Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – June 27, 2025 – AFoCO successfully organized a five-day training on forest carbon accounting and carbon market access in Ulaanbaatar from June 23 to 27, 2025. Building on the previous training held in Seoul, this training was held under the Mongolia Green Resilient Landscapes (World Bank Technical Assistance Program). It aimed to equip Mongolian stakeholders with advanced tools and methodologies in support of the Billion Trees National Movement (BTNM).
The training also convened government officials, researchers, and forest professionals from key institutions such as the National Forestry Agency (NFA), Mongolian University of Life Science, Mongolian University of Science and Technology, and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences.
Opening Session and Reflections from Previous Projects
The training program began with an opening session featuring welcome remarks by Dr. Oyunsanaa Byambasuren, Director General of the National Forestry Agency of Mongolia. Representatives from the World Bank and AFoCO also outlined the objectives of the training and the technical assistance project on Green Resilient Landscapes. The first session provided valuable insights from previous initiatives, including lessons learned from the STREAM and ENSURE projects. Panel discussions further explored the challenges and contributions of these projects to Mongolia’s Billion Tree National Movement (BTNM), setting the stage for in-depth learning throughout the week.
Hands-on Training with EX-ACT
Participants received practical training on the EX-ACT tool developed by FAO, which supports ex-ante carbon balance assessment in land-use projects. Led by Mr. Louis Bockel (FAO), the session included real-world exercises in agroforestry, livestock, deforestation, and land use change, including applications specific to BTNM interventions.
Insights into the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM)
On Day 3, Mr. Juan Chang delivered a series of sessions on accessing forest carbon markets. The training covered key considerations for developing VCM projects, including standards such as Verra, Gold Standard, and Plan Vivo, and outlined the VCM project cycle.
Participants also explored Verra VM0047 methodology (ARR) with a focus on step-by-step application and modules/tools for additionality, leakage, and permanence. The final session highlighted lessons learned from past VCM projects, emphasizing project implementation, MRV, and third-party verification in VCM.
Enhancing Forest Data through National Forest Inventory
Prof. Hee Han led a session on the applications of the National Forest Inventory to enhance forest data quality. The presentation featured case studies illustrating how the inventory system improves forest data and insights. It also introduced the results of a scoping review by Seoul National University and a proposed Forest Carbon Data Improvement Plan tailored for Mongolia.
Field Visits for Exploring Forest Carbon Project Potential
The fourth day of the program featured field visits to the BTNM project intervention sites in Lun Soum (Tuv Province) and Mandal Soum (Selenge Province). These visits allowed participants to assess the feasibility of developing afforestation, agroforestry, and watershed restoration sites into carbon projects. During the visits, participants examined whether current BTNM interventions align with key requirements for carbon project development, such as measurable carbon benefits, long-term sustainability, and compatibility with recognized carbon standards.
Recap and Closing
The training concluded with a wrap-up session in Mandal Soum. Certificates of participation were awarded to acknowledge the active engagement and contributions of all participants.
By combining technical instruction, hands-on exercises, and site-level analysis, this training significantly enhanced Mongolia’s capacity to implement forest carbon projects and access international carbon markets, contributing to long-term climate and development goals.
Contributed by Hyemin Yoon, Intern, Strategic Planning Team, AFoCO