REDD+ Readiness Process in Mongolia
Mongolia has taken steps to start implementing REDD+ readiness activities through development of a roadmap for REDD+ readiness approved in 2015. The Roadmap sets out how Mongolia will implement its REDD+ Readiness activities and develop a comprehensive National REDD+ Strategy, and full national program commenced in January 2016.
Mongolia’s National REDD+ Readiness Roadmap consists of four main components. These are:
National REDD+ Management Arrangements Established and Improved Stakeholder Awareness and Effective Stakeholder Engagement
Mongolia will establish the management structure to manage the REDD+ Readiness process and to develop its National REDD+ Strategy. A multi-stakeholder National REDD+ Taskforce, which will be created, are supported by Technical Working Groups providing guidance and coordination support. A National REDD+ Programme Unit was established within government to provide day-to-day operational support.
National REDD+ Strategy Prepared
Mongolia will prepare a National REDD+ Strategy. The first task is to identify the major drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in Mongolia. These drivers are expected to be different from tropical countries – due to the different ecological characteristics of boreal forest and the different pressures on Mongolia’s forest resources. Preliminary analysis of drivers identified the main drivers of deforestation and forest degradation to be: forest fires (many of which are caused by humans), legal and illegal logging (a combination of fuel wood gathering, collection of timber for livelihoods and commercial logging), pest infestation, tree diseases and the impacts of mining and mineral exploration.
Forest Reference Emissions Levels and Forest Reference Levels Developed
Mongolia will establish its National Forest Reference Emission Level and/or forest Reference Level (REL/RL), with sub-national forest RELs/RLs as potential interim measures. RELs/RLs will provide the benchmarks against which future forest carbon emissions reductions and removals will be measured. The emphasis of this Component will be the collection of data on historical land-use and the analysis of relevant national circumstances, as well as the development of specific capacities to further develop, pilot and implement RELs/RLs under a full National REDD+ Strategy.
National Forest Monitoring System and Safeguards Information System Developed
Mongolia will develop a National Forest Monitoring System, comprising a monitoring function and a Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) function. The monitoring function will serve to assess whether REDD+ activities are results-based, while the MRV function will be used to assess and report on the mitigation performance of REDD+ activities to the UNFCCC. This component also develops the Safeguard Information System to share transparently information on how Mongolia is addressing and respecting the UNFCCC REDD+ safeguards, and generating co-benefits and reducing risks.
