UNESCO Gathers Diverse Voices to Shape Sustainable Tourism in South Gobi, Mongolia
The participants of the Multi-Stakeholder Consultation
© UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – Under the auspices of the "Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Mongolia through Cultural and Geo Heritage" project, a multi-stakeholder consultation convened on 12-13 September 2024, in Khanbogd soum, South Gobi, Mongolia. This initiative, launched by the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia in partnership with Rio Tinto Mongolia LLC and the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, aimed to harness UNESCO's cultural and geo-heritage initiatives to foster sustainable tourism. Key themes of the consultation included community involvement, sustainable tourism management in unique environments, and the viability of eco-tourism as a sustainable livelihood for local communities.
The consultation commenced with distinguished opening remarks from esteemed individuals including Ms. Uyanga B, Member of Parliament of Mongolia; Mr. Sanchigdorj Kh, Chair of the Mongolian National Committee for UNESCO Geoparks Programme and Director of the Department of Geological Policy at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources; Mr. Nekhiit Kh, Governor of Khanbogd soum; Mr. Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia; and Mr. Davaasuren B, Head of Partnerships at Rio Tinto Mongolia LLC. Their remarks set a unifying tone for the consultation, reflecting a shared vision for integrating cultural preservation, geological conservation, and sustainable community development within Mongolia's burgeoning tourism sector.
From left to right: Ms. Uyanga B, Member of Parliament of Mongolia, Mr. Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, Mr. Nekhiit Kh, Governor of Khanbogd soum, Mr. Sanchigdorj Kh, Chair of the Mongolian National Committee for UNESCO Geoparks Programme and Director of the Department of Geological Policy at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and Mr Munkhbileg N, Head of the Department of Mineral Resources Research, Planning and Economics of the National Geological Survey
© UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia
Informative presentations by Dr. Duong Bich Hanh and Dr. Ai Suguira, Programme Specialists at the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, provided an overview of the project and underscored the significance of UNESCO Global Geoparks in celebrating earth heritage and supporting local communities. The consultation further benefited from contributions by international experts. Prof. Chaozhi Zhang, UNESCO Chair for Sustainable Tourism at UNESCO-designated sites, emphasized the need to "start small" when introducing tourism initiatives and the importance of authenticity in tourism experiences, stating, "Tourists seek genuine, unfiltered experiences, not commercialized imitations," and urged stakeholders to preserve the region's unique assets from over-commercialization.
Prof. Chin Ee Ong from the Macau University of Tourism echoed this sentiment, highlighting the appeal of local lifestyles to tourists. "The exotic experience tourists desire is often the natural way of life of the locals," he explained, presenting an opportunity for South Gobi communities to showcase their traditional lifestyles as a core attraction without altering their essence to fit global tourism trends. Despite an unprecedented storm delaying his arrival, Prof. Mahito Watanabe from the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network joined the consultation during the field trip on 14 September 2024, sharing insights from Japan, Thailand, and China on how local communities can manage tourism operations within UNESCO Global Geoparks. "Community engagement is key, and in some cases, the locals are managing tourism themselves, even setting up travel agencies," he shared. Prof. Watanabe also noted the potential for sustainable mining to coexist with conservation efforts in UNESCO Global Geoparks when conducted responsibly.
From left to right: Dr. Duong Bich Hanh, Programme Specialist, UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, Prof. Chin Ee Ong, Macau University of Tourism, Prof. Chaozhi Zhang, Fudan University, and Prof. Qunli Han, former UNESCO Director of Ecological and Earth Sciences
© UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia
Prof. Qunli Han, former UNESCO Director of Ecological and Earth Sciences, offered a historical perspective on the UNESCO Global Geoparks programme, emphasizing its mission to benefit local communities through the promotion of geological heritage, conservation, education, and sustainable development. "This is a programme for the people, to empower communities to take ownership of their natural resources" Prof. Han said, drawing a direct connection between global heritage and local livelihoods.
Local stakeholders also contributed invaluable insights. Ms. Otgonjargal Kh, Deputy Governor of Khanbogd soum, presented the development master plan for the soum, while Dr. Enkhbat G, Director of the National Centre for Cultural Heritage, analyzed the cultural and natural heritage inventory in South Gobi and opportunities for sustainable tourism promotion. Mr. Tumendelger Kh, Head of the Tourism Association “Gaikhamshigt Gobi” of South Gobi province, discussed the current state of tourism in Khanbogd and Manlai soums, and Mr. Erbahit B, Research Director of the Ulaanbaatar Tourism Association, highlighted the private sector's role in sustainable tourism, based on his research within the development master plan of Khanbogd soum.
Prof. Chaozhi Zhang facilitating a group discussion during the consultation
© UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia
Mr. Munkhbileg N, Head of the Department of Mineral Resources Research, Planning and Economics of the National Geological Survey, shared findings from a mapping study identifying key geological and cultural sites in South Gobi province. Mr. Buyantogtokh D, Executive Director of Mukhnogoon Galba NGO, also shared his experiences working in the sector in Khanbogd soum. These insights sparked a series of lively discussions, with local stakeholders emphasizing the importance of involving herders in tourism development and the need to educate Mongolians on responsible tourism practices. Encouraging responsible tourism within the country was seen as a critical step to ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of the environment.
Participants sharing insights from group discussions
© UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia
The consultation concluded with heartfelt speeches, including by Mr. Munkhbileg N, who, representing the Mongolian government, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the project. Mr. Buyan-Ulzii T, Chairman of the Citizens’ Representative Khural of Khanbogd soum, admitted that although he had once thought tourism was a luxury, he now sees the potential for the region’s way of life to attract tourists and drive sustainable livelihoods. Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, thanked the participants and stressed the need for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder effort to establish Mongolia's first UNESCO Global Geopark. Mr. Davaasuren B from Rio Tinto Mongolia pledged their commitment to sustainable development in South Gobi, with Mr. Nekhiit Kh, Governor of Khanbogd soum endorsing the project as a crucial step forward.
In summary, the consultation charted a clear course toward sustainable tourism in South Gobi, driven by community involvement, respect for local traditions, and responsible development practices. The region's unique natural and cultural heritage presents immense potential for eco-tourism, promising a prosperous and environmentally conscious future for its people and environment.
Cultural heritage bearers presenting their crafts during the consultation
© UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia
