Mongolia names 2013 as environmental education year

Mongolia designated 2013 as the environmental education year to promote public awareness of environmental protection.

Instead of treating pollution afterwards, it was crucial to enhance people's awareness of environmental protection, Environment Minister Sanjaasuren Oyun told reporters on Friday.

Government departments and social groups should act together to promote the concept of green growth and drafted regulations for environmental protection. In addition, the authorities should prioritize sustainable development, Oyun said.

Official data show Mongolia is facing a serious shortage of water resources, with about 70 percent of land suffering different degrees of desertification.