Event: ADB Data Room: Regional Flyway Initiative Mongolia: Khurkh Khuiten View File The Khurkh–Khuiten wetland in northern Mongolia retains extensive wetland habitats of exceptional importance for migratory waterbirds, supporting internationally significant populations of more than 20 species. Still largely undisturbed, it remains one of Mongolia’s most intact forest steppe and peatland landscapes. The immediate priority is to implement the site’s management and zonation plan to protect its most sensitive areas while sustainably managing adjacent rangelands for grazing. The principal land use in Khurkh–Khuiten is livestock grazing—mainly sheep, goats, cattle, and horses—along with hay production. Small-scale farms cultivate wheat, barley, and oats, and wood from coniferous forest is collected for fuel. Heavy year-round grazing has led to pasture degradation and wetland pollution, while unmanaged burning and agricultural expansion pose additional threats. The wetland provides freshwater and climate regulation services, and its proximity to Ulaanbaatar offers strong potential for birdwatching and research-based tourism. Investment in strengthened management can balance livelihoods with long-term ecosystem protection. RFI Site Snapshot City Municipality Province Region Batshireet, Binder, Bayan-Adraga and Ömnödelger soum; Khentii Province Area Size 58,700 ha Geographical Coordinates 48.32 N, 110.37 E Conservation Designation Ramsar site (2004), IBA (2009) EAAFP Flyway Network Site (2016) National Nature Reserve (2021) Key Habitats and Biomes Diverse wetland habitats for migratory birds and local communities e.g. small lakes, pools, marshes and swamps, with extensive areas of reedbeds, willow groves and shrub-dominated wetlands. Steppe plant species dominate and forests on northern mountain slopes. Key Ecosystem Services & Values Global and local climate regulation, flood mitigation, fresh water and cultivated food, cultural services e.g., recreation/ecotourism, and social relations, knowledge systems and education Global climate regulation: Estimated Carbon Storage and Sequestration range from 15,700 to 22,700 tonnes, while annual carbon sequestration rate estimated at 1,100 tonnes per year. EAAF Species Globally significant populations: Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (LC)White-naped Crane Grus vipio (VU)Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus (LC)Black Stork Ciconia nigra (LC)Bean Goose Anser fabalis (LC)Swan Goose Anser cygnoid (EN)Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus (LC)Common Crane Grus grus (LC)Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo (LC)Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus (NT)Significant Numbers:Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus (VU)Siberian Crane Leucogeranus leucogeranus (CR)Hooded Crane Grus monacha (VU)Red-crowned Crane Grus japonensis (VU)Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus (NT) Notable Biodiversity Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca (VU), Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (EN) and Great Bustard Otis tarda (EN), and Mongolian (Tarbagan) Marmot Marmota sibirica (EN) Site Management State owned and under the jurisdiction and management of several counties and local governments of Khentii Province, Onon-Balj National Park Administration, and the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism. Threats livestock farming and intensive grazing, unsustainable water use, drought, desertification, land degradation, pollution and waste Opportunities for RFI Interventions Habitat protection and sustainable management, grassland and forest steppe restoration, upscaling ecotourism infrastructure and capacity, community-based area management, biodiversity protection and monitoring Investment Range over Time Period 12,800,000 over 5 to 7 years Disclaimer The views expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Download Topics Agriculture and Natural Resources Climate Change Environment Water