ASIA

Area: 1,564,660km²

Geography: Mongolia is a landlocked country connecting Central and North Asia. Its diverse geography includes vast steppes, deserts, forests and mountain ranges. The economy is primarily based on mining and agriculture. Water resources are limited and unevenly distributed across the country. ^{(CIA, 2026; UNCCD, 2025)}

Land Degradation: Soil erosion resulting from deforestation and overgrazing, as well as desertification, are two major environmental challenges. Approximately 76.9% of Mongolia’s land area is affected by desertification, of which 23% (30 million hectares) is classified as severely desertified. The annual cost of land degradation in Mongolia is estimated at USD 2.1 billion, equivalent to 43% of the country’s GDP. These processes threaten food security, livelihoods, and the natural environment. ^{(UNCCD, 2019; UNCCD, 2025)}

Sustainable Land Management: Mongolia has committed to setting a national voluntary Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) target, establishing an LDN baseline, and formulating associated measures to achieve LDN. ^{(UNCCD, 2019; UNCCD, 2025)}