Mongolia and the US state of California have accelerated agreements creating sister state parks between the Ikh Nartiin Chuluu (Ikh Nart) Nature Reserve in Dalanjargal soum of Mongolia and California’s Anza Borrego Desert State Park. 

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sent a formal message to Mongolia in recognition of the sister park relationship. 

These parks were chosen because Ikh Nart Nature Reserve has many similarities to Anza Borrego Desert State Park in terms of biodiversity, environmental protection, species, natural and cultural resources, park management strategies and challenges, as well as strong links to education with local schools and the community. 

California officials were in Mongolia to tour the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve in 2008. The US group was hosted by Darlanjargalan soum Governor D.Bold. 

The group spent several days in the Ikh Nart Reserve studying, working with researchers, hiking, and meeting with managers, park rangers and research investigators. Additionally, the delegation brought donated equipment, including binoculars, spotting scopes, computers and other items to help the researchers and park rangers with their jobs.