Mongolia is a vast country endowed with comparatively rich water resources. These resources vary greatly between the northern and central regions which are home to many mighty rivers that provide abundant water, to the desert south, western and eastern provinces which often endure scarce supply and generally poorer quality. The conservation and management of Mongolia’s rivers is vital to sustaining the country’s human and environmental health, and integrated river management is critical for poverty reduction, environmental protection and sustainable economic development.

Mongolia’s freshwater ecosystems currently face a growing number of human-induced threats. These include pressures from industry, agriculture, and urbanisation, the building of water diversion channels and dams, and as yet unknown effects from climate change. In particular, the mining industry is the largest user of the country’s water, and demands on Mongolia’s rivers are expected to increase rapidly from this growing sector.

Water is a public resource in Mongolia, and the nation’s citizens have certain rights and duties to ensure its protection, quality and supply as enshrined in the county’s constitution and relevant laws. Mongolian River Resources provides information to help citizens gain knowledge and become active participants in the protection and management of the country’s extensive and irreplaceable river resources.