Uvs Lake is a large saline lake and wetland system located in northwestern Mongolia within the Uvs Lake Basin, covering approximately 493,000 hectares across Uvs aimag. Surrounded by major mountain systems of the Mongolian Altai and Khangai ranges, the site forms part of a transboundary UNESCO World Heritage property shared with the Russian Federation. The lake and its associated marshes, river deltas, and reedbeds support internationally significant populations of migratory waterbirds within the Central Asian Flyway, including Dalmatian Pelican and Northern Lapwing, alongside numerous globally threatened species such as White-headed Duck, Swan Goose, and Pallas’s Fish Eagle. 

 

The Uvs Lake ecosystem provides essential services, including freshwater provision, flood regulation, climate regulation, and water purification, supporting local pastoral communities and biodiversity. However, the site is increasingly affected by climate change, including glacial retreat and declining lake levels, as well as pressures from overgrazing, water extraction, deforestation, and unregulated tourism. Land degradation, desertification, and expanding road networks are further impacting ecosystem integrity. Strengthening integrated water resource management, regulating tourism, restoring degraded habitats, and improving site protection and zonation are critical to maintaining ecological function while supporting sustainable livelihoods.