Fewer rivers, less water: Mongolia drying

Mongolia’s Ministry of Environment and Travel report that 4,149 rivers and lakes across the country have dried up since 2007.

The report focuses on water deficiency and desertification and their causes. Foreign and domestic mining played a key role in the drying of rivers because they dig near water sources, clearing land and forests as they explore gold and other minerals. Hence, soil erosion and pollution are other concerns.

Last week, the Mongolian parliament discussed a national water program aimed at protecting water sources and promoting efficient water use and management.

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