AGP Executive Report

COP17 Update (Ulaanbaatar): Mongolia’s Environment and Climate Change ministry inspected COP17 construction, saying exterior landscaping and site improvements are ~90% done, with interior finishing underway and crews working extended shifts through Naadam holidays. Flood Risk Watch: Mongolia’s meteorology and emergency agencies warned floodwaters are above danger levels on multiple rivers, with Khalkh River exceeding by 15 cm and forecasts calling for further rises on the Tuul, Onon, and Kherlen rivers—urging people to avoid riverbanks and stay alert. Climate Education in Mongolia: A UNCCD G20 Global Land Initiative-backed Model COP for 100 high school students will run Aug 14 in Ulaanbaatar, training youth on climate change, desertification, and sustainable development. Cashmere & Climate: A new Textile Exchange life-cycle assessment comparing nomadic grazing and farmed cashmere in China and Mongolia found no significant difference in climate impacts per kilogram of clean dehaired cashmere, while extreme winter events can raise impacts. Early-Warning Tech for Mongolia: China’s MAZU AI early-warning platform is praised as a global public good and is already deployed in Mongolia to strengthen forecasts and reduce extreme-weather impacts.

Flood Watch in Mongolia: Mongolia’s meteorology and emergency agencies warn that several rivers are running 5–30 cm above flood level, with the Khalkh River exceeding danger by 15 cm; July 17 forecasts point to further rises on the Tuul, Onon and Kherlen rivers, urging people to avoid riverbanks and unsafe crossings. Model COP in Ulaanbaatar: A UNCCD G20 Global Land Initiative-backed youth Model COP will train 100 high school students on climate change, desertification and sustainable development, with registration open July 17–24 and the event set for August 14. AI + Extreme Weather Early Warnings: China’s MAZU platform is expanding, with customized versions already used in Mongolia and other countries to improve forecasts and early warnings for floods, typhoons and heatwaves. UN Heritage “In Danger” Lists: UNESCO is set to vote on more World Heritage sites threatened by war or climate change, including Lebanese castles and other threatened landscapes. Cashmere and Climate Risk: A new Textile Exchange life-cycle assessment finds no significant climate change impact difference between nomadic grazing and farmed cashmere systems in China and Mongolia, while extreme winter events can raise impacts. Solar Power in the Gobi: Envision’s “Mission Gobi” plans 5GW of data center capacity in the desert by 2030, aiming to pair renewable generation and storage to cut fossil-based electricity use.

Flood Watch in Mongolia: Authorities say floodwaters are still rising across several rivers, with levels already 5–30 cm above flood stage in places; the Khalkh River has exceeded danger level by 15 cm, and more rises are forecast for July 17—residents are urged to avoid riverbanks and stay out of rivers. Climate Youth in Ulaanbaatar: A UNCCD G20 Global Land Initiative and UNDP co-funded project will host a Model COP for 100 high school students in Ulaanbaatar on Aug 14, focusing on climate change, desertification, and sustainable development. Cashmere Supply Chain Data (Mongolia & China): A new life-cycle assessment from Textile Exchange finds no significant difference in climate impacts between nomadic grazing and farmed cashmere systems per kilogram of clean dehaired cashmere, while extreme winter events can raise impacts via lower productivity and higher mortality. Wildlife-Safe Park Driving: A reminder for visitors: reckless or distracted driving is putting wildlife at risk and contributing to deaths on national park roads, with calls to slow down and follow road-trip rules. Global Heritage “In Danger” Listings: UNESCO is set to vote on adding more sites to its World Heritage and World Heritage in Danger lists, citing threats including conflict and climate change. Indigenous Knowledge & Conservation: A new book highlights how Indigenous communities—including Mongolia—use traditional ecological knowledge to protect nature and restore the planet.

Flood Watch in Mongolia: Mongolia’s meteorology and emergency agencies warn that rivers across the country are running 5–30 cm above flood level, with the Khalkh River already 15 cm over danger; officials urge people to avoid camping by riverbanks, supervise children closely, and stay out of rivers until conditions improve. Cashmere Footprint Study: Textile Exchange released a life-cycle assessment comparing nomadic grazing and farmed cashmere in China and Mongolia; it found no significant difference in climate change impacts per kilogram of clean dehaired cashmere, while noting extreme winter events can raise impacts through lower productivity and higher mortality. AI for Early Warnings: China’s MAZU meteorological early-warning platform is set to expand internationally, with a “Djibouti 2.0” upgrade delivered at WAIC 2026; customized versions have already been used in Mongolia and other countries to support monitoring and near-disaster warnings. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: A new Indigenous-led conservation book, Guardians of Life, highlights traditional ecological knowledge, including Mongolia, and how Indigenous science supports biodiversity and cultural survival. Solar Build Robotics Abroad: Relu Robotics says its 9-ton Bison PV installation robot is being used for large-scale solar construction in Algeria, pointing to more precise, stable outdoor installation in harsh conditions.

Flood Watch in Mongolia: Mongolia’s meteorology and emergency agencies warn that floodwaters are still rising. As of July 16, several rivers—including the Kharaa, Onon, Kherlen, Khalkh, Khovd, Kharkhiraa and Tuul—were 5–30 cm above flood level, with the Khalkh River in Yalalt bagh exceeding danger level by 15 cm. Authorities expect further rises on July 17 and urge people to avoid riverbanks, keep children supervised, and stay out of rivers until conditions improve. AI for Disaster Early Warning: China’s MAZU AI early-warning platform is set to expand at WAIC 2026, with a “Djibouti 2.0” upgrade for autonomous monitoring and near-disaster alerts; customized versions have already been used in Mongolia and other countries. Heat Risk Signals: China issued nationwide heat health alerts as warm, humid flood-season conditions push temperatures above 40°C in some areas, with the highest red-level warnings including Inner Mongolia. Wildlife Protection: A Kyrgyz ranger story highlights snow leopard conservation work after illegal hunting inside a protected area, stressing that every individual matters for the species’ survival. Desertification Fight: New reporting on China’s “Green Great Wall” shows how straw checkerboards and decades of planting have reduced desertified land, though scientists warn the gains still need long-term protection.

COVID-19 Vaccines: An international trial involving participants across Australia, Indonesia and Mongolia found that “fractional” booster doses (half the standard amount) can still deliver strong, long-lasting immunity—potentially stretching supplies and improving access. Weather & Warfare: A report revisits how the U.S. used cloud-seeding during the Vietnam War to extend monsoon rains, while noting that international rules now ban weather manipulation in conflict. Disaster Early Warning: China’s MAZU AI early-warning platform is set to expand globally, with upgraded nowcasting and multi-hazard alerts already used in dozens of countries, including Mongolia. Desertification & Greening: New coverage on China’s “Green Great Wall” straw-checkerboard approach highlights measurable desert shrinkage, but warns the fight against land degradation is far from over. Wildlife Protection: A Kyrgyz ranger story shows how targeted patrols can stop illegal snow leopard killing inside protected areas, with heavy fines and a focus on safeguarding every individual. Biodiversity in Public Spaces: Calgary Zoo’s new “Asian Highlands” exhibit opens with species like snow leopards and red pandas, aiming to boost awareness of high-mountain conservation issues. Heat Risks: China issued nationwide heat health alerts as unusually warm, humid conditions push temperatures above 40°C in parts of the country. Food Waste Solutions: A cross-country look at East Asia’s food-saving efforts flags cultural drivers and practical policies, including programs in Mongolia, Japan and South Korea.

Mongolia–Aviation Upgrade: France’s Thales won a contract from Mongolia’s National Civil Aviation Center to modernise Ulaanbaatar’s air traffic control and build a new dual Area Control Center in Sainshand, boosting resilience, capacity, cybersecurity, and skills transfer. Wildlife Protection (Snow Leopards): A Kyrgyz ranger story highlights how targeted patrols and quick action can stop illegal hunting inside protected areas, with fines scaled up when snow leopards are killed. Desert & Grassland Resilience: AP reports on China’s “Green Great Wall” straw-checkerboard system, showing desertification gains but warning the fight needs decades more; a separate UNCCD-linked caravan story argues rangelands are central to food and livelihoods and need better protection. Conservation Education in Canada: Calgary Zoo’s new Asian Highlands exhibit opens with snow leopards, Sichuan takins, and red pandas, aiming to connect visitors to high-mountain biodiversity issues. Heat Risk Alerts: China issued nationwide heat health alerts as unusually warm, humid conditions raise health risks, with red-level warnings including Inner Mongolia. Rare Horses Return: Przewalski’s horses were released back into Kazakhstan as part of a long-running European reintroduction effort. Mongolia–South Korea Cooperation: Reports note Mongolia and South Korea moving toward a “golden era” of partnership, including rare metals supply-chain talks. Naadam & National Day Diplomacy: Multiple pieces cover Mongolia’s Naadam celebrations and international greetings, including messages involving Mongolia’s leadership and partners.

Desert greening in focus: AP reports China’s “Green Great Wall” straw-checkerboard program is shrinking desertified land by over 1,000 sq km a year, but scientists warn the gains need decades more work to hold the line. Grasslands matter: A UNCCD “Silk Road Caravan” leg highlights rangelands as the backbone of food and livelihoods, spotlighting pastoralists as key to keeping grasslands alive. Heat risk: China issued nationwide heat health alerts as warm, humid conditions push temperatures above 40°C in parts of the country, with Inner Mongolia among the red-level areas. Wildlife and conservation: The Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo opened its Asian Highlands exhibit featuring snow leopards, Sichuan takins and red pandas—bringing Himalayan conservation awareness to visitors. Mongolia angle: Thales won a contract to modernise Mongolia’s air traffic management, including new Ulaanbaatar and Sainshand centers. Culture & environment: A Mongolian Naadam greeting from King Charles explicitly flags climate change and environmental protection as shared challenges.

Heat & health alerts: China issued nationwide heat health risk alerts as unusually warm, humid conditions push temperatures above 40°C in parts of the country, with red-level warnings including Inner Mongolia. Grasslands & desertification: UNCCD’s “Silk Road Caravan” reached Inner Mongolia with a focus on rangelands and pastoral livelihoods, while reports from China’s “Green Great Wall” show progress against desertification but warn gains need decades more work. Mongolia–Korea ties with an environmental angle: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung’s Mongolia visit ended with a “Golden Era” and 21 agreements, including cooperation on critical minerals and broader regional stability. Air safety infrastructure: France’s Thales won a contract to modernise Mongolia’s air traffic management, upgrading Ulaanbaatar and adding a new Sainshand center with cybersecurity and skills transfer. Wildlife conservation: Two Przewalski’s horses were returned to Kazakhstan as part of long-running reintroduction efforts. Livestock & land use pressure: A study on food-waste campaigns highlights Mongolia alongside other East Asian countries, linking culture to how societies reduce waste.

Air Safety Upgrade in Mongolia: Thales says it has won a contract to modernise Mongolia’s air traffic management, including new dual Area Control Centers for Ulaanbaatar and Sainshand, with added resilience, capacity, cybersecurity, and skills transfer. Grasslands and Desertification Focus: A UNCCD “Silk Road Caravan” reached Inner Mongolia with a message that rangelands—not just forests—are key to livelihoods and climate resilience, while China’s “Green Great Wall” work shows progress but warns gains need decades more effort. Naadam and Climate Messaging: King Charles III sent greetings to Mongolia’s Naadam, explicitly linking cooperation to climate change and environmental protection. Wildlife Conservation Win: Two female Przewalski’s horses (Shara and Togs) were returned to Kazakhstan as part of long-running reintroduction efforts. Mongolia-Linked Transport for Horses: Chapman Freeborn coordinated a 38-hour operation moving 121 Mongolian horses between Ulaanbaatar and Hanoi with welfare-focused planning and multiple charter flights.

Aviation & Resilience: Thales says it won a contract from Mongolia’s National Civil Aviation Center to modernise air traffic management in Ulaanbaatar and build a new Area Control Center in Sainshand, with upgrades aimed at capacity, cybersecurity, redundancy, and skills transfer. Wildlife Rewilding: Marwell Zoo reports two Przewalski’s horses, Shara and Togs, have been released into Kazakhstan as part of an international effort to rebuild wild populations after the species was extinct in the wild. Grasslands & Desert Risk: UNCCD-linked coverage highlights why rangelands matter for food and livelihoods, while China’s “Green Great Wall” and grassland protection efforts show gains but warn the fight against land degradation needs decades more work. Mongolia-Korea Partnership: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit ends with a “Golden Era,” 21 agreements, and tariff moves tied to Mongolian minerals—an economic push with clear environmental stakes for mining and land management. Naadam & Climate Message: King Charles sent Naadam greetings to President Khurelsukh, stressing cooperation on climate change and environmental protection.

Mongolia–South Korea “Golden Era”: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to Mongolia (July 9–11) ended with 21 cooperation agreements, including a CEPA-style free trade deal and tariff cuts on Mongolian copper and molybdenum, while Mongolia eases tariffs on South Korean cosmetics, trucks, and construction equipment. National Naadam spotlight: Mongolia’s Naadam festival wrapped with President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s closing remarks, celebrating statehood and nomadic heritage as foreign visitors shared how the event and Mongolia’s nature left a strong impression. Desert and dust risk beyond borders: The UN’s weather agency warned that sand and dust storms—linked to drought and land degradation—hit health, farming, transport, and ecosystems, with climate change increasing the odds of extreme events. China’s grassland recovery: China reported healthier and more productive grasslands expanding to about 70% of its total grassland area, citing restoration, supervision, and support for sustainable herding. Desert control tech in China: AP described decades of “straw checkerboards” and planting grids used to stabilize dunes—progress that still needs long-term upkeep. Conservation culture tie-in: World Horse Day (July 11) highlighted horses’ role in agriculture and transport and called for better protection and welfare.

Sand & Dust Storms: The UN’s weather agency warns that sand and dust storms are worsening across regions, with 2025 bringing record events that disrupted health, farming, transport, and ecosystems—while drought and land mismanagement are increasingly blamed. Desert Greening Watch: China’s “Green Great Wall” approach, including straw-checkerboard dune stabilization, shows measurable gains but scientists say protecting progress will take decades of sustained work. Heat & “Coolcations”: New reporting highlights how extreme heat is reshaping travel choices across Asia, underscoring rising exposure risks for workers and the broader pressure climate change puts on daily life. Wildlife Spotlight: A conservation update notes Pallas’s cat (manul) remains “least concern” overall, but fragmented populations and declines in parts of its range mean more rangewide protection is still needed. Biodiversity Alarm (Region): The yellow-breasted bunting is disappearing in Nepal’s Tarai, with researchers linking its decline to rising insect problems and ecosystem imbalance. World Horse Day: July 11 marks World Horse Day, spotlighting horses’ role in agriculture, transport, culture, and conservation efforts like restoring Przewalski’s horses to the steppe.

Sand & Dust Storms: The UN’s weather agency says 2025 brought some of the worst sand and dust storms in decades for parts of China and the U.S.-Mexico border, with dust affecting health, ecosystems, and transport; it warns drought and land degradation are increasingly to blame. Desert Monitoring: China marks July 12’s International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms by expanding monitoring and early-warning tools and boosting cross-border cooperation. Climate Travel Impacts: Asia’s “coolcations” trend is growing as extreme heat reshapes where people can safely travel, with the WMO noting many workers face heat exposure. Mongolia–Korea Green & Forest Work: South Korea and Mongolia signed new forestry and climate cooperation MOUs, including support for forest-positive climate action and desertification response. Critical Minerals Cooperation: Mongolia and South Korea also moved to upgrade rare metals supply-chain talks, aiming for deeper, more coordinated cooperation. Wildlife Note: A report highlights the yellow-breasted bunting’s decline in Nepal’s Tarai, warning that losing the bird could harm farmland ecosystems. World Horse Day: July 11’s UN-backed World Horse Day spotlights horses’ role in agriculture, transport, culture, and conservation efforts.

Sand & Dust Storms: The UN’s weather agency says 2025 brought some of the worst sand and dust storms in decades for China and the U.S.-Mexico border, with dust affecting health, ecosystems, and transport; it also points to drought and land degradation as key drivers. Desert Monitoring Push: On International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (July 12), China highlights expanded monitoring tech and deeper cooperation, warning climate change is raising the odds of extreme dust events. Mongolia–Korea Climate & Forest Cooperation: South Korea’s Korea Forest Service signed new MOUs with Mongolia on climate change response, combating desertification, and “forest positive” climate action—aiming at disaster management, digital forestry, and forest carbon work. Energy for Cleaner Winters: POSCO International and Mongolia’s Newcom signed a $100 million energy partnership for heat-pump district heating that recycles waste heat from thermal plants—targeting winter air pollution tied to coal heating. Rare Metals Supply Chain Talks: During President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit, Mongolia and South Korea moved to upgrade cooperation on rare metals and critical minerals, including rare earth supply-chain planning and follow-up projects. Wildlife Note: World Horse Day (July 11) spotlighted horses’ role in agriculture and transport, alongside conservation efforts for genetically wild Przewalski’s horses. Biodiversity Alert: A report flags the yellow-breasted bunting as disappearing in Nepal’s Tarai, warning insect and crop pest impacts as the bird declines.

Sand & Dust Storms: The UN’s weather agency says 2025 brought some of the worst sand and dust storms in decades for China and the U.S.-Mexico border, with impacts on air quality, health, farming, transport, and ecosystems—while drought and land degradation are increasingly blamed. Climate & Heat Impacts: A new report on “coolcations” highlights how extreme heat is reshaping travel choices across Asia, with most workers exposed to dangerous temperatures. World Horse Day: July 11 marks World Horse Day, spotlighting horses’ roles in agriculture, transport, culture, and rural livelihoods, alongside conservation needs for threatened wild populations like Przewalski’s horses. Korea–Mongolia Cooperation: During a Korea state visit, Mongolia and South Korea signed 21 documents and moved rare metals supply-chain talks to a ministerial-level committee, aiming for a “golden age” in ties. Greener Heating & Forest Action: Korea Forest Service expanded forestry cooperation with Mongolia, including climate change response and desertification work, while POSCO International and Newcom backed a district heating plan using heat-pump waste heat to cut winter air pollution. Wildlife Watch: A separate conservation report flags the disappearance of the yellow-breasted bunting in Nepal’s Tarai, warning that losing insect-eating birds can destabilize farmland ecosystems.