On October 24, 2024, a discussion was held in Ulaanbaatar with over 30 participants from various water NGOs, including partners of CWP-Mongolia. The new Minister of Environment of Mongolia and CWP-Mongolia organized the meeting to improve water management institutions in the country and establish a public professional organization for water-related activities. Starting in April 2024, the Government plans to create a capable and collaboratively organized association that can work closely with government entities and take on some of its functions, thus significantly contributing to Mongolia's water sector's development.
Participants gathered to discuss the current water issues facing Mongolia, share their perspectives, and propose solutions. Presentations during the meeting covered several critical topics:
- Prospects for water demand in Mongolia and strategies to meet growing needs.
- The transboundary accumulation and use of surface water, drawing on international experiences.
- Approaches to strengthen water governance.
Conclusions drawn from these presentations included:
- The most effective way to meet the increasing water demand is by utilizing resources from the Arctic Ocean basin and the Selenga River catchment area.
- Implementing the Orkhon-Gobi and Orkhon-Ongi surface water reuse projects could address immediate low water demand. However, challenges such as transboundary water issues and the need for environmental and social impact assessments present significant obstacles.
- The involvement of multiple ministries in water-related issues severely undermines a unified approach to the development and policymaking of the water sector, complicating the search for appropriate solutions to both current and future challenges.
- A comprehensive approach to water resources and river basins—including their protection, rational use, rehabilitation, construction of water facilities, and ownership—should be based on principles of effective water governance and management.
- A working group involving NGOs should be established to tackle water issues in Mongolia.
- The Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach and the establishment of river basin councils should be prioritized in Mongolia's water sector.
- Strengthening water partnerships and enhancing joint activities will significantly contribute to the development of the water sector in Mongolia, with public-private partnerships (PPPs) being vital for sustainable water governance.
The Updated Draft Water Law of Mongolia has been submitted by Professor Basandorj to the President's office. The President has concluded that enhancing water governance should be a strategic priority for both the government and parliament, as well as for civil society.
The outcome of this meeting aims to improve water sector management and establish the Mongolian Joint Association for Water Professionals (MJAWP). Plans are underway to organize a symposium for water-related NGOs in early December, during which the working group will prepare the MJAWP rules and regulations.