April 21, 2015 — On April 20, The Asia Foundation and Mongolia’s Ministry of Environment, Green Development and Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide mutual support and actively cooperate in the areas of sustainable natural resource management, capacity strengthening of civil society organizations (CSOs), and citizens’ participation in environmental decision-making. More specifically, the cooperation will address stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution in areas affected by mining, and the implementation of community-based environmental projects within the framework of the government’s commitments and programs on Water, Biodiversity and Green Development.
Witnessing the signing ceremony were Mr. Diepak Elmer, Deputy Country Director for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Mr. Batnasan Nyamsuren, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Officer, representing UNICEF. Environment Minister Ms. Oyunkhorol expressed her gratitude for the productive partnership: “The role of local communities in environmental conservation is the key towards better management of natural resources and local sustainable development. Therefore, strengthening their capacity and supporting efforts of local environmental NGOs is crucial.”
Working at the local level, the SDC and Asia Foundation project, Engaging Stakeholders in Environmental Conservation (ESEC) phase II, delivers environmental best practices for the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. The project is endorsed by key national stakeholders while facilitating and developing inclusive mechanisms for all relevant local stakeholders.
The Asia Foundation is also starting the implementation of the second phase of a project with UNICEF that focuses on the Provision of Technical Support for the Ministries of Health and Sports and Education, Culture and Science for the replication and scaling-up of water safety planning; Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) good practices; and support for water supply and solid waste management aspects of the implementation of the Minimum Requirements on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools, Kindergartens and Dormitories. The collaboration with the Mongolia’s Ministry of Environment, Green Development and Tourism focuses specifically on promoting good water monitoring and SWM practices and sharing lessons learned.
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