By Order No.63 of the president in 2010, Mongolia marks National Tree Planting Day on May 9 and 10. On this occasion this year, a ceremony to hand ownership of three hectares of land to the Education Department from each district to create “tiny forests” for graduates was held at the Beaver Center in Bayanzurkh District to increase forested areas in Ulaanbaatar's green zone, prevent desertification, reduce air and environmental pollution, and establish green groves. The tiny forests will allow all students to plant a tree upon graduation. An environmental training and research center was also opened at the Beaver Center to help educate children and young people about the value of trees and plants.
Deputy Head of Human Development and Social Policy of the Ulaanbaatar Mayor’s Office Sh.Ankhmaa said, “Ecological education is the most important education for children and youth. In the future, students should be taught how to treat the environment properly and how to develop green growth in Mongolia. I want children and youth to come here to attend classes to receive environmental education.”
At the event, Deputy Head in Charge of Air Pollution Issues of the Ulaanbaatar Mayor’s Office D.Munkhjargal said, “In previous years, Ulaanbaatar Mayor’s Office and Ulaanbaatar Environment Department jointly planted deciduous and coniferous trees in 100 hectares of a protected area for drinking water supply sources in Gachuurt to increase water yield, ensure ecological balance and prevent soil degradation. Also, the Dream Forest project was implemented in 100 hectares of area, which was previously a waste dump, in Jargalant Valley, 2nd khoroo of Songinokhairkhan District in 2018, and tree planting will be continued until 2027. This year’s project marks the establishment of the Botanical Garden for tree seedling, and the Land Management Plan 2020 includes the establishment of tiny forests in all districts.”
During the event, the relevant officials planted more than 200 poplars and yellow acacia in the center in connection with National Tree Planting Day. National Tree Planting Day has launched 10 years ago and it is celebrated twice a year, in October and in May. The day is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle the country’s environmental issues, and city officials note that every citizen is encouraged to plant trees to mitigate environmental pollution.
The event was attended by Deputy Head in Charge of Air Pollution Issues of the Ulaanbaatar Mayor’s Office D.Munkhjargal, Deputy Head of Human Development and Social Policy of the Ulaanbaatar Mayor’s Office Sh.Ankhmaa, Head of the Ulaanbaatar Environment Department E.Battulga, Head of the Ulaanbaatar Education Department J.Gantulga and officials of the education departments of all nine districts of Ulaanbaatar.
