News from Mongolian environmental group of United Movement of Mongolian Rivers and Lakes

On October 14th, the River Movements‟ monthly meeting was held and next month‟s actions were discussed.

Transboundary waters meeting
Between the 2nd and the 7th October, Mr.Ganbold Duvchigdamba, coordinator of the UMMRL, participated in a meeting that gathered environmentalists of the Far East and Siberia, in Vladivostok, Russia. The main goal of the meeting was to exchange ideas and thoughts in order to improve the protection of Transboundary Rivers that flow across Mongolia, Russia and China.

Over 46 participants from Russia, the USA, China and Mongolia took part in the meeting. They planned next year‟s activities and discussed about transboundary conservation and how to involve Russia, Mongolia and China in the protection of the rivers they share. During the meeting, Mr.Ganbold participated to the following working groups: „Rivers without Boundaries‟, „Mining‟ and „Lake Baikal‟. In the future, we will cooperate with all participants to decrease water pollution and to protect Transboundary Rivers.

Regarding the law on banning mining operations in river basins

According to the 55th Parliamentary resolution regarding the implementation of the law “Prohibit Mining Operations at River Headwaters, Protected Zones of Water Reservoirs and Forested Areas”, the Mongolian Government had to set the boundary of the law within three months. Unfortunately it has failed to do so and it has not yet launched the adequate procedures that would allow the implementation of the law. We therefore sent official and open letters to government officials to urge them to work towards this goal.

Activity of member movement
The Onggi River Movement, a Member of the UMMRL, has launched its textbook project, “Onggi River basins‟ Ecology and Nomadic culture” second edition, funded by the Genographic Legacy Fund. For now they met comprehensive school teachers and selected those of them who wanted to participate in the textbook working team.

Help from abroad
Since September 2009, Eve Schneider, who is currently studying Political, Social and Natural Sciences in Paris, has been working with the UMMRL as a volunteer. She has been helping us to develop projects and will do so until next may.
Please contact us at rivermovements@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Sincerely yours,

United Movement of Mongolian Rivers and Lakes

53-17, 12th khoroolol, 3rd sub district Tel: 976-11-55150663
Bayanzurkh district, UB, Mongolia Fax: 976-11-452917
E-mail: rivermovements@gmail.com