Cartographic Analysis of the Framework of Territorial Nature Protection in Ulaanbaatar

Abstract

The problems of landscaping and preservation of the most valuable natural sites of the capital and the largest city of Mongolia are considered. As part of the cartographic analysis, the green framework of the urban agglomeration of Ulaanbaatar is identified, consisting of specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) and urban forests (existing and newly landscaped), as well as other sites valuable for conservation. When mapping the elements that make up the green framework of a megalopolis with almost 2 million people, insufficient landscaping of the central residential part of the city was revealed, and the very high values of the area of green areas are generally ensured by the inclusion of natural forests and protected areas in the city boundaries. They remain confined to the outskirts of the settlement. The main problems for the green system of Ulaanbaatar remain logging, fires, the significant expansion of urban development, the yurt ring and the use of territories by so-called dachas (summer homes), and recreational impact. In addition, the negative impact of climate change and lack of irrigation water on green areas is noted, as is the significant presence of air pollutants in the city’s atmosphere (urban transport, coal heating for homes, and coal-based electricity). The main goal of improving the green framework is recognized as the need to expand landscaping in the populated part of the city and link individual green islands into a single urban system.