SWITCH-Asia

The Challenge

Mongolia’s national strategy has set the objective to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 22.7% by 2030. The Agri-Food and Beverage Sector has significant environmental impact, therefore, adopting resource-efficient practices from farm to fork is key to success in Mongolia’s quest to transition to a low carbon circular economy and accelerate poverty reduction. The project aims to mainstream eco-labelling and green certification and link with existing digital payment products, which will increase the interest of agri-food and beverage MSMEs and retailers to adopt circular economy practices and eco- labelling. MSMEs will be provided with the know-how and tools to introduce sustainable circular economy practices and have access to green financing opportunities, this will enhance their environmental performance and allow them to effectively contribute to faster transition to resource-efficient economy and poverty alleviation.

The Objectives

The project supports agri-food and beverage MSMEs and retailers in adopting circular economy practices through a market-based eco- labelling system, capacity building, behaviour change and access to green finance. The specific objectives include: 

• Contribute to the country’s progressive transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient circular economy; 
• Accelerate poverty reduction in Mongolia, through supporting Mongolian Agri-food and beverage MSMEs and retailers;
• Adopting circular economy practices through market-based eco- labelling system, tailored technical assistance, behaviour change and access to green finance. 

The Way Forward

• Eco-labelling and green certification are mainstreamed and linked with existing digital payment products; 
• Agri-food and beverage MSMEs and retailers have adopted circular economy practices and eco- labelling;
• MSMEs are provided with the know-how and tools to introduce sustainable circular economy practices and have access to green financing opportunities, which will enhance their environmental performance and allow them to effectively contribute to faster transition to resource-efficient economy and poverty alleviation.

Relation to European Green Deal, Circular Economy and Climate Change

The project employed EU Ecolabel voluntary scheme as guidance for developing SOPs for the Mongolian eco-labelling system thus creating synergies between the initiatives. Mongolia is one of the first countries in the world to adopt a Green Taxonomy. The action also complements SWITCH-Asia SCP Facility efforts.