Ecosystem Services' Assessment of the Desertification Areas of Mongolia

Generally, areas affected by natural desertification remain virtually untouched by economic activities. However, they can provide numerous ecosystem services (ES) with significant societal benefits. This is especially important for Mongolia, where desertification processes have intensified considerably over the years. This article presents the results of an integrated spatial environmental and economic assessment and mapping of ES for various types of natural resources. We conducted the assessments in the model areas of Mongolia (Bulgan, Orkhon, Darkhan-Uul, Dundgovi, and Umnugovi aimags). To value the eight types of ES, we used the following methods: market price-based evaluation, indirect valuation methods (sociological surveys), a travel cost method, InVEST software, and others. Official statistical data and field survey data were used in calculations. According to our results, the areas, affected by desertification are significant in terms of ES they could provide. We estimated the total economic value of the ES of the model areas of Mongolia at 1885 million USD in 2019. Further research will entail improved methodological approaches.