Component 1 supports the capacity development of the National Committee for Combating Desertification (NCCD)
and helps to update and implement the National Action Programme for Combating Desertification (NAP CD);

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 on-going process of updating NAP CD and redefining the role of NCCD is meant to come up with recommendations for a stronger NCCD and a powerful policy framework and action plan for addressing desertification as the major environmental challenge of Mongolia.

The Mongolian Development Institute (MDI) was mandated by the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism (MNET) to update NAP CD. It is expected that the new NAP CD should be approved by the Government in 2009. Once approved, SDC and other donors will support the Government to implement the NAP CD.

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.