The Zavkhan Provincial Administration in Uliastai has registered 63 localities from 16 soums as a ‘specially protected areas’. The research and registration was conducted in coordination with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO).

A total of 1,242,966.44 hectares, or equivalent to 15 percent of the territory has received specially protected area status.

Zavkhan is located in the west of Mongolia, 1,104 km from Ulaanbaatar. Like much of the country, there is much stunning scenery – from giant sand dunes to 4031 meter Mt Otgontenger. The population of 65 thousand is primarily engaged in rearing livestock.