Улаанбаатар
KOICA and UNICEF sign cooperation agreement to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene services in Mongolia
Society
Ulaanbaatar/MONTSAME/
The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and United Nations
Childrens Fund (UNICEF) will join efforts over next three years to strengthen
the resilience of children and their communities to climate change through
enhanced access to quality and reliable water supply, sanitation and hygiene
(WASH) services in Mongolia.
The joint
project agreement “Community-based Climate Resilient WASH Interventions in
Mongolia” signed on December 17 will seek to improve local governments’ water
and sanitation policies and plans, increase children’s access to quality and
climate-smart facilities and enhance capacity to manage climate change risks
related to water and sanitation during severe winters, droughts and floods.
Mongolia is
extremely vulnerable to climate change due to its geographic location,
vulnerable ecosystem, people’s lifestyle and economy. With projected climate
change, the negative impacts for Mongolia may cause increase in the frequency
and magnitude of climate related natural disasters, intensification of drought
and aridity, increasing amount of snow in winter and rapid melting of
permafrost and glaciers. Due to the potential increase in heat waves, air
pollution, frequency of floods and drought and contaminated water, there is a
risk of impact on population’s health, especially children.
The project
will focus on development and implementation of community-based water safety
plans, demonstrate climate resilient WASH facilities and sustainable energy
options in schools, hospitals and households and strengthen ability for
Child-focused Disaster Risk Reduction Planning and Child-friendly Winter
Preparedness Planning.
The project
worth USD 5.1 million will be implemented in Bayankhongor, Gobi-Altai and
Zavkhan provinces in close partnership with national and local governments,
CSOs, private sector, children and communities. About 38,000 girls and boys are
expected to benefit from the project.
Source: UNICEF
Mongolia
