ULAN BATOR, March 22 (Xinhua) -- On the World Water Day falling on Wednesday, Mongolia emphasized the importance of fresh water, urging the public to conserve water as much as possible.
According to Mongolian Minister of Environment and Tourism Bat-Ulzii Bat-Erdene, the country will soon impose a ban on washing vehicles with clean water.
On average, cars are washed with 2,000,000 liters of clean water per day in Mongolia, the minister said.
A national conference on water called "Blue Gold" initiated by Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh is underway from Monday to Friday, discussing water resources of the country and pressing issues in the water sector.
As of 2022, about 77 percent of the country's total territory has been somehow affected by desertification and land degradation, and more than 360 rivers, streams, lakes and springs in the country have dried up, according to the ministry. ■
