A grassland fire in the Numrug Nature Reserve in eastern Mongolia burned approximately 530,000 hectares, affecting 80% of the reserve. The cross-party Japan–Mongolia Friendship Parliamentary League heard the circumstances surrounding entry into the site and, while saying it was too early to determine responsibility, indicated a policy of urging support for the friendly country.
Reports have emerged of extensive damage from a grassland fire in the Numrug Nature Reserve in eastern Mongolia. Approximately 530,000 hectares were burned, affecting about 80% of the reserve. The site was entered with permission from local authorities, and efforts are under way to identify the factors that caused the fire to spread.
On the 28th, the cross-party Japan–Mongolia Friendship Parliamentary League held an officers' meeting in the Diet and heard that 7 employees of KDDI subsidiary MobiCom had travelled by vehicle within the reserve. KDDI explained that it had not confirmed any violations of laws or regulations by its employees.
Chairman Akihisa Nagashima (長島 昭久) said it was “too early to determine who was at fault” regarding the cause of the fire and where responsibility lay. Taking into account the local authorities' permission and the uncertainty surrounding the facts, he indicated that he would monitor future developments concerning Japanese companies.
Local media have also reported international reactions, including mobilisation by China, and the formation of international public opinion is expected to warrant attention going forward.
Calls for an early response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been raised, and the full extent of the damage and the appropriate form of support for friendly countries are expected to be key issues going forward.