UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia is pushing “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope” as COP17 turns pledges into projects, with a focus on land restoration finance and policy synergy across the Rio Conventions. Desertification data update: An updated Desertification Atlas says 81.9% of Mongolia’s territory is affected by desertification and land degradation, alongside warming, shifting rainfall, intensifying drought, and major soil erosion pressures. Biodiversity strategy: Mongolia introduced its 2026–2030 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, aligned with the Kunming-Montreal framework, aiming to strengthen ecosystem resilience and community-based conservation. Sustainable finance push: A High-Level Sustainable Finance Forum at COP17 highlighted investments for pastureland, water resilience, and nature-related financial risks, while leaders urged countries to honor restoration pledges. Solar for cleaner schools: Ulaanbaatar’s 149th secondary school signed on for a solar-plus-battery system to cut grid reliance, reduce local emissions, and support climate education. Wildlife cooperation: Korea and Mongolia launched a plan to restore black storks, using Mongolian birds to rebuild a self-sustaining breeding population. Night-sky and light pollution: A dark-sky photography contest flagged growing light pollution threats, including images tied to satellite expansion.