Final Report on Capacity Development Project for Air Pollution Control in Ulaanbaatar City Phase 2 in Mongolia

Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, has been a severe and persistent issue, primarily driven by coal combustion, vehicle emissions, and fugitive dust sources. To address this challenge, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the Air Pollution Reducing Department of the Capital City (APRD), implemented the Capacity Development Project for Air Pollution Control in Ulaanbaatar City (Phase 2) from December 2013 to June 2017. This project aimed to strengthen air pollution control measures by enhancing monitoring capabilities, improving emission inventories, implementing targeted control measures, and fostering public awareness. Key project outcomes included the rehabilitation and expansion of air quality monitoring systems, analysis of PM emission sources, enforcement of emission control measures for heat-only boilers (HOBs) and vehicles, and the development of regulatory frameworks to support air pollution mitigation. Public awareness initiatives and inter-agency coordination mechanisms were also reinforced to sustain long-term improvements. The project’s findings highlighted the effectiveness of emission reduction strategies such as improved fuel adoption, vehicle emission regulations, and enhanced monitoring protocols. Future recommendations emphasize the need for continued capacity development, sustained policy enforcement, and further technological advancements to achieve long-term air quality improvements in Ulaanbaatar.