.

This report presents the results of broad collaboration among national and local institutions, researchers, development partners and herder communities. It helps establish an evidence base for preparing different level land management plans, regulating rangeland use, and identifying priority measures for rangeland restoration and protection. These efforts are grounded in the results of the national photo monitoring system.

Looking ahead, it will be important to further strengthen human resource capacity and support the continued participation of local specialists. Expanding the coverage of rangeland photo monitoring and ensuring its sustained implementation will also be essential to improving the effectiveness of this work.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all government and non-government institutions, local authorities, professional associations, research organizations, international organizations, project teams, working group members, local communities and herders who contributed to the assessment of Mongolia’s rangelands and to the preparation of this national report.

The publication of this report in connection with the Seventeenth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) provides an important opportunity to showcase Mongolia’s rangeland management experience. It also highlights the value of science-based assessment at both national and international levels.

I am confident that this report will make an important contribution to demonstrating Mongolia’s leadership in sustainable rangeland use and management. I wish you every success in your work.

ENKHMANLAI ANAND

Director General General Authority for Land Administration and Management, Geodesy and Cartography.