Event
Meeting with the Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET)

On August 15th, a significant meeting took place between the Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) and a delegation from the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSS), along with invited experts. The delegation included Dr. Bernhard Seliger and Dr. Hyun-Ah Choi from HSS Korea, Mr. Felix Glenk and Ms. Batkhuyag Mungungchimeg from HSS Mongolia, Mr. Tuguldur Gankhuyang from HSS Mongolia, Dr. Suresh Kumar from the Wildlife Institute of India, Dr. Tilman Carlo Schneider from the Convention on Migratory Species, Ms. Hyeseon Do, consultant (formerly EAAFP), Dr. Wierzbowski Tomasz from Hankuk University of Foreign Languages in South Korea, and Dr. B. Nyambayar from the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia.

The meeting aimed to exchange best practices in biodiversity conservation and discuss opportunities for further cooperation. The experts met with Ms. Uranchimeg Tserendorj, Director General of the Department for Natural Resource Policy and Coordination, and her colleagues to discuss the new chapter of the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) Initiative and explore potential avenues of collaboration.

Throughout the meeting, various topics were discussed, including the perspectives of the involved parties on the Central Asian Flyway Initiative. Special attention was given to the importance of cooperation among range states, as well as collaboration between national governments, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions. The experts emphasized that while Mongolia has progressive environmental policies and a legal framework, challenges persist in its implementation. International best practices and support are essential to address this situation.

The Hanns Seidel Foundation supports the CAF Initiative as part of its international climate and environmental program. Its project in Mongolia focuses on environmental rights and enforcement. During the meeting, diverse opportunities for further collaboration with MET were discussed. Particularly highlighted was the establishment of MET's scientific advisory committee last year. The MET delegation will also participate in the 14th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS COP 14) and host a scientific side event.