Mongolian Economy magazine spoke with A.Odontuya, project coordinator at Mongol Ecology Center, about environmental education, the Youth Sustainability Corps and other programs offered by Mongol Ecology Center.

-Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
-I’m Odontuya and I work as a project coordinator at Mongol Ecology Center. I studied for a master’s degree in Tourism Management in Budapest and I graduated last year. After arriving in Mongolia, I was looking for a volunteering opportunity and I found Mongol Ecology Center. Luckily, at that time, MEC was seeking a project coordinator and I qualified for that position.
In the past, I used to work for various organizations. I was working as a journalist at GoGo news agency, PR & Communications Associate for German-Mongolian Institute of Resource and Technology and a Translator for Redpath LLC at Oyu Tolgoi mine.

-How was Mongol Ecology Center founded?
-The Mongol Ecology Center was founded in 2009 to ensure a thriving future for Mongolia by transferring best practices to preserve Mongolia’s environment, natural resources and cultural heritage.
Our founder Ono Batkhuu who now works as a Head of MEC’s BOARD was committed to taking action after witnessing the impacts of climate change and irresponsible decision-making in our country’s environmental sector. Economic development is crucial but growth can be balanced with preserving our most valued natural and cultural heritage. One way is to enhance the management of our national system of parks and protected areas.

-Various non-governmental organizations are focused on nature and animal preservation, the environment and climate change in Mongolia. What is distinct about the Mongol Ecology Center?
-We at MEC like to explore diverse international best practices in preservation. We design our projects to reflect our findings, experience and needs of local communities.

As stated in our mission statement, we work to ensure a thriving future for Mongolia by empowering youth and promoting environmental leadership.

Therefore, we initiated the Junior Ranger program in 2013 and Youth Sustainability Corps in 2019 with support from the European Union.

-What are some examples of collective actions done by your organization to preserve the environment?
-Over the years, the MEC strived to strengthen the management of the protected areas, initiated various projects to advance skills of the park staff, promote environmental leadership among youth, rehabilitate and expand park facilities, provide equipment and motorcycles to the rangers, support tourism-related workforce development for local community members and build collaborative bridges between Mongolia, Europe, and America.

-Your organization has been running the Youth Sustainability Corps program since 2019. Could you briefly describe the program?
-The Youth Sustainability Corps’ primary objective is to empower young people by educating them about their civil rights and developing their skills to monitor, collaborate, and advocate for the use of best practices in effectively managing and utilizing Mongolia’s natural and cultural resources.
The program works with 9-12 grade students of 8 target schools. Our target schools are

• A school of Khatgal village, Hovsgol province
• A school of Khankh soum, Hovsgol province
• A school of Manhan soum, Khovd province
• A school of Munkkhairkhan soum, Khovd province
• A school of Dalanzadgad soum, Omnogobi province
• A school of Gurvantes soum, Omnogobi province
• 119th school of Nalaikh district, Ulanbaatar city
• 12th school of Ulanbaatar city.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of our programs are now being offered online. The advantage of online learning includes we can reach more students than our target students. On the other hand, the disadvantage is most students living in rural areas find it hard to access the internet.

-What are the main activities and benefits of the program?
-The YSC program has six components:

• Common Space Training Classroom – The Youth Sustainability Corps renovate and equip existing classrooms or common areas with the latest technology and children-friendly tools at local schools for long-term use as training centers. So far, we have revamped four classrooms and planning to renovate two classrooms in Hovd province in the next couple of months.
• “Leadership” Summer Training Camp is a week-long advanced training summer camp where 9-12th graders from remote and urban areas can meet each other to exchange experiences, learn from each other and form friendships. Students learn about the environment and sustainable development practices in the areas where they live by learning how to identify problems in the local and school environment and find solutions innovatively. Again, due to the Covid 19, we have postponed our summer camps activities. Meanwhile, we are working on different delivery methods to share the camp activities’ content with our students.
• YSC Academy – The primary purpose is to provide students with non-traditional knowledge and skills not covered in the school curricula. In the scope of this, we create video content and podcasts under the main five topics, including (i) environment and sustainable development, (ii) leadership, (iii) physical and mental health, (iv) business and finance, and (v) technology and innovation. We collaborate with yolo.mn for the project outreach.
• Community Projects – Our YSC students will work together to initiate and implement community projects in innovative ways to identify and contribute to the school and the local community’s ecological, economic, and social issues. We believe it is possible to reach Mongolia’s sustainability goals through the increased participation of young people.
• Practical experience in the field – By doing short-term internships in workplaces related to the protected area and tourism, students will be able to make an informed decision by understanding the specifics of different professions related to sustainability and the environment.
• International Exchange – This component of our project is designed for our hands-on and committed students. The participants will travel to Europe to learn and share experiences with the European counterparts.

-Do other organizations offer similar programs as Youth Sustainability Corps?
-Many Youth programs are being implemented in Mongolia and we are all doing our part to make a difference.

-Could you tell us about how European Union decided to finance the Youth Sustainability Corps program?
-We are very grateful to be supported by the European Union. The European Union announces a call for proposals to support civil society organizations and we are one of the fortunate organizations to be selected.

-So far, how many students participated in the program?
-Of course, we would like to involve as many students as we can. Currently, we are planning to reach one thousand five hundred students in our target areas.

-When can students apply to the next program?
-I want to encourage students to check out our website and follow us on social media to get more information on how to get involved.

-At the moment, Mongol Ecology Center provides education on nature preservation only to students (15-22 years olds)? Do you plan to expand your programs to adults, especially to parents?
-Currently, our program works with the teachers of our target schools. In a partnership with the Mongolian Educational Alliance, we virtually organized an in-service training for 90 teachers in March. Currently, MEA and MEC are planning the second virtual training for the teachers.

-Could you tell us more about the Rally for Rangers program?
-Our Rally for Rangers project was initiated to protect the world’s special places by empowering rangers around the world with new motorcycles and equipment. At the end of 2020, Rally for Rangers has delivered 120 new motorcycles to nine parks in three countries – Mongolia, Argentina, and Nepal. Adventurous philanthropists worldwide continue to flock our movement – Mongolia, Russia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, U.S.A., Canada, Singapore, Germany, Denmark, Lebanon, and more have represented their cultures in this effort. Thanks to our riders who raised the money for the motorcycle and drove it across the country, and personally delivered it to the rangers.
We hope to resume the Rally for Rangers in September to support the park rangers of Eastern Mongolia.

-What can participants learn from the program?
-Our riders say that the only thing more rewarding and exhilarating than riding over 1,500 kilometers of dirt, mud, and river bottom is handing over the keys to a motorcycle, so these rangers can better protect the incredible natural and cultural resources.

-How many protected areas are there in Mongolia?
-According to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Mongolia has 107 protected areas which account for 19.8% of the territory.

-Mongol Ecology Center aims to inspire Mongolian youth to love and protect nature. How do you inspire the youth? What are the most effective ways to do so?
-Our Junior Ranger program activities are for 4-8 grade students. The project activities are designed for students to study the natural, historical, and cultural heritage of the area, recognize its value and importance and learn conservation techniques to mature into future leaders. For example, we invite rangers to our camp and share their conservation techniques and methods with children.

-The Junior Ranger Program held among students of the Secondary school of Hatgal village and Hankh soum. Will the Junior Ranger Program become available in Ulaanbaatar?
-We would love to expand our Junior Ranger program nationwide; however, the pandemic has affected our fundraising efforts.

-Your organization introduces international best practices in protected area management. Which countries have the best practices in protected area management?
-Each country has its own unique and best practices in conservation. We try to learn from our park colleagues around the world, so it’s difficult for me to point to one specific country. We have worked with the protected areas in the US, Germany, Argentina, and Nepal through our various programs. We hope that we would be able to support the protected areas in Bhutan and Peru next year. The MEC has also played a vital role in facilitating the relationships between the US National Parks and Mongolian Protected Areas.

-On the 28th of March, Mongol Ecology Center organized the “Youth Involvement in Climate Change” webinar with Earth Hour Mongolia. What are the three most important lessons you’ve learned from the webinar?
-First, we need to raise public awareness of climate change. In that case, the media should join the forces and spread the news. Personally, people who are aware of climate change should share the story with every person they meet.

Second, we should combine our forces in solving the issue by sharing eco-friendly habits adaptable to everyone.

For example, we need to call for people to drive less, buy less, reuse more, reduce more etc. Third, we need to be consistent.

-How can we, as individuals, help to mitigate climate change?
-We need to reduce our carbon footprints. We can slow climate change by walking or riding bikes, avoiding fast fashion, switching lights, recycling, planting trees and plants, etc.

-How can we engage youth in combating climate change?
-We need to provide environmental education to everyone from early childhood. It will help children to explore environmental issues, engage in problem-solving, and take action to combat. Unfortunately, integrated environmental education is not included in the school’s curriculum.

-What is the day in the life of the Project Coordinator of the Mongol Ecology Center?
-I start my day by making coffee and have a quick brainstorm with my team. Then I check my emails. Every Monday, we update the weekly to-do list and I complete my task according to the list.

-How would you describe your experience at Mongol Ecology Center in three words?
-So far, it’s inspiring, challenging, and exciting.

-What do you do to protect the environment or fight against climate change on a personal level?
-I try to buy less. I like to think that If I don’t possess that thing, that means I don’t need that. Also, for me, the most significant contribution against climate change is working for the MEC.

-What makes you tick?
-For me, nature is the only thing that human beings must unite to love and protect, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, or religion. I liked the Youth Sustainability Corps and Junior Ranger Program’s goal, realizing that we need to nurture a sense of love and responsibility for nature from an early age. Also, Mongolia’s state-protected areas are poorly managed. Noticing this, I felt thankful for MEC for bringing their expertise and knowledge by improving the management of the protected areas, implementing international best practices, conducting training, and research, raising funds, and implementing projects and programs. I hope that in the future, all the work done by MEC will expand globally and bring together more international sponsors and volunteers. I want to protect all living things and all resources existing today in the world, making it better if possible.

The 2021 Rally for Rangers Mongolia ride took place September 11 – 19, 2021, starting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Imagine this. You’re in the farthest corners of Mongolia. You got there by way of a brand new Yamaha AG200 motorcycle. You’ve just ridden for nine days across some of the most challenging terrain in the world, and you’re greeted by a battalion of National Park rangers on horseback. You hand over the keys to your bike, and your journey is done – you’ve just delivered a brand new, more efficient way for that ranger to protect the lands you’ve just come to appreciate. That’s what a Rally for Rangers expedition is all about.

One of the coolest tourism-for-good initiatives for anyone interested in combining the two things they love most – motorcycles and the outdoors, obviously – Rally for Rangers has been delivering motorcycles to park rangers across Mongolia (and beyond) since 2014.

The 2021 Rally for Rangers Mongolia ride took place September 11 – 19, 2021, starting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Imagine this. You’re in the farthest corners of Mongolia. You got there by way of a brand new Yamaha AG200 motorcycle. You’ve just ridden for nine days across some of the most challenging terrain in the world, and you’re greeted by a battalion of National Park rangers on horseback. You hand over the keys to your bike, and your journey is done – you’ve just delivered a brand new, more efficient way for that ranger to protect the lands you’ve just come to appreciate. That’s what a Rally for Rangers expedition is all about.

One of the coolest tourism-for-good initiatives for anyone interested in combining the two things they love most – motorcycles and the outdoors, obviously – Rally for Rangers has been delivering motorcycles to park rangers across Mongolia (and beyond) since 2014.

Rider Bryon Majusiak, a four-time Rally for Rangers rider, handing over the keys to his motorcycle to a park ranger during the presentation ceremony.
Lead by Wesley Thornberry, a photographer, adventurer, and founder of Trend Digital, an imaging and post-production services company based in Ulaanbaatar, alongside rally co-founder Tom Medema, a 30-year ranger with the U.S. National Park Service, the Rally for Rangers Foundation has delivered 150 new motorcycles to rangers in 13 parks in four countries around the world since it’s inception.

This 9-day, 1,500-kilometer journey across some of the most remote, untouched, and inaccessible parts of Mongolia ends as riders then hand over the keys to their “new” motorbike – a bike that had zero kilometers clocked on it when they started on this journey from Ulaanbaatar.

The bikes, Yamaha AG200 motorbikes, are simple, no-nonsense bikes popular with farmers and cattle herders in Australia. With details such as chain guards and drum brakes, these rugged, ready-for-anything motorcycles are precisely the type of machinery that suits Mongolia’s rough terrain and remote, no-repair-shop-in-sight, expeditions.

Rider Sarah Taylor customizing her Yamaha AG200 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

“The only thing more rewarding and exhilarating than riding over 1,500 kilometers of dirt, mud, and river bottom is handing over the keys to an (almost) new motorcycle, so these rangers can better protect the incredible natural and cultural resources,” says the Rally for Rangers website.

“Having the motorcycles changes how we do our job. Before, we would spend three days going somewhere on horse, but now we spend a half-day going on the motorcycle,” says Batdorj Davaa, a National Park Ranger in Mongolia.

This year, National Park rangers from three different parks received motorcycles.

So, this mission to deliver these motorcycles is important. And it’s working.

“You hear the stories of the decline in poaching. And the decline in illegal mining over the last six or seven years. That’s real tangible results from these guys and gals being able to get out on these bikes and do a lot more. It doesn’t get any better, and that’s so rewarding for everyone involved,” says Medema.

In Mongolia, Rally for Rangers partners with the Mongol Ecology Center, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) working hard to protect and develop National Parks around the country. From facilitating the Rally for Ranger’s expeditions to creating “Sister Park” relationships with national parks abroad, the Mongol Ecology Center isn’t just focused on what they can do now – they’re worried about what they can do now to support these parks 25 years from now.

“With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990, 30% of Mongolia’s GDP vanished overnight. Economically devastated, Mongolia opened over half of its pristine landscape to foreign business to develop through the extraction of the huge deposits of valuable mineral resources and to the ever-increasing demand for animal products.

Due to this unsustainable development and irresponsible decision-making, Mongolia is now facing environmental challenges that threaten its natural resources and millennia-old nomadic lifestyle. These changes are all the more distressing to many Mongolians because respect for the environment is an important cultural part of Mongolian history dating back to Chinggis Khaan (Genghis Khaan). But how can economic growth be balanced with the preservation of Mongolia’s most valued natural and cultural heritage that ensures a sustainable future?” reads the Mongol Ecology Center website.

Sign me up. (But also, how does it work?)
Well, I’m glad you asked. Because it’s super straightforward. The cost to join this adventure is $10,750.

That goes towards buying and importing your brand new Yamaha into Mongolia, all your accommodations, meals, and transportation once you land, as well as support vans, a mechanic, translators, cultural ceremonies, a welcome orientation, farewell dinner, and everything you’ll need to sleep at night during this adventure, including Mongolia-ready tents and sleeping bags.

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ At the initiative of Mongol Ecology Center (MEC) that aims to raise children’s environmental awareness, student development halls have been opened at Laboratory School No. 12 of Songinokhairkhan district and Laboratory School No 119 of Nailaikh district with funding from the European Union.

About the project which is part of the Youth Sustainability Corps program, MEC General Manager G.Chimgee said the hall is designed to provide environmental education to upper grade students and that it will be a comfortable space for students to  learn, develop themselves, and spend their after-school hours productively.

The halls will remain open during school breaks including summer break and provide education on ecology and environmental protection as part of after-school programs. Such student halls have also been established at two schools in Dalanzadgad and Tes soums of Umnugobi aimag and MEC plans to open two more in 2021 in Mankhan and Munkh-Khairkhan soums of Khovd aimag.

Principal of School No.5 of Dalanzadgad soum G.Shurtsetseg said, “Our students are delighted with the opening of the new hall. I  am as their teacher also grateful for supporting our students in learning to be environmentally conscious” She also thanked MEC on behalf of the students for giving them an opportunity to take English lesson and share experiences with their peers in Europe and the United States in environmental protection.

The student development hall project also helps the children develop leadership skills and learn to express themselves by teaching them how to plan local development projects for their aimags and soums and awarding the best ones.

MEC Executive Director Yo.Badral underlined that the hall not only offers foreign language program, but also helps the students make the right career choice.

Ulaanbaatar / MONTSAME /. The Mongol Ecology Center is one of the NGOs that provides environmental and ecological education to secondary school students. In addition, the center is implementing a Rally for Rangers project to provide technical assistance and support to not only Mongolian rangers, but they also give motorcycles away to rangers in Argentina, Nepal and Bhutan. MONTSAME News Agency interviewed the Executive Director of the Mongol Ecology Center Yo.Badral.

-How does your project help rangers? Where and how did you come up with the idea to start it?
-It all started in 2014 with us giving away 15 motorcycles to rangers of Khuvsgul National Park. Last year, we have also given 15 motorcycles away to rangers of Khar Us Lake and Munkhhairkhan National Park of Khovd aimag. The project will continue its activities in eastern aimags including Dariganga and Numrug National Parks this year. Some of the planned works have been delayed due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

As for the international operations, an Argentinian National Park got in touch with us 2 years ago and put forth a request for us to supply motorcycles to them within the framework of the project. It seemed difficult as we were just a small NGO. Then in 2018, we were able to deliver 15 bikes to Argentina. As the outcome, our international operations have been expanded. In particular, we gave 15 motorcycles away to Nepal last year. This year, we are working to raise money to buy motorcycles for rangers of Bhutan.

-How do you raise money for your activities?
-First of all, we connect the rangers of the specific national parks with the donators or fundraisers. If a person is going to donate a motorcycle, for example, to Mongolia, he or she will learn about Mongolia in the first hand. Then, the national park and its rangers will be advertised for more than a year. When a donator comes to Mongolia, we buy a motorcycle in advance and prepare it. Then, the donator rides the motorcycle for 9-10 days over the steppes and mountains of Mongolia then hand it over to the rangers himself or herself. It creates a good relationship between people. We are still in contact with the donators who even made his contribution back in 2014.

-As for the story behind coming up with this idea?
-Our organization was established with an aim to strengthen the activities and human resources of the country’s national parks. Mongol Ecology Center was founded by B.Unudelgerekh. When we first got into operation, there was no such project as Rally for Rangers. While conducting on site research and talking to rangers, we often heard the line “When we go for a call, the motorcycle breaks down sometimes which makes it difficult for us to carry out the duty.” One ranger is responsible of protecting an average of 70-80 thousand hectares in the Khangai region and 100-120 thousand hectares in the Gobi region. As it sounded like, it is impossible for just one person to protect this big area of land. In addition, there were no vehicles provided by the country and rangers used to ride their own vehicles at that time. Inspired by this, we made a decision to help people protecting the nature, even if we were a small NGO. We initially decided to raise money for at least one motorcycle, but all the rangers working at Lake Khuvsgul needed 15. Chinese motorcycles can be cheaper. But it must be durable. Then we chose the “YAMAHA-AG200” motorcycle because we thought they needed to have more powerful equipment and bikes than those poaching, littering and doing other illegal things.

At first, we had no idea on how to raise money for motorcycles. I met people in motorcycle clubs in the United States, thinking it would be understandable for people who are interested in motorcycles. I uploaded a video of us dancing a dance like cheerleader’s. That is when people including my friends started donating USD 5-10. It required USD 70-80 thousand to buy 15 bikes, and we tried out various ways to reach the goal. Now, beyond its original goals and activities, it has become a campaign to help rangers in many parts of the world.

-How did you help the Nepalese rangers and supply motorcycles?
-The International Ranger Federation held its congress in Nepal last year. During that time, the federation contacted us. More than 600 delegates from about 70 countries, including Mongolian rangers, participated in the congress. It felt so proud to hand over the motorcycles in front of hundreds of participants. It could be explained us this is how people got to know more about our project.

-How much do Mongolians participate in the Rally for Rangers project?
-Not so often. At first, people didn’t truly understand what we were trying to do. But now, we are moving forward with the help of Protek and Petrovis companies and everyone in the NGO. Moreover, two Mongolian youth have joined the board of members. From the very beginning, Protek has supported our project by donating motorcycles and providing maintenance for free. As for Petrovis, they provide the fuel. In general, I think that if we unite under one idea, there is nothing we can’t do.

-Do you have a goal to combine tourism with nature conservation?
-I used to work in tourism. I had the opportunity to get into this good cause based on my travel business. People travel to see the beautiful places of nature. All those places are protected areas. The reality is that we are working to put tourism in the right shape and in the right direction. We work closely with the tourism industry to see if people are “just saying” that they love the country or are they really mean it. There are no foreign tourists this year due to the global pandemic, so just the domestic travelers are traveling. In connection with this, various of campaigns focusing on nature conservation.

First of all, everyone should at least learn to travel without littering. Advice and knowledge in this area are being provided to the children from an early age. Children’s programs are gaining momentum to change the mindset of Mongolians. On the one hand, we are working with children to influence adults. On the other hand, we are influencing the children to not litter from an early age. We are conducting ecological education in this area with the financing of the European Union.

-What is lacking in terms of environmental protection in our country?
-70 percent of the people working in American protected areas are information workers. These people work to inform people in advance, not after they have done something wrong to the environment. There is less ecological conflict because the workers provide clear information on what is allowed and what is not allowed. Therefore, it is essential to have a lot of information workers in Mongolia who can correctly interpret environmental protection.

S.Tuul

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. The number of travelers that are led to Mongolia due to its exquisite untouched nature continues to increase with the passing time. While this brings significant economic benefits, it also becomes one of the main reasons for the nature and environment to deteriorate. Countries of the world have become aware of this particular issue, and are taking special protective measures for the locations that attract the most number of tourists and travelers in order to limit deterioration, preserve ecological balance, and pass on the great unrepeatable natural, historic, cultural, and scientific heritage to next generations.

As of today, there are 101 locations in Mongolia spanning 30,274.14 thousand hectares of area that are specially protected, taking 19.36 percent of the country’s total area. The locations are divided into four main categories, with 45.5 percent taking strictly protected areas, 42 percent taking national conservation parks, 12.2 percent taking nature reserves, and 0.3 percent taking monuments.

Mongolia is required to have at least 30 percent of the country’s entire territory under special protection for regions, ecosystems, and rare and very rare plants and species. This is reflected in policy documents such as ‘National Program on Protected Areas’ and ‘National Strategic Action Plan for the Protection of Biodiversity’. However today, we only have two thirds of the total territory that should be protected alongside insufficient protection management that can be seen from some indicators.

This issue has been focused by the Mongol Ecology Center for 10 years. The center works on introducing the top international practices to management of special protected areas, building the capacity of rangers, and informing the new generations about the environment and sustainable development. During this period of time, various works have been conducted with a total investment of MNT 1 billion on protecting the environment in partnership with foreign and domestic institutions.

Their first immediate focus was Khuvsgul Lake, which receives about 10 thousand tourists and travellers each day following the Naadam Festival in summer. The Khuvsgul Lake National Conservation Park was chosen to be transformed into a model conservation park as it attracts the most foreign and domestic tourists for its beautiful nature and scenery. Despite there being many projects and programs that we hear on the news, there are very few that are properly implemented. For instance, over 20 rangers work near Khuvsgul Lake, with each of them in charge of over 70 thousand hectares of land. As they go through the large area by horse, their work of protecting nature takes a lot of time alongside being not very effective.

A campaign under the name ‘Blue Waves’ was organized by Mongol Ecology Center to equip 15 rangers of Khuvsgul Lake National Conservation Park and 20 rangers of Ulaan Taiga Special Protected Area with motorcycles in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

With those interested in motorsport from over 10 countries, the campaign was organized in a fun and interesting way, involving them having to travel over 1,000 km from Ulaanbaatar city to Khuvsgul to present their motorcycles to rangers.
Of the staff working at special protected areas around the world, 70 percent consist of staff members in charge of handling information. However in Mongolia, staff members usually handle the role of providing information about the special protected area to the public on the side of their main job positions. As signs, markings and information generally tends to lack, it is also common for citizens to not even realize that they are entering a special protected area.

For this reason, a total of 12 signs and markers for entry points, roads, and the information center that was manufactured as according to the corresponding standard at the sign manufacturing factory of the Yosemite National Park of the United States in 2015. Nearby locations of Khuvsgul Lake that travelers could visit during their trip, information about local wild animals, and detailed introduction of roads as well as trail maps were also made available for the public.

As a result, exchange of top practices between special protected areas of Mongolia and the U.S. kicked off with partnership agreements signed between the Strictly Protected Areas of Ulaan Taiga and Khoridol Saridag, the National Conservation Parks of Khuvsgul Lake and Tengis-Shishged, and the Yosemite National Park in 2015, and official Sister Parks Arrangement between Otgontenger Strictly Protected Area and the Denali National Park of the U.S. in 2017. With this, the staff members and rangers of the two countries’ specially protected areas became able to share good practices and exchange information. The corresponding government organizations also should work to strengthen and further expand the relations, noted the center officials.

The staff team of the center has noticed that promoting the view of caring for the environment to adults through children and youth to be more effective than other methods.

Thus, over 110 children of Khatgal and Khankh soums were involved in a summer course to prepare junior rangers in the framework of transforming Khuvsgul Lake into a model conservation park. Following the course, many positive initiatives were put forth by the children. “Some children received the ecological issue so deeply to their heart that they stopped the businesses their parents were running,” highlighted the center instructors.
A part of the various work being implemented by the Mongol Ecology Center towards children has been selected by the European Union to receive financing of EUR 557 thousand. The project receiving the funds is the Youth Sustainability Corps project, which aims to build youth capacity for proper management and use of natural resources and cultural heritage, to increase their participation and involvement, and to help them develop into responsible citizens.

The project aims to develop, motivate, and build the capacity of high school students of schools in the capital city as well as rural areas of Mongolia in 2019-2021. More specifically, providing the implementation of 18 mini-projects initiated by students, involving about 600 students in the activities at ‘Manlailal (Leadership)’ summer camp, supporting over 100 students in choosing their profession that involves protecting the environment and tourism, and have them be involved in internships, and opening student development halls at 6 schools–various works are planned to be organized in the project framework. Afterwards, the top 6 students from schools in the capital city and rural areas will be selected to be involved in an international student exchange program to learn about global practices being implemented to reach the Sustainable Development Goals.

L.Nandintsetseg

Тун удахгүй …

2014 онд АНУ-ын их сургуулиуд болон Монгол улсын их сургуулийн эрдэмтэд хамтарч “Том, алслагдсан, уулархаг нутгийн нуурууд дахь бичил хуванцрын бохирдол” судалгааг хийжээ. Уг судалгаанд Монгол Улсын цэнгэг усны нөөцийн 70%, дэлхийн цэнгэг усны нөөцийн 1%-ийг агуулдаг “Хөвсгөл нуур” багтсан байна. Судалгаагаар бичил пластик болон Хөвсгөл нуурын эргийн дагуух хог хаягдлын тоон үзүүлэлтийг гаргажээ. Энэ судалгааны үр дүнд гарсан чухал баримтуудыг түүвэрлэн хүргэе.

ХӨВСГӨЛ НУУРЫН МИКРОПЛАСТИК НЯГТШИЛ ХАМГИЙН ӨНДӨР

Хөвсгөл нуурын судалгаа хийгдсэн хэсгийн микропластикийн нягтшил км2 тутамд 997-44,435 хооронд хэлбэлзэж байсан ба энэ нь дунджаар нэг км2-д 20,264 ширхэг микропластик байна гэсэн үг юм. Судалгаанд хамрагдсан бусад нууруудтай харьцуулбал хамаагүй их тоо юм. Хуванцрын хэлтэрхий, гялгар уутны сэмэрхий, мяндсан утас зэрэг гэр ахуйн хүрээнд өргөн хэрэглэгддэг микропластикууд хамгийн ихээр олдсон байна.

“5мм-ээс жижиг хэмжээтэй пластикийг микропластик гэдэг. Микропластик нь хоёр төрөлтэй. Нэг нь “primary” буюу “анхдагч” микропластик. Нөгөөх нь “secondary” буюу “хоёрдогч”. Энэ нь энгийн хэмжээтэй пластикаас эмтэрч бутарсаар 5мм-ээс жижиг хэмжээтэй болсон тохиолдлыг хэлнэ. Энэ төрлийн пластик хамгийн аюултай ба бараг хэзээ ч үгүй болохгүй, жижгэрсээр шувуу, загасны “хоол” болж, бид бүгдийн ундаалах усанд орж экосистемд ихээхэн хохирол учруулдаг.”

Figure 1 Хөвсгөл нуураас олдсон микропластик хог хаягдлууд

Микропластик нягтрал нь нуурын хамгийн их хүн амтай, хэсэг болох баруун өмнөд эргээс холдох тусам буурч байсан хэдий ч салхиар дамжин тархсаар байдаг аж. Хог хаягдлын менежмент муутай, цөөн хүн амтай газар цэвэр усны системийг өргөн хэрэглээний хуванцраар бохирдуулж болдгийн тод жишээ юм.

Микропластикийн нягтрал нь давлагааны хүч, хуурай газраас хэр зайтай эсэх, өргөрөг, уртрагаас хамаардаг аж. Жишээ нь микропластик нягтрал нь давлагааны хүч ихтэй хэсэг болон уртрагийн дагуу нэмэгддэг бол өргөрөг ба эргээс хол зайтай хэсгүүдэд буурдаг байна. Ерөнхийдөө Хөсвгөл нуурын микропластик нягтрал зүүн эрэг дагуу баруунаасаа их байсан бөгөөд урдаас хойд градиентын дагуу буурчээ.

Хатгал тосгон, Ханх сумын оршин суугчдын тоо ойролцоо боловч Хатгал тосгонд жуулчид хамгийн ихээр ирдэг нь нуурын бохирдлын хамгийн том эх үүсвэр болж байна. Мөн энэ судалгаанд Хөвсгөл нуурын микропластик нягтрал өндөр байгаа нь хүний оршин суусан хугацаа болон нуурын гадаргын хэмжээ багатай нь холбогдож болно гэсэн санааг дэвшүүлжээ.

НУУРЫН ЭРЭГ ДАГУУХ МАКРОПЛАСТИК ХОГ ХАЯГДАЛ

Нуурын эрэг дагуух хог хаягдлаас нийт 409 ширхэг буюу 10.3 кг хог хаягдлыг цуглуулж, судалжээ. Үүгээр Хөвсгөл нуурын эргийн макропластик буюу 5 мм-ээс том хэмжээтэй хог хаягдлыг илрүүлэхийг зорьжээ. “Хуванцар”, “загасчлалын хэрэгсэл”, “хөөсөнцөр”-ийн хог хаягдал хамгийн элбэг байсан бөгөөд эргийн дагуух хог хаягдлын 77%-ийг эзэлж байв. Жингийн хувьд хуванцар сав (37%), загас агнуурын хэрэгсэл (25%), гялгар уут (16%), хуванцрын хэлтэрхийнүүд (18%) давамгайлжээ. Эдгээр нь мөн л бүгд гэр ахуйн хуванцар хаягдлууд аж.

Цаашид үүсэх болон одоо байгаа макропластикууд нууранд орж ирснээр Хөвсгөл нуурын бохирдол улам нэмэгдэнэ. Хуванцрын бохирдол нь Хөвсгөл нуурын ан амьтад нөлөөлөх бөгөөд усны шувууд, загас зэрэг амьтад макропластик залгиснаас болж эсвэл орооцолдож үхэх аюултай.

“Харин хүний биед хуванцар их хэмжээгээр ороход исэлдэл ихсэж, биед үүсэх стресс нэмэгдэж мөн үрэвсэх шинж тэмдгүүд илрэх боломжтой гэж нэгэн судалгаагаар гарсан байна.”

БИДЭНД ШИЙДЭЛ БАЙНА УУ

Товчхондоо хог хаягдлын менежментгүй байгаа учир Хөвсгөл нуурын бичил хуванцрын бохирдол өндөр байна. Монгол Улс хог хаягдлын менежментийг зохицуулах, хог хаягдлын үйлдвэрлэлийг бууруулах чиглэлээр хууль, тогтоомж гаргадаг хэдий ч хэрэгжилтийг хангах дэд бүтэц бараг байдаггүй. УИХ-аас 2009 онд 0.025 мм-ээс нимгэн гялгар уут импортлох, ашиглахыг хуулиар хориглосон боловч энэ хууль тогтоомж бодитоор хэрэгждэггүй.

Монгол шиг хөгжиж буй орнуудад хог хаягдлын менежментийн дэд бүтцийг хөгжүүлэх нь бэрхшээлтэй боловч энэ нь зөвхөн хүн ба экосистемийн эрүүл мэндэд нөлөөтэй төдийгүй аялал жуулчлалын эдийн засагт чухал ач холбогдолтой юм. Учир нь Хөвсгөл бол гадна, дотнын жуулчдын хамгийн ихээр очдог газар. Жуулчдын сэтгэл ханамжийн судалгаанаас харахад хог хаягдал, ариун цэврийн тал дээр хамгийн муу үнэлгээтэй байдаг.

Иймд засгийн газар аялал жуулчлалын орлогыг нэмэгдүүлэх зорилтдоо хүрэхийн тулд хог хаягдлын зохистой менежментийг нэвтрүүлбэл экологи, эдийн засгийн чухал асуудлаа шийдэж болно.

Эх сурвалж:

• sherrimason.com
• pearlpuba.medium.com