Outcomes of the 16th Japan-Mongolia Environmental Policy Dialogue

Background
Ministry of the Environment of Japan signed the original memorandum with the then Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism of Mongolia in 2011. It was subsequently renewed in 2015, 2018, and 2022. As the current term has expired, a fourth signing was arranged to coincide with State Secretary Urtnasan’s visit to Japan.
 
Content
The memorandum aims to strengthen, promote, and develop bilateral cooperation in areas such as climate change, nature conservation, and air pollution management. It includes regular policy dialogues, seminars, and the exchange of information and expertise.
 
Signing Ceremony
On June 27, 2025, the memorandum was signed by Vice-Minister MATSUZAWA and State Minister Urtnasan in Meeting Room No. 1 of the Ministry of the Environment.

Date & Time
June 27, 2025, 14:00–16:30
 
Venue
Meeting Room No. 1, Ministry of the Environment
 
Main Participants 
Mongolian Side
   Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia 
   Mr. Urtnasan Tsetsegmaa, State Secretary
   Mr. Munkhzul Kharnuden, Director-General
Japanese Side
   Ministry of the Environment of Japan 
   MATSUZAWA Yutaka, Vice-Minister for Global Environmental Affairs
   NAMEKI Mimi, Director for International Cooperation for Transition to Decarbonization and Sustainable Infrastructure

Climate Change Measures
Japan expressed gratitude for Mongolia’s cooperation in the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), including project development and credit issuance. Referring to Japan’s aims to issue first Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) this year and the ongoing discussions to revise the rules and guidelines of JCM, Japan requested continued cooperation to ensure smooth procedures within the Joint Committee.
Regarding the use of Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) data, it was noted that Mongolia’s second Biennial Update Report (BUR2) to the UN included CO₂ emission estimates based on the satellite data, which closely matched Mongolia’s reported values. Both sides agreed to continue cooperation toward international standardization of national emission estimation methods using GOSAT.
Mongolia expressed appreciation for bilateral efforts and shared that a new climate change bill is under discussion domestically. They expressed a desire to further develop environmental cooperation.
 
Air Pollution Control
Mongolia thanked Japan for its support in monitoring technologies, pollution reduction equipment, and human resource development. Mongolia introduced its legislative efforts and projects under the 2024–2028 action program, and expressed intent to continue addressing air pollution with technical advice from Japan.
Japan mentioned Mongolia’s participation in the Yellow Dust joint research under the Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting of China, Japan, and Korea (TEMM), and requested that any expectations or proposals related to the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) would be shared in advance. Progress on bilateral projects such as converting coal boilers to gas in Erdenet and introducing high-efficiency boilers and waste-to-energy initiatives in Ulaanbaatar was shared.
 
Biodiversity
Japan introduced the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) adopted in 2022 and its revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), including efforts toward the “30 by 30” target and legal recognition of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs). Japan also expressed appreciation for Mongolia’s involvement in the “Satoyama Initiative.”
Mongolia provided an overview of the designation status of protected areas based on the Law on Special Protected Areas, as well as the registration status of UNESCO eco-parks and wetlands under the Ramsar Convention, and the development progress of Mongolia’s NBSAP. To address financial challenges, Mongolia introduced that measures such as a corporate tax deduction scheme and the utilization of revenue from eco-tourism are under consideration. It was also noted that public awareness is being enhanced through the “One Billion Trees” campaign.
Both countries agreed to establish mutual learning opportunities regarding NBSAP and to promote information sharing through continued participation in the “South and East Asia Regional NBSAP Dialogue,” co-hosted by Japan.
 
Desertification and Cooperation Toward UNCCD COP17
Mongolia reported that about 77% of its land is affected by desertification and land degradation, worsened by overgrazing and climate change. Efforts to increase vegetation cover by 9% by 2030 and challenges in wetland restoration and funding were shared.
Japan introduced its support for combating desertification through a three-year vegetation protection and restoration assistance project currently being implemented in Mongolia. The initiative includes activities such as community workshops, vegetation surveys, and water supply support. In addition, Japan presented an outline of the project's future prospects.
Both countries shared the recognition of the importance of communicating outcomes ahead of UNCCD COP17, exploring new cooperation tailored to specific needs, and strengthening bilateral collaboration.