The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Mongolia’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry (MoFALI) and with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has launched a six-year project titled “Eliminating Hazardous Chemicals from Supply Chains in Mongolia.” The initiative aims to phase out toxic and hazardous chemicals from the country’s wool, cashmere, and leather supply chains by strengthening chemicals management systems, promoting cleaner and more resource-efficient production practices, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Mongolian products.
Bringing together government agencies, industry stakeholders, research institutions, and development partners, the project focuses on improving environmental and occupational health standards while supporting circular economy approaches, better waste and wastewater management, and sustainable industrial innovation. It is expected to reduce environmental and human health risks while boosting the resilience and value of key rural industries that support herder livelihoods and Mongolia’s light manufacturing sector.
UNDP and national partners emphasized that the initiative will help transform Mongolia’s traditional supply chains into safer, more sustainable, and internationally competitive systems, aligning environmental protection with long-term economic development goals.
