GRID-Arendal: Annual Report 2012

conference proved a valuable opportunity to strength- en linkages and awareness within the framework of Russian/Mongolian regional cooperation. • Throughout 2012, GRID-Arendal, the lead agency on the project, has co-ordinated extensive partner consultations to create a long-term, sustainable pro- ject engagement in Mongolia. The project continued to elicit positive feedback from UNEP and other UN agencies, such as UNESCO. It is seen as a good example of how UNEP (through GRID-Arendal) and Indigenous Peoples can work successfully together on-the-ground. UNEP regularly requests updates and input from Nomadic Herders into its reporting on In- digenous Peoples’ activities, such as at the UNPFII and at the Inter-Agency Support Group for Indigenous Peoples (IASG). • The project has been endorsed by the Arctic Coun- cil’s Conservation of Flora and Fauna Working Group

proposal and will play a lead role in implementation. Approval of the project concept by the GEF represents a significant step forward for Nomadic Herders. • On the occasion of the Mongolian State Visit to Nor- way in October 2012, Project partners (including two community representatives) presented the Changing Taiga publication in the Mongolian language to His Excellency Mr. Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia. Following this, the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Gombojav Zandansha- tar, presided over consultations on development of the GEF project over the coming years. • In November 2012, an International Stakeholder Workshop for the GEF proposal was held in St. Petersburg, involving the participation of scientists, representatives from reindeer herding communities in Tsaganuur, Sakha-Yakutia, and Chukotka (Russian Federation), and regional government authorities. The

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