Onon Balj Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2023, in Mongolia. Onon–Balj Biosphere Reserve lies in north-eastern Mongolia at the southern edge of the Siberian taiga, spanning the Daurian steppe and the Onon–Balj river basin. A continuum of peatlands, wetlands and rivers supports major waterbird concentrations and forms part of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. The reserve abounds in culturally important areas, including sites linked to Chinggis Khan (c. 1162–1227) and long-used common grazing lands for nomadic herders. The biosphere reserve’s core objectives include conserving the forest–steppe and riverine corridor, safeguarding threatened species and cultural heritage, and strengthening community-led, climate-resilient livelihoods through research, education and adaptive co-management.