Launching National Forest Carbon Program: A New Chapter in Mongolia’s Climate Action.

On April 24, the OLOLT Center hosted the launch event for the Mongolia Forest Carbon Program (MFCP), marking Mongolia's inaugural carbon-focused voluntary market mechanism. This pioneering endeavor, initiated by the OLOLT Center in 2022, sets a significant milestone in the nation's journey towards sustainable forestry practices and carbon emissions reduction.

Over the past two years, supported by the US Government, the OLOLT Center has diligently laid the groundwork for the MFCP, focusing on developing the necessary soft infrastructure and market facilitation for its long-term implementation. This endeavor has led to the establishment of a country-specific forest carbon scheme, the implementation of a robust governance framework, and the development of high-quality standards and methodologies—all aligned with international standards and best practices. Collaboration with national and international experts, such as Hamerkop Climate Impact Ltd, has ensured the integrity and trustworthiness of the MFCP.

Keynote speakers at the event, including Mr. Batkhuu Nyam-Osor, Environment and Green Development Advisor to the President of Mongolia, and Mr. Kevin Moore, Environment, Science, Technology, and Health Officer of the USA Embassy in Mongolia, underscored the pivotal role of initiatives like the MFCP in advancing Mongolia's commitment to the Paris Agreement. Mr. Batkhuu reiterated the commitment of the President's Office to continue supporting and collaborating with effective initiatives such as the OLOLT Center in advancing implementation of the Nationally Determined Contribution and the Billion Tree National Movement.

At the event, the OLOLT Center provided a comprehensive introduction to the MFCP, complemented by a presentation from Hamerkop Climate Impacts Ltd. Academician Mr. Dorjsuren Chimidnyam, OLOLT Center’s Lead Consultant & Principal Investigator of the Botanical Garden of Mongolian Academy of Science, who designed the methodology of the MFCP, highlighted the critical importance of selecting appropriate planting sites and tree species for tree planting projects which has huge impact on future growth, determining various factors such as water access, planting techniques, and post-care. Mr. Dorjsuren advised businesses and organizations embarking on tree planting initiatives to seek professional consultation for successful outcomes.

A diverse array of stakeholders, including private sector enterprises, governmental bodies, local and national stakeholders, and international organizations, engaged in discussions during the event. Ms. Bayarmaa, CEO of the Billion Tree Fund, underlined the significance of a scientific approach and multi-stakeholder involvement in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the MFCP beyond its current scope, while Ms. Erdenetuya, Executive Director of the Mongolian National Mining Association, underscored the importance of protection and care for successful reforestation efforts in the long term. These stakeholders expressed the readiness to collaborate with the MFCP program to promote sustainable forestry practices, emphasising the necessity for stakeholder collaboration such as in policy implementation and professional reforestation services at the national level. Additionally, Mr. Hugh Salway, Senior Director of Market Development and Partnership at the Gold Standard, shared valuable insights on the Gold Standard's initiatives, the international markets trends, and the potential for collaboration among national and international standards to enhance credibility and facilitate broader acceptance within the global community.

A significant highlight of the event was the signing of the first Memorandum of Understanding between the Mongolian Billion Tree Fund and the OLOLT Center, facilitating collaboration in supporting the MFCP implementation. This partnership aims to bolster carbon projects’ execution, ensure the sustainability of this mechanism, and enhance stakeholder capacity.

The launch of the MFCP has created an auspicious stage for the implementation of carbon projects in Mongolia, inviting all stakeholders involved in afforestation, reforestation, and agro-forestry efforts to collaborate with the OLOLT Center.