Mongolia

What initially started as a ten-day visit to Mongolia quickly turned into a fourteen-day one after I arrived because I was so taken with the country.  I was lucky enough to travel with a group led by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), visiting national parks within a couple hours’ drive of Ulaan Baatar, Kazak communities in the Altai Mountains, and the beautiful and legendary Gobi.  Spectacular is the first word that comes to mind, and something magical occurred each day, from seeing wild horses in Hustain Nuruu National Park to coming upon a heard of argali sheep after a long hike over several mountain ridges in Gun Galuut Nature Reserve.  I was overwhelmed by Mongolia’s big, beautiful, open sky and space coupled with the incredibly rich cultural heritage.  One cannot help but feel the speed with which change is developing in Mongolia and how cultural preservation and environmental conservation are inextricably linked. The group was joined by TNC staff Enkhtuya Oidov, Mongolia Program Director, and Gala Davaa, Mongolia Director of Conservation–both superstars whose dedication and knowledge made the entire trip an extraordinary experience.

TMU has been supporting programs with Mongolia since 1996, and TNC has been working in Mongolia since 2002, focusing specifically on protecting Mongolia’s grasslands.  Recognizing that 40% of Mongolia is now under lease for mining and energy exploration, TNC is implementing their Development by Design approach which aims to steer development away from areas that have been designated as conservation priorities.

To learn more about TNC’s Mongolia program, please visit their website:
The Nature Conservancy

A special thanks to Enkhtuya, Gala, Soyolmaa, Zach, JoAnn, and Tim for being so much fun!