WWF-Mongolia and the Administration of the Uvs Lake Basin State Protected Area have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership by signing a Letter of Intent of Cooperation for 2026–2030, aimed at strengthening biodiversity conservation and protected area management in western Mongolia. 

The Uvs Lake Basin State Protected Area lies within the Altai–Sayan Ecoregion, one of the world’s 35 global priority ecoregions identified by WWF as requiring urgent conservation. WWF-Mongolia and the protected area administration have collaborated closely since 1997 to conserve the region’s unique ecosystems and wildlife.

The Letter of Intent of Cooperation focuses on continued cooperation in biodiversity conservation and research; support for transboundary protected area initiatives; implementation of internationally recognized best practices and technologies for protected area management; and capacity building for rangers. The agreement was signed by Mr. D. Batbold, Director of WWF-Mongolia, and Mr. B. Munkhdorj, Head of the Administration of the Uvs Lake Basin State Protected Area.

During the signing event, essential equipment to support snow leopard conservation and research—including binoculars, cameras, handheld radios, and telescopes—was officially handed over to the protected area. To further strengthen on-the-ground conservation efforts, a phased capacity-building program will be implemented, featuring targeted ranger training in western Mongolia and expanded use of the SMART monitoring and patrol system.