Climate Change and Sustainability

IRIM’s core approach to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and sustainability is to embed climate-resilient development aspects throughout all sectors of research, monitoring, and evaluation (M&E). This approach encompasses both climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. By integrating these considerations into policy planning, decision-making, and investment processes across all sectors, IRIM is actively working towards reducing the impacts of climate change on communities, economies, and ecosystems.

Projects dedicated to addressing climate change and sustainability comprise over 20% of all projects, with a particular focus on the following sub-themes:

Environmental conservation

Mongolia’s diverse landscape and abundant biodiversity are fundamental to the country’s economy, culture, and overall development. In alignment with this significance, IRIM has been engaged in conducting research and M&E projects tailored to tackle sector-specific challenges and strengthening the resilience of the sector’s system. These efforts include enhancing stakeholders’ understanding and knowledge, assessing the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of citizens and communities, and assessing adaptive and coping capacities. For instance, IRIM’s primary focus and expertise lie in implementing research projects aimed at strengthening the management of protected areas and integrating nature conservation schemes with active participation from local communities.
Climate change

In the realm of climate action, IRIM’s primary focus lies in supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement, Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). IRIM provided stakeholders with evidence-based information and enhance coordination and cooperation in information sharing. In 2022, IRIM conducted a nationwide survey titled Climate Change Awareness and Media Consumption Survey in Mongolia, commissioned by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and is now organizing campaigns based on the survey findings to raise awareness among citizens and the public.

Also, in 2023, IRIM initiated a Community of Practice among research experts focused on climate change-resilient development. This initiative was to streamline research activities within various climate-related fields and foster information exchange between researchers and experts. In the future, through this community of practice, IRIM intends to discuss the results of research in the climate sector and initiate policy discussions aimed at solutions.

At the 28th session of COP 2023 (convened annually by the United Nations to address climate issues) Mongolia pledged to prioritize addressing the impacts of climate change on the food system and the health sector. Mongolia also affirmed its commitment to endorse relevant documents in this regard. To enhance the sector’s readiness to contribute to this direction, IRIM in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and GGGI, is conducting assessments on (i) Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health, Food Security and Nutrition in Mongolia, and (ii) Health workers knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and health institutional preparedness to monitor, prepare for, respond to, and manage climate risks to human health in Mongolia.

Circular economy and green development

Globally, there is a growing emphasis on efficient utilization of natural resources, minimizing waste within economic systems, and moving away from the linear economy towards the adoption of renewable circular models, which rely on resource efficiency and sustainable practices. The concept of a circular economy is relatively new in the Mongolian context, with ongoing efforts to introduce and test it through policy and legal documents in specific sectors. Between 2022 and 2025, IRIM is spearheading the project Building the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the direction of circular economy (CE) and green business in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association (MSFA), and Development Solutions NGO. As part of this initiative, IRIM is developing a policy roadmap to integrate the circular economy concept into the tourism sector and conducting various activities to empower MSMEs.
Transparent and responsible mining

One of IRIM’s main areas of expertise lies in conducting research activities within the mining and extraction industry. These activities aim not only to effectively direct mining investments towards local development and the economy but also to assess the impact of mining activities on the local community and the environment, while simultaneously striving to promote equality among all stakeholders in society.