Mongolia currently has 11 biosphere reserves inscribed in the UNESCO World Network. These areas protect unique ecosystems ranging from high-altitude alpine lakes to endless steppes and the Gobi Desert.
List of Biosphere Reserves in Mongolia
- Boghd Khan Uul (1996): Considered one of the oldest protected areas in the world (protected since the 12th century).https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/boghd-khan-uul
- Great Gobi (1991): One of the largest reserves in the world, home to the rare wild Bactrian camel and the Gobi bear.https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/great-gobi
- Dornod Mongol (2005): Protects vast, untouched steppe ecosystems of Central Asia.https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/dornod-mongol
- Mongol Daguur (2007): A steppe and wetland area of major importance for migratory birds.https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/mongol-daguur
- Hustai Nuruu (2002): Known for the successful reintroduction of Przewalski’s horse (taki) into the wild.https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/hustai-nuruu
- Uvs Nuur Basin (2003): A salt lake on the border with Russia, representing a unique mix of tundra, steppe, and desert.https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/uvs-nuur-basin
- Shishked-Tengis (2020): Mountain and forest ecosystems in the north of the country.https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/issyk-kul
- Toson-Khulstai (2020): A steppe region protecting the migration routes of gazelles.https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/toson-khulstai
- Onon-Balj (2020): An area on the border between the steppe and the Siberian taiga, historically linked to the birthplace of Genghis Khan.https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/onon-balj
- Lake Khuvsgul (2022): The “younger sister” of Lake Baikal, containing nearly 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water reserves.https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/khuvsgul-lake
- Khar Us Lake (2024): The newest addition to the network, crucial for waterfowl and rare fish species.https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/khar-us-lake