Component 1 objective: Favorable policy and action oriented program are in place to effectively combat desertification and National Committee for Combating Desertification (NCCD) is the leading competency centre on desertification issues in Mongolia, effectively supervising the implementation of National Action Programme for Comating Desertification (NAPCD).

In 1996 the Mongolian Government set up the NCCD to implement the NAP CD. The Committee, however is still quite weak and has limited effect on combating desertification in the counrty. Moreover, the NAP CD is not an appropriate tool to guide and coordinate effectively national efforts for coping with desertification. 

The updated NAP CD is expected to recommend some fundamental changes in national policy and legislation, regarding the rights and obligations of local resource user communities. CODEP, SDC will provide input for improving the policy and legal framework necessary for effective and sustainable progress to cope with desertification.

Indicators:

1. Updated NAP is approved and put to implementation
2. Under the leadership of MNET, the synergy between different strategies  and programs contributing to combating desertification is initiated
3. Government capacity for combating desertification is strengthened at all levels
4. List of relevant policy and legal issues identified and reviewed
5. At national level NCCD is introduced > 2 new technologies and approaches from MONCAT database at the DSC

The the Minister of Nature, Environment and Tourism (MNET) established a working group to draft law on “Soil Protection and Combating Desertification”.  The Law will enable legal environment for regular monitoring, reporting and budgeting of relevant activities for soil protection and combating desertification at Aimag and Soum level and will enhance participation of local people.

The National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring (NAMEM) had series of regional trainings to introduce the standard methodology for soil and pasture quality monitoring at national scale. NAMEM uses new methodology to conduct field data collection from 1500 environmental observation stations across the country.  

Environmental Information Center (EIC) of NAMEM and Desertification Study Center (DSC) of the Institute of Geoecology (IG) signed a MoU to cooperate in the development of conceptual methodology for mapping and producing relevant thematic maps for desertification and land degradation.  A national Team, consisting of specialists and researchers from the two organizations, is established. The work has started jointly with the experts from the University of Bern and the first draft of conceptual methodology for mapping is developed. Accordingly, selected thematic maps will be produced.