COP29: Harnessing Synergies - Addressing Desertification and Climate Change for a Sustainable Future in Mongolia

Mongolia, with its vast steppe, arid regions, and vulnerable ecosystems, faces interconnected challenges of desertification and climate change. These twin crises threaten rural livelihoods, biodiversity, and the socio-economic well-being of communities. At COP29 in Baku, the side event will showcase Mongolia’s strategies, innovations, and partnerships in combating desertification while addressing climate change impacts. The session will highlight the country’s experience in building resilience, restoring ecosystems, and fostering regional collaboration to achieve sustainable development goals. The interplay between climate finance and the three UN conventions—on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification—highlights the need for tailored approaches that reflect regional and local circumstances. Each area’s unique climate, ecology, and socio-economic conditions call for specific strategies to address environmental challenges effectively. Synergy Between Conventions Mongolia serves as a compelling case study for this synergy. Its deep continental climate and transitional geography between Siberian taiga and Central Asian deserts create a complex landscape for implementing climate policies. The country’s historical reliance on pastoralism, which aligns with circular economy principles, emphasizes sustainable resource use. Nature-Based Solutions Mongolia's intact ecosystems present opportunities for nature-based solutions to address environmental challenges. By prioritizing “passive,” “active,” and “proactive” strategies, Mongolia can adapt to climate change while leveraging existing resources. The proactive approach, which involves transformational change, will necessitate significant investment in technology and capacity building. Financial Mechanisms Financial support is crucial not only for implementing these strategies but also for fostering synergies between the conventions. The WWF’s assessment underscores that Mongolia’s national protected area network can enhance climate resilience while addressing biodiversity loss and desertification. Viewing desert areas as resources rather than challenges aligns with the UNCCD’s goals and promotes sustainable development. Conclusion In summary, climate finance can act as both a catalyst for implementing UN conventions and a regulatory mechanism to maximize the benefits of their synergies. By aligning financial resources with the unique needs of regions like Mongolia, it’s possible to create effective, sustainable solutions that address climate challenges while fostering ecological and community resilience. This side event aims to:

• Share Mongolia’s best practices in combating desertification and adapting to climate change, particularly through policy measures and on-the-ground interventions.
• Explore the nexus between climate change adaptation, land restoration, and sustainable livelihoods.
• Promote knowledge exchange on innovative technologies and nature-based solutions for restoring degraded landscapes.
• Strengthen regional and international cooperation to scale up efforts for climate resilience and land management.