Ulaanbaatar, October 27, 2023 /MONTSAME/. The "One Billion Trees" National Campaign, initiated by Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, is being implemented in three stages: preparation, activation, and stabilization. Oyunsanaa Byambasuren, Director-General of the Forestry Agency of the Government of Mongolia, clarified this information. She also stated that the Agency is organizing a series of multi-stakeholder meetings to discuss the accomplishments of the Campaign's goals.

-What is the current implementation stage of the "One Billion Trees" National Campaign?

-The One Billion Tree National Campaign, initiated by Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, is currently in the preparation stage. Several activities have been organized, including:

-Creating seed and seedling resources,

-Developing infrastructure,

-Ensuring coordination between stakeholders,

-Scheduling tasks and activities,

-Planting trees is a long process that requires professional organization.

According to preliminary estimates, 28 million trees have been planted as part of the One Billion Tree National Campaign as of today. The final results will be announced in the fall. Regarding seedlings, 7-8 million were created 2-3 years ago, but there are now 60 million. This is a significant achievement in the preparation stage of the Campaign.

It is estimated that 57 percent of the 1.5 billion trees will be planted by rehabilitating and restoring degraded forests. Depending on the type of tree, 2,500-3,500 trees are planted per hectare.

With a number of reforestation companies expanding their activities, the saplings and seedlings planted two years ago are now ready for planting, and strips have been created for afforestation. Building on this example, we have set a goal to prepare at least 130-150 million seedlings and saplings in the coming years. Infrastructure is essential to increase tree planting outcomes, and we need to further consolidate and expand on what we have achieved. However, this raises the issue of stakeholder organizations, which is not a direct responsibility of the government or professional organizations.

Private companies, professional organizations, and mining, banking, finance, and foreign investment organizations have joined the One Billion Trees National Campaign. Additionally, international organizations have also begun to reach out. Therefore, work to coordinate the activities of these multilateral organizations is proceeding according to plan.

-Can we supply 100 percent of the seedling and sapling resources for the Campaign from Mongolia? Will all tree nurseries in Mongolia be involved in the Campaign?

-This year, Mongolian companies are fully providing the seedling and sapling resources for the "One Billion Trees" National Campaign. It is possible to import small quantities of seeds and seedlings from abroad for research and analytical purposes, but caution must be exercised as they should be grown in a specific area and under similar climatic conditions as the country where they are imported from.

As for tree nurseries, in addition to professional organizations that have been working for many years, there are also newly founded organizations participating in the Campaign. We are trying to be inclusive and welcome anyone who wants to contribute.

-What can you say about the discussion on nurseries, direct purchases, price, and evaluation of seeds and seedlings for the One Billion Trees National Campaign?

-When it comes to prices and procurement for the One Billion Trees National Campaign, we generally follow market principles. Initially, there was a shortage of seedlings due to inadequate preparation, so prices were high. However, now that buyers and manufacturers can agree on and sign contracts, prices can be relatively flexible and stable. We have strived to adhere to this principle from the outset of the campaign.

In fact, a legal framework for procurement is needed. We are currently discussing this issue with relevant organizations.

Under the "One Billion Trees" National Campaign, the Erdenet Mining Corporation, a state-owned enterprise, has opened the Forest Genetic Resources Center and is preparing to establish a Soil Innovation and Technology Center this year.

 -Is it better to concentrate the funds raised from the "One Billion Trees" National Campaign and manage funding accordingly, or should enterprises finance their activities separately?

-The funding for the Campaign must be considered from legal, investment, and other perspectives. New funds have been created for the Campaign, which has raised a number of issues. In this case, we may need to create a central fund to unite all other funds.

We are discussing this issue with the Ministry of Finance of Mongolia, public organizations, and companies to determine whether to create a single climate fund or focus on an environmental fund. There is no single solution yet. We will provide information about funding through the campaign website, terbummod.mn.

 -What is the progress on clarifying the legal issues related to the Law on Forest and Public Green Space and the Law on Land in relation to tree planting?

-The Law on Forest has a section on regulation, and the main goals of the One Billion Trees National Campaign, such as reducing desertification due to climate change and combating deforestation, are related to the Law on Forest. Additionally, the main goal of the Law on Forest is to create and expand Mongolia's forest resources. However, there are no specific legal regulations regarding green spaces in urban areas. There is no clear consensus yet, and time and circumstances necessitate changes. Since there are no constructive solutions to this issue, it is necessary to resolve it through detailed discussions with relevant organizations, such as the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development. A proposal to amend the Land Law through the Law on Forest is being discussed.