Mongolia increases the resilience of its forest ecosystems

In attendance were M. Tungalag, Director for Department of Forest Policy and Coordination, MET, and Satomi Yoshini of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The conservation of forest genetic resources project will support the government in implementing national laws on forest conservation and management. The project is funded by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) financed by the Government of Japan.

Increasing the forest cover to preserve the natural landscape and biodiversity is a key objective of the government. Sustainable forest regeneration depends on appropriate selection of and use of high-quality seeds for different vegetation regions. The project will identify official seed stock to supply high-quality forest seeds for more climate resilient forest regeneration. Capacity building in forest management by forestry personnel and local communities will be supported in three aimags: Khentii, Khuvsgul and Selenge.

“The project is aligned with ADB’s broader strategy to make economic growth more environmentally sustainable and preventing degradation of key natural resources, while supporting livelihoods of local communities.” said Mrs. Yolanda Fernandez Lommen, ADB Country Director in Mongolia.

Established in May 2000, JFPR provides direct grant assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable groups in developing member countries of ADB while fostering long-term social and economic development. Over the past 17 years. JFPR has supported over 48 projects in Mongolia dealing with poverty alleviation, livelihoods, and the environment./.