Khar Us Lake Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2024, in Mongolia. Situated in western Mongolia, Khar Us Lake Biosphere Reserve occupies a vast depression within the Great Lake basin spanning 14,153 km² in Khovd Province. Its ecosystems include aquatic environments, deserts, high mountain terrain and steppe landscapes, each contributing to the region’s ecological richness. The biosphere reserve is a haven for rare and endangered species and also for cultural heritage, as it is home to diverse ethnic groups whose livelihoods revolve around sustainable animal husbandry. Efforts are under way to develop sustainable ecotourism, aligning with Khovd Province’s focus on heritage-based tourism for economic diversification. Local herders have formed community-based organisations to safeguard their pasturelands and wildlife, highlighting their dedication to conservation and sustainable livelihoods.