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Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Mongolia: Insights from the Multi-stakeholder validation meeting
UNESCO, in partnership with Rio Tinto Mongolia, has embarked on a transformative project titled “Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Mongolia through UNESCO Cultural and Geo Heritage.” This project aims to leverage the country's rich cultural and geological heritage to promote sustainable tourism. On 13 March 2025, a multistakeholder validation meeting took place at the “Zovshiltsol” Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized by the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, and Rio Tinto Mongolia.
The event brought together over 60 representatives, including officials from key government ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth and their affiliated agencies. It also included local representatives from the Governor’s Office of Umnugovi province, officials from Manlai and Khanbogd soums, the members of the Mongolian National Geopark Committee, tourism association representatives, and donor organizations.
The meeting focused on several critical topics, including the discussion on the findings from two major studies on the identification of potential geopark sites with proposed travel routes and the cultural heritage inventory of Umnugovi province.
Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Boldsaikhan S, Secretary General of the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, and Mr. Zanabazar J, Deputy Governor of Umnugovi province. Mr. Boldsaikhan underscored the necessity for cooperation in designating geopark sites in respective areas in Umnugovi province. Meanwhile, Mr. Zanabazar highlightedlocal efforts toward sustainable tourism development in the region and expressed strong commitment of the local government to support the project implementation.
In a presentation by Mr. Munkhbileg N, Head of the Mineral Resources Division, National Geological Survey, findings from the science mapping study were presented, revealing significant insights into the region's geological and paleontological heritage elements. The research team conducted a thorough assessment of the heritage sites and identified key places as potential sites for an aspiring geopark. To effectively establish UNESCO Global Geopark in the country, the team also emphasized the need for legislative changes that would support and facilitate this initiative.
Mr. Enkhbat G, Director of the National Center for Cultural Heritage, presented findings from the study on the inventory of intangible cultural heritage in Umnugovi province to support sustainable tourism. The study proposed various tourism routes, while also exploring market opportunities for tourism products that highlight local specialties. The study team also proposed a detailed plan for further development until 2030.
The meeting featured contributions from Ms. Bolorchimeg B, Project and Partnership Management Associate at the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia (UB Antenna Office), and Mr. Mainbayar B, Head of the Paleozoology Department at the Institute of Paleontology, who shared insights from their participation in the Eighth International Training Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks held in Xiangxi, China, in October 2024. Their experiences provided valuable international perspectives on practical examples that can be applied in geopark development in Mongolia.
Mr. Tumendelger Kh, Head of the Tourism Association of Umnugovi province, emphasized the region’s significance as a critical habitat for rare bird species and wildlife, underscoring its potential for sustainable tourism. Local leaders, including Mr. Tseveenravdan M, Governor of Khanbogd soum, and Mr. Baasantsogt P, Governor of Manlai soum, shared their commitment to supporting the geopark initiative as the it is identified as one of the priorities of the local government action plan for 2025-2028.
During the discussion, participants voiced their enthusiasm for the proposed geopark sites and highlighted the necessity for comprehensive research on the biodiversity of these areas. Discussions also explored how local administrations can support the geopark’s establishment with a focus on infrastructure development. The participants expressed their potential contributions based on the detailed activity plan developed using the “Self-Evaluation Checklist for Aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks” and recommendations from the UNESCO Global Geoparks experts’ meeting held in 2018 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. There was a strong consensus on the urgency of establishing a de facto geopark and forming a dedicated management team. Concerns regarding transportation safety to Umnugovi province were also raised, along with calls for local engagement in the geopark initiative.
Overall, the meeting marked a significant step toward advancing sustainable tourism in Umnugovi province, facilitating collaboration and network among stakeholders. The dialogue established not only the foundational elements for the project but also a robust network of support among diverse participants committed to Mongolia's sustainable tourism vision.
