The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Mongolia wrapped up one successful eco-tourism project and embarked on a second project aimed to help Mongolia benefit from a boom in domestic and overseas tourists while safeguarding the environment, the ADB said.

Mongolia’s Deputy Speaker Mr. Enkh-Amgalan Luvsantseren, the Minister of Environment and Tourism Mr. Tserenbat Namsrai, and the Governor of Khuvsgul Province Mr. Ganbold Lkhagvasuren gave opening speeches at a final workshop for the Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project. This was followed by an opening ceremony for the Sustainable Tourism Development Project. The workshop and opening ceremony also gathered local government officials, community members, experts, and ADB staff.

“Our projects aim to help develop the tourism sector in Mongolia to help diversify the economy and create jobs. But we want to ensure that is done sustainably so that local livelihoods and the often fragile environments are also protected for the long term,” said Mr. Mark Bezuijen, Senior Environment Specialist for ADB and the team leader of both projects.

The Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project, funded with a $3 million grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, helped build local tourism activities, improve livestock and pasture management, and strengthen waste management around Khuvsgul Lake.

The $38 million in loans under the Sustainable Tourism Development Project will be used to build on the activities in Khuvsgul Lake and develop similar initiatives in Onon-Balj National Park, the birthplace of revered Mongolian leader Chinggis Khaan. This project marks the first loan in Mongolia to focus on tourism and protected area management, and will serve as models for economically inclusive development and conservation.

Mongolia’s small tourism sector is growing rapidly. In 2017, tourism generated $1.2 billion in earnings and employed 121,500 people. But by 2028, it is forecast to generate $2.1 billion and provide 149,000 jobs. Khuvsgul National Park and Onon-Balj National Park are eco-tourism priorities for the government, but as major sources of biodiversity, they need to be carefully managed. There will be a ceremony to open the project activities in Khentii province on 10 October.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. In 2018, it made commitments of new loans and grants amounting to $21.6 billion. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.