Protecting the last remaining pristine desert and steppe ecosystems

27 August 2026, 15:00-16:30
MET-07, Ulaanbaatar
In person

Deserts and steppes are among the most undervalued ecosystems on Earth. At the same time, some of the last large-scale intact landscapes provide vital refuges for biodiversity and support unique ecological processes.

At the 17th Conference of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) in Ulaanbaatar, the Michael Succow Foundation will host a side event on 27 August 2026 focusing on the protection of these unique ecosystems. Under the title “Protecting last remaining pristine desert and steppe ecosystems – World Heritage Sites nominations”, the event will explore how UNESCO World Heritage designation can contribute to the long-term conservation of some of the world’s last remaining intact desert and steppe landscapes.

The side event will showcase the proposed UNESCO World Heritage nominations of the Mongolian Gobi and the Eastern Mongolian Steppes. Both landscapes represent some of the largest and most intact arid and grassland ecosystems in the world.

The Eastern Mongolian Steppes are among the last remaining large-scale temperate grasslands. They support exceptional biodiversity and vast populations of migratory wildlife. The Mongolian Gobi, meanwhile, encompasses a remarkable diversity of desert ecosystems and geological formations. It provides habitat for rare and critically endangered species, includes unique oasis ecosystems and contains important records of climate and environmental history.

The two nomination processes also demonstrate the potential of international conservation frameworks to bring together civil society, governmental institutions and international conservation organisations. UNESCO World Heritage nominations can help raise international awareness, strengthen cooperation and create additional momentum for the long-term protection of outstanding natural landscapes.

The side event will bring together conservation practitioners and representatives of relevant institutions to discuss how international engagement can be strengthened and how the World Heritage framework can contribute to safeguarding these globally significant ecosystems.

Protecting these landscapes means protecting biodiversity, ecological processes and the natural heritage of future generations.
 

27 August 2026, 15:00-16:30
MET-07, Ulaanbaatar
In person