Ulaanbaatar, April 2, 2026 /MONTSAME/. A series of discussions on the draft revised Law on Forests, organized by the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Environment, Food and Agriculture, was held on April 1 at the State Palace.

The discussions are being conducted in stages by the Standing Committee in cooperation with a working group established under Resolution No. 523 of the Speaker of Parliament. This working group is tasked with developing proposals and drafting relevant legislation on environmental protection and green development.

The first discussion took place on March 30 and brought together researchers, scientists, and professional organizations engaged in long-term forestry studies, as well as stakeholders involved in tree nurseries and agroforestry. The discussion held on April 1 focused on involving businesses and private sector representatives operating in the field, gathering their views and feedback.

Member of Parliament and head of the working group, Bat-Erdene Bat-Ulzii, highlighted that the draft revised law consists of 12 chapters and 59 articles. He emphasized that its key innovation lies in defining forests as ecosystems and incorporating provisions aimed at increasing economic circulation while improving the livelihoods of local communities.

During the discussion, Member of Parliament Undraa Agvaanluvsan noted that integrating forests into the economy, alongside their protection and restoration, is of strategic national importance. She stressed that government policy should support residents of remote soums in aimags such as Khuvsgul and Khentii to become stewards of their forests and sustain their livelihoods. At the same time, she underlined the need for the draft law to promote the use of advanced technologies, enhance public knowledge and capacity, and support community groups and cooperatives.

The currently effective Law on Forests regulates relations related to forest protection, restoration, reforestation, ownership, use, and the prevention of forest and steppe fires. The revised draft, however, aims to balance forest conservation, restoration, and sustainable use with ecosystem stability, biodiversity, economic benefits, and local participation.

While the existing law classifies forests into protection and utilization zones, the new draft introduces a third category, “special-purpose forests.” This includes forests designated for genetic resources, research, education, urban green zones, and those with historical and cultural significance, all to be subject to special protection regimes.

In addition, the draft establishes a comprehensive and coordinated system across all levels — national, provincial/capital, soum, privately managed forests, and contract-based management. It proposes the development of a transparent, integrated digital system covering permits, contracts, classification, utilization, restoration, carbon accounting, violations, and reporting.

Furthermore, the draft incorporates modern, market-oriented, and climate policy-aligned concepts such as ecosystem services, forest-based economy, bioeconomy, carbon sequestration, carbon units, and carbon projects.