Mongolia Roundup: Rare fossils discovered, climbers go missing, cooperation
Rare fossils discovered in Mongolia
Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) returned a collection of dinosaur fossils to Mongolia at a ceremony at the Library of Congress. The fossils were recovered through investigations in Arizona, New York, and Wyoming. The collection includes rare Mongolian fossils such as a tyrannosaurus bataar skull and an alioramus skull. The repatriation demonstrates the strong partnership between Mongolia and the United States in preserving cultural heritage. HSI has also overseen repatriations of cultural property to other countries and institutions. According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, since 2007, HSI investigations have led to the repatriation of over 20,000 objects to more than 40 countries.
Mongolia moves to curb desertification
Inner Mongolia is employing a new approach to combat desertification by combining sand control with wind and solar power projects. The Manila Times reports that the region aims to treat nearly 800,000 hectares of desert using this method by 2030. It is also working on integrating sand control and green energy production, with the goal of treating 1 million hectares of desert this year and 6.46 million hectares by 2030. This innovative approach aims to achieve multiple benefits, including increasing greenery, energy, and income. Additionally, Inner Mongolia has created millions of hectares of forests and grassland since 2012 and has treated nearly 10 million hectares of desert.
Work on coal railway
Progress Rail has delivered the first four of 16 SD70ACe/LW locomotives for the Tavan Tolgoi coal railway in Mongolia. The diesel-electric locos have a 3 355 kW engine, maximum speed of 120 km/h, and are equipped with remote monitoring and diagnostic systems. The railway connects the coal deposits in the Gobi desert to an inland port near the Chinese border, the Railway Gazette reports.
Climbers go missing during expedition
Two climbers from Mongolia, Usukhjargal Tsedendamba and Purevsuren Lkhagvajav, have gone missing during an Everest expedition. They were last seen ascending to the peak from the fourth camp on May 13. A search operation is underway with the help of rescue management agencies. The expedition was arranged by Eight K Expeditions Pvt Ltd, according to The Annapurna Express.
Mongolia-Japan cooperation
Mongolia and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are planning to cooperate on food safety. The Chairman of the Mongolian Parliament Zandanshatar Gombojav met with a delegation from JICA to discuss sharing best practices and information on Japan's agricultural development. Akipress reports that Mongolia is eager to continue cooperation in the future and organise a discussion based on JICA's study.
