Ulaanbaatar
Wetland Restoration Efforts Ongoing at Ganga Lake in Eastern Mongolia
Environment
Ulaanbaatar, September 17, 2025 /MONTSAME/. Ganga Lake, located in Sukhbaatar aimag, roughly 11 kilometers southeast of Dariganga soum, is undergoing major restoration as part of a wetland rehabilitation project supported by the Ramsar Convention.
The second phase of the project, “Improving the Flow of Ganga Lake to Protect It from Pollution and Drought,” is currently being implemented to restore the wetlands surrounding the lake.
According to the Dariganga National Park Conservation Administration, key activities include fencing off Bayan Bulag, the lake’s primary feeder spring, to safeguard its water source. In addition, a 300-meter-long, 1.5-meter-wide pedestrian path is being constructed from Orgikh Spring to Ganga Lake using eco-friendly panels. Enhancing the area’s accessibility and appeal, a 4x5-sized sheltered seating area has also been installed.
Due to the impacts of climate change, the water level of Ganga Lake has been steadily receding, and in some years, the lake dries up entirely. To mitigate this, 11 rows of trees will be planted in the northern part of the lake, forming a protective forest strip stretching 3,000 meters.
In line with the restoration initiative, dried trees have been removed, and 8,993 new trees, including 2 to 3-year-old elm and willow seedlings, have been prepared for planting, beginning on October 15, 2025. A hose system has been installed in the northern section of the lake, and a drip irrigation system has been automated with managed frequency and timing to reduce manual workload and ensure efficient water use.
Nestled between the steppe and the Gobi Desert, Ganga Lake features a unique landscape of swamps, dunes, and dry steppes. The lake is saline and serves as a vital breeding ground for rare migratory birds, including the white-naped crane, swan goose, great bustard, swan, and ruddy shelduck.
The nearby lakes and ponds, such as Duut, Sumtiin, Erdene, Kholboo, Tsagaan, Khosmogt, Ulaan (currently dry), and Zegest, are part of the wetland complex that supports migratory birds and biodiversity in the region.
