Mongolia hosts UN desertification summit as drought crisis deepens

Last updated: 21/08 - 12:41

Held under the theme “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope”, UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar is focused on restoring degraded ecosystems, strengthening resilience to drought and securing funding for countries most affected by desertification.

The talks come as land degradation threatens food production, water supplies and livelihoods, while Mongolia’s drylands face growing pressure from drought, overgrazing and desertification. At the opening on 17 August, speakers warned that existing restoration pledges were not being translated into action quickly enough, making funding and measurable projects a key test for the summit.

The opening ceremony also highlighted Mongolian traditions. An 11-minute cultural programme featured a ceremonial dance, the traditional long song Erkhem tör and khoomei, a distinctive form of Mongolian throat singing. Performers associated with the Grand Theatre of National Art also presented a khadag, a traditional blue ceremonial scarf symbolising welcome and respect.

On 20 August, around 50 Indigenous representatives and civil-society activists protested in Ulaanbaatar, calling for greater recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and a more meaningful role in negotiations on land degradation, drought and desertification. They urged governments to ensure that Indigenous Peoples, pastoralists, local communities, women and young people could influence the formal process, rather than being confined largely to side events.

Protesters also called for greater recognition of traditional knowledge and the rights of communities whose livelihoods depend directly on land and grazing areas. They argued that a dedicated Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Communities Caucus would have limited value without a meaningful influence on formal decisions.

COP17 brings together representatives from 196 countries and the European Union and runs until 28 August.

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