Green City Program launched

Ulaanbaatar will focus on green development through Green Cities Program.

Deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar J.Batbayasgalan and Managing Director for Central Asia and Russia at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Natalia Khanjenkova signed a memorandum on the implementation of Green Cities Program on March 22.

After striking the deal, Deputy Mayor J.Batbayasgalan said, “Ulaanbaatar is facing an increasing number of challenges as it expands. In particular, pollution of the most important natural resource – air, water and soil - has become the most urgent problems. The Green Cities Program will be carried out to resolve a wide range of issues, including treatment and recycling of wastewater, green infrastructure development, and waste management.”

He added that the sides plan to develop and launch several projects for green development of Ulaanbaatar.

“Members of the UN Convention are taking measures to tackle challenges posed by climate change, especially to reduce greenhouse emission and raising funds for projects. The memorandum will contribute greatly in carrying out projects and programs for green development, as well as fundraising,” J.Batbayasgalan stated.

EBRD Managing Director Khanjenkova responded that the EBRD is happy to cooperate with Ulaanbaatar in addressing important issues related to the environment, green development, and security. At present, projects for solid waste and wastewater management are being finalized and the EBRD will provide necessary financing for it, according to Managing Director Khanjenkova. She informed that it’s possible to attract investment and funding from the Global All Weather Fund and expressed her confidence in achieving positive results from the Green Cities Program.