ITG was proud to participate in COP17 in Mongolia, contributing to important discussions on biodiversity, rangeland restoration, protected areas and transboundary wildlife conservation. The conference provided an important platform to bring together governments, international organisations, conservation partners, civil society and local communities — and to translate international commitments into concrete action on the ground.
Protecting Mongolia’s Gobi and Eastern Steppe
One of the highlights was our side event on “Protecting last remaining pristine desert and steppe ecosystems”, referring to Mongolia’s UNESCO World Natural Heritage nominations. The event brought together representatives of Mongolia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, civil society, local communities and conservation organisations. Discussions focused on the outstanding universal value and integrity of the proposed World Heritage sites, as well as their importance for Mongolia’s wildlife and ecosystems.
A particularly important outcome was the open discussion around concerns raised by civil society and local communities regarding mining licences within or near protected areas and nominated World Heritage sites, as well as the proposed Naran Sevstei transport corridor near the Great Gobi A Special Protected Area. The MECC publicly reaffirmed its commitment to taking these concerns seriously and to taking appropriate measures to protect ecosystems and the rights of local communities. Both the MECC and Mongolia’s National Commission for UNESCO also expressed strong support for the World Heritage nominations and their commitment to meeting UNESCO requirements and safeguarding the integrity of the nominated sites. Civil society and NGO representatives unanimously expressed their support for the preservation of these exceptional natural areas. Civil society and NGO representatives unanimously expressed their support for the preservation of these exceptional natural areas.
Advancing Transboundary Wildlife Conservation
Another significant development was Mongolia’s decision to initiate preparations for a ministerial meeting with China in Ulaanbaatar in 2027 to explore possible fields of cooperation for transboundary wildlife conservation in the Gobi. This step forward implements activity 22.1 of the Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) Work Programme 2026-2032, adopted at the CMS COP earlier this year. The meeting will be organised by the CMS-CAMI Secretariat, with an organisational committee working under the leadership of the UN-CMS Secretariat. ITG will be part of the committee and, together with partners including WCS and WWF, is expected to contribute expertise and funding. Strengthening cooperation across borders is essential for the conservation of Central Asia’s migratory and wide-ranging mammals, whose habitats extend far beyond national boundaries.
A Holistic Approach to Rangeland Conservation
Weideland war ein weiteres wichtiges
Rangelands were another important theme during COP17. As ITG President Reinhard Schnidrig emphasised, rangelands are shared landscapes where pastoralists, livestock and wildlife coexist. Their conservation therefore requires a holistic approach that recognises the connections between people, livestock, wildlife and ecosystems. ITG also stressed the importance of stronger synergies between the different international conventions and translating these commitments into rapid, tangible results for rangeland restoration.
From Commitments to Action
For ITG, COP17 was an opportunity not only to discuss conservation priorities, but to advance practical solutions and partnerships. From supporting Mongolia’s World Heritage ambitions and strengthening protection of the Gobi and Eastern Steppe, to improving conservation infrastructure and advancing transboundary cooperation, the outcomes of COP17 demonstrate the importance of collaboration at both national and international levels. We are grateful to our Mongolian and international partners, government representatives, civil society organisations and local communities for their engagement and commitment. Together, we can turn conservation commitments into lasting action for Mongolia’s ecosystems, wildlife and people.
