“Protection of Khuvsgul Lake will serve as a part of Mongolia’s contributions to reducing climate change”
ВидеоAccording
to a study conducted by the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, the glacial area
around the Khuvsgul Lake has decreased by 3 times between 1981 and 2000.
This
is merely a single example of how various factors have been negatively
affecting the Khuvsgul Lake ecosystem, highlighted Director of the Institute of
Geography and Geoecology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences A.Dashtseren
during his presentation on the current state of the lake’s ecosystem at a panel
discussion themed, ‘Protection of the Lake’s Ecosystem’, which is being
organized in the framework of the National Forum on the Protection of Khuvsgul
Lake.
Under
the auspices of President of Mongolia U.Khurelsukh, the national forum is being
co-organized by the Office of the President of Mongolia, the Ministry of
Environment and Tourism, and the Governor’s Office of Khuvsgul aimag.
Discussions are taking place on defining the pressing issues of Khuvsgul Lake,
and ways to develop and protect the area at the two-day forum.
In
his opening remarks, President of Mongolia U.Khurelsukh said, “Making up 76.6
percent of Mongolia’s fresh water reserves and 0.6 percent of the world’s total
fresh water reserves, Khuvsgul Lake is the country’s deepest freshwater lake -
an ancient lake that has existed for more than 2 million years. The lake not
only provides sustenance for Mongolians, but also flows into Lake Baikal which
makes up 90 percent of Russia’s freshwater reserves and over 20 percent of the
world’s fresh surface water.”
The protection of Khuvsgul Lake will serve as a significant part
of Mongolia’s contributions towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals
and reducing climate change.
“In recent years, due to certain factors such as the people’s
needs and demands, tourism, sunken vehicles, and the irresponsible actions of
certain entities and citizens running operations based at the lake, the
Khuvsgul Lake ecosystem has begun to face danger as its waters became
increasingly polluted. Thus, in aims of protecting Khuvsgul Lake and
appropriately developing the area, I am initiating this forum as the President
of Mongolia. During my tenure as the Prime Minister, the Government of Mongolia
approved Resolution No.33, and a plan to develop eco tourism in the Khuvsgul
Lake region for 2021-2023.
The measures being carried out to protect the lake will serve as
a significant part of Mongolia’s contribution in reaching the Sustainable
Development Goals that were adopted during the 70th UN General Assembly, and
reducing climate change. The necessary funds for protecting Khuvsgul Lake will
be properly allocated, having it reflected in the annual local budget,” the
President said and noted the direction that he has given to the Government on
implementing a project on protecting the lake from hazardous waste in the
framework of international cooperation and partnerships.
On
the first day of the forum, panel discussions took place on protecting the Khuvsgul
Lake ecosystem, developing the area into a sustainable tourism region, and
retrieving vehicles that have sunk in the lake as well as the issue concerning
the lake’s pollution and water quality. Corresponding ministry officials and
field experts participated in the discussions.
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