Ulaanbaatar to have a Rotary Park
Ulaanbaatar is set to gain a Rotary Park, with the official opening expected to take place during the current Rotary Year. This decision followed talks between District Governor Jimmy Lau, Assistant Governors Gantulga Dashdondov and Tserenminjin Perenlei, and the Mongolian Forest Authorities during a visit to the COP17 Green Zone.
Rotary District 3450 will be responsible for planning and funding the park’s construction, while the city of Ulaanbaatar will cover the operational and maintenance costs. As well as being a green space, the park may feature an “inclusive playground” where children with disabilities can play with other children. This project aligns with the “Protect our Environment” area of focus.
The District delegation’s visit to Mongolia coincided with the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, which took place in Ulaanbaatar. The event, held from 17 to 28 August, had the theme of ‘Restoring Land – Restoring Hope’. During the visit, the delegation explored the Green Zone, a 6.28-hectare public space within the National Park featuring 125 interactive booths showcasing innovative technologies and land restoration initiatives.
COP17 brought together delegates from the 197 Parties of the UNCCD, as well as leaders from government, business, civil society, scientists, young people, Indigenous Peoples, pastoralists, and smallholder farmers. They came together to find solutions to the interconnected issues of desertification, land degradation and drought, recognising that restoring land is also vital for reducing instability, preventing displacement and strengthening human and national security in vulnerable regions.
