The Asia Foundation

Mongolia’s wealth of metals and minerals has the potential to contribute to the nation’s long term economic growth and prosperity, and to sustain communities and important cultural and social values. However, unchecked mine...

Mongolia’s wealth of metals and minerals has the potential to contribute to the nation’s long term economic growth and prosperity, and to sustain communities and important cultural and social values. However, unchecked mine development can squander this potential. How can Mongolia use its natural wealth to expand its economy while also growing healthy communities? One answer is through a multi-stakeholder process involving public, private and non-governmental interests that promotes Responsible Mining.

CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT PROVES EFFECTIVE IN PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE MINING Uguumur township in Toson Zaamar, the northwest corner of Tov province, hums with mining activity from dusk to dawn. Mining affects nearly everyone’s life in this...

CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT PROVES EFFECTIVE IN PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE MINING Uguumur township in Toson Zaamar, the northwest corner of Tov province, hums with mining activity from dusk to dawn. Mining affects nearly everyone’s life in this township, given that 80 percent of the 8,300 hectares of the territory has been licensed for exploration or extraction. In this village of about 3,300 people, 18 companies mainly owned by Mongolian, Russian and Chinese interests, actively mine placer gold deposits. This includes five major operations along the banks of the Tuul River, which is a shared water source for mining, town residents, and herders who depend upon the Tuul for watering their livestock.

Declaration for Responsible Mining Signed Members of government, mining companies, and civil society have formally committed to working on the implementation of responsible mining through signing a Declaration for Responsible Mining. The...

Declaration for Responsible Mining Signed Members of government, mining companies, and civil society have formally committed to working on the implementation of responsible mining through signing a Declaration for Responsible Mining. The Multi-Stakeholder Process for Responsible Mining held their fifth meeting on June 12, 2007, which was attended by 54 participants including six Members of Parliament. During this meeting. Sanjmyatav, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Environmental Standing Committee was introduced as the new co-chair, and the declaration was signed by 39 members of the group. The declaration remains open to additional signatories and parties wishing to commit to the implementation of responsible mining. This is particularly significant for Mongolia because minerals form an important economic sector representing an estimated 60% of exports in 2005, 17% of GDP growth in 2005, and 53% of foreign direct investment from 2000 to 2006 (World Bank).

Over the U.S. Memorial Day weekend, the Securing Our Future (SOF) Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) team traveled to Uvurkhangai Aimag, and sampled the Orhon River from points 33 km south of Kharkhorin, and continuing north with the flow to Ugii...

Over the U.S. Memorial Day weekend, the Securing Our Future (SOF) Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) team traveled to Uvurkhangai Aimag, and sampled the Orhon River from points 33 km south of Kharkhorin, and continuing north with the flow to Ugii Nuur. The team comprised Tamir who came to the Foundation from a multi-year stint with the Hovsgol GEF project which established the Long-term Ecological Research site on the eastern shores of Lake Khuvsgul. As the team’s water chemist, she will collect valuable data on dissolved minerals, trace metals, and other organic and in-organic elements using state-of-the art technology, including a photo-spectrometer. This chemical data will be correlated with biologic data gathered by National University PhD student Narangarvuu.

EXPERIENTIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GETS ROLLING IN KHENTII In late April the “Securing Our Future” (SOF) program team traveled to Khentii aimag to identify partner schools and communities for the Water Quality Monitoring...

EXPERIENTIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GETS ROLLING IN KHENTII In late April the “Securing Our Future” (SOF) program team traveled to Khentii aimag to identify partner schools and communities for the Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) program. Five soums were selected, including: Norovlin, Dadal, Bayan-Adarga, Binder and Batshireet. Selection of these five sets the stage for the WQM program to rollout over the summer in Khentii, Khuvsgul, Bayankhongor and other aimags. This activity will engage secondary school faculty and students in experiential education that will improve their knowledge of ecology, biology and basic water chemistry.

Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) got started in late April when a mild winter and a warm spring caused rivers to thaw earlier than expected. The WQM component is an integral part of the Securing Our Future (SOF) program that will inform, engage...

Water Quality Monitoring (WQM) got started in late April when a mild winter and a warm spring caused rivers to thaw earlier than expected. The WQM component is an integral part of the Securing Our Future (SOF) program that will inform, engage and empower Mongolians to monitor water quality in order to promote responsible resource use. The WQM effort will also help to build a comprehensive river inventory that will inform water-use policy and resource management practices in Mongolia.

51 Signatories agree to a Definition of Responsible Mining that will advance national objectives for the benefit of all Mongolians On April 4th, 51 signatories representing the public, private and non-governmental sectors met at the fourth...

51 Signatories agree to a Definition of Responsible Mining that will advance national objectives for the benefit of all Mongolians On April 4th, 51 signatories representing the public, private and non-governmental sectors met at the fourth Multi-stakeholder meeting and pledged support for a definition of Responsible Mining and eight underlying principles. The definition and principles establish a foundation for future collaboration and cooperation that engages diverse interests in a process that will advance national objectives. The process by which the definition and principles were developed was spearheaded by a working group comprising government, private and non-governmental sector representatives that began meeting in late 2006 following the first of the Multi-stakeholder meetings.              

Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition and the Onon Ulz River Movement Work to Engage Khentii Citizens in Resource Management Decisions Affecting their Communities and Lives Close to the Russian border in central Mongolia, Batshireet Soum...

Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition and the Onon Ulz River Movement Work to Engage Khentii Citizens in Resource Management Decisions Affecting their Communities and Lives Close to the Russian border in central Mongolia, Batshireet Soum citizens gathered on March 16th and 17th with peers from nearby Binder and Bayan Adraga soums to discuss tools and tactics that will engage citizens in natural resources decision-making. “People are our most important asset” agreed the 30 participants in the two-day workshop. This is also the land through which the Onon River flows, and where Chinggis Khan is reputed to have been born in the late 1100s.

Toson Zaamar Movement and Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition Organize Citizens to Focus on Responsible Mining Citizens in Mongolia’s Zaamar soum made local history on March 17th when more than 100 individuals attended the first...

Toson Zaamar Movement and Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition Organize Citizens to Focus on Responsible Mining Citizens in Mongolia’s Zaamar soum made local history on March 17th when more than 100 individuals attended the first citizen-convened gathering in recent history. Representatives from the Toson Zaamar River Movement in north central Tov Aimag organized town hall meetings and other events during the course of the week to engage residents and government decision-makers on issues related to responsible mining, to learn more about these issues, and to develop strategies for community improvement.

Toson Zaamar Movement and Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition Organize Citizens to Focus on Responsible Mining Citizens in Mongolia’s Zaamar soum made local history on March 17th when more than 100 individuals attended the first...

Toson Zaamar Movement and Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition Organize Citizens to Focus on Responsible Mining Citizens in Mongolia’s Zaamar soum made local history on March 17th when more than 100 individuals attended the first citizen-convened gathering in recent history. Representatives from the Toson Zaamar River Movement in north central Tov Aimag organized town hall meetings and other events during the course of the week to engage residents and government decision-makers on issues related to responsible mining, to learn more about these issues, and to develop strategies for community improvement.

On December 1st the Asia Foundation launched its newest and most ambitious program in Mongolia. The three-year Dutch-funded effort is entitled: “Securing our Future: Mongolia Natural Capital Conservation and Environmental Protection...

On December 1st the Asia Foundation launched its newest and most ambitious program in Mongolia. The three-year Dutch-funded effort is entitled: “Securing our Future: Mongolia Natural Capital Conservation and Environmental Protection Program.” The program comprises elements that will build a strong partnership between public, private and NGO sector representatives in an effort to promote a common framework of understanding and knowledge that will yield constructive dialogue leading to responsible mining that protects environmental and human health.

Mongolian version-

On December 1st the Asia Foundation launched its newest and most ambitious program in Mongolia. The three-year Dutch-funded effort is entitled: “Securing our Future: Mongolia Natural Capital Conservation and...

Mongolian version-

On December 1st the Asia Foundation launched its newest and most ambitious program in Mongolia. The three-year Dutch-funded effort is entitled: “Securing our Future: Mongolia Natural Capital Conservation and Environmental Protection Program.” The program comprises elements that will build a strong partnership between public, private and NGO sector representatives in an effort to promote a common framework of understanding and knowledge that will yield constructive dialogue leading to responsible mining that protects environmental and human health.

On November 6, 2006, 35 parliamentarians, executive branch, private sector and NGO representatives gathered to discuss an initiative to promote responsible mining that protects human and environmental health. The roundtable, hosted by The Asia...

On November 6, 2006, 35 parliamentarians, executive branch, private sector and NGO representatives gathered to discuss an initiative to promote responsible mining that protects human and environmental health. The roundtable, hosted by The Asia Foundation, is a first step in a multi-stakeholder process that will bring interested parties together to establish a common framework for understanding related to mining and environmental issues in Mongolia.

Mongolian version - On November 6, 2006, 35 parliamentarians, executive branch, private sector and NGO representatives gathered to discuss an initiative to promote responsible mining that protects human and environmental health. The...

Mongolian version - On November 6, 2006, 35 parliamentarians, executive branch, private sector and NGO representatives gathered to discuss an initiative to promote responsible mining that protects human and environmental health. The roundtable, hosted by The Asia Foundation, is a first step in a multi-stakeholder process that will bring interested parties together to establish a common framework for understanding related to mining and environmental issues in Mongolia.

The Asia Foundation, the Mongolia Women’s Farmer Association (MWFA), local officials and citizens of the Bayanzurkh District inaugurated a poultry and vegetable farming training center on August 3rd. The center seeks to increase...

The Asia Foundation, the Mongolia Women’s Farmer Association (MWFA), local officials and citizens of the Bayanzurkh District inaugurated a poultry and vegetable farming training center on August 3rd. The center seeks to increase household incomes in this Ulaanbaatar district, and in surrounding communities.

WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMS, ENGAGES AND EMPOWERS STUDENTS AND CITIZENS In August, The Asia Foundation launched a major new environmental initiative that will inform, engage and empower citizens to monitor water quality, identify...

WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMS, ENGAGES AND EMPOWERS STUDENTS AND CITIZENS In August, The Asia Foundation launched a major new environmental initiative that will inform, engage and empower citizens to monitor water quality, identify pollution sources, and then take action.

Mongolian version

WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMS, ENGAGES AND EMPOWERS STUDENTS AND CITIZENS

In August, The Asia Foundation launched a major new environmental initiative that will inform, engage and empower citizens to...

Mongolian version

WATER QUALITY MONITORING INFORMS, ENGAGES AND EMPOWERS STUDENTS AND CITIZENS

In August, The Asia Foundation launched a major new environmental initiative that will inform, engage and empower citizens to monitor water quality, identify pollution sources, and then take action.

Under current law, there are few protections afforded to communities and citizens from the potential impacts of mining. This may change if the Homeland and Water Protection Coalition of River Movements, and partner environmental and civil...

Under current law, there are few protections afforded to communities and citizens from the potential impacts of mining. This may change if the Homeland and Water Protection Coalition of River Movements, and partner environmental and civil society organizations are successful in their campaign to introduce amendments to the Law on Minerals which is on the legislative agenda for this spring session of Parliament.

Under current law, there are few protections afforded to communities and citizens from the potential impacts of mining. This may change if the Homeland and Water Protection Coalition of River Movements, and partner environmental and civil...

Under current law, there are few protections afforded to communities and citizens from the potential impacts of mining. This may change if the Homeland and Water Protection Coalition of River Movements, and partner environmental and civil society organizations are successful in their campaign to introduce amendments to the Law on Minerals which is on the legislative agenda for this spring session of Parliament.

The mining sector holds promise and potential for economic development and job creation in Mongolia. But mining also impacts social, environmental, and alternative economic values. The Asia Foundation is launching a major new programmatic...

The mining sector holds promise and potential for economic development and job creation in Mongolia. But mining also impacts social, environmental, and alternative economic values. The Asia Foundation is launching a major new programmatic thrust that will seek to advance mining in the national interest and mitigate its negative impacts.

The mining sector holds promise and potential for economic development and job creation in Mongolia. But mining also impacts social, environmental, and alternative economic values. The Asia Foundation is launching a major new programmatic...

The mining sector holds promise and potential for economic development and job creation in Mongolia. But mining also impacts social, environmental, and alternative economic values. The Asia Foundation is launching a major new programmatic thrust that will seek to advance mining in the national interest and mitigate its negative impacts.

In April 2004, The Asia Foundation began working with the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA), founded in 1999 by Byatshandaa, an agronomist and farmer. TAF and MWFA seek to empower women vegetable and poultry farmers to increase...

In April 2004, The Asia Foundation began working with the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA), founded in 1999 by Byatshandaa, an agronomist and farmer. TAF and MWFA seek to empower women vegetable and poultry farmers to increase household income and thereby help reduce the incidence of poverty and domestic violence. Through Give2Asia, a U.S. non-profit organization that works closely with The Asia Foundation, MYTWO Funds donated $36,233 to strengthen MWFA’s vegetable training program and build a poultry farming promotion center in Bayankhushuu, one of Ulaanbaatar’s peri-urban ger districts.

In April 2004, The Asia Foundation began working with the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA), founded in 1999 by Byatshandaa, an agronomist and farmer. TAF and MWFA seek to empower women vegetable and poultry farmers to increase...

In April 2004, The Asia Foundation began working with the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA), founded in 1999 by Byatshandaa, an agronomist and farmer. TAF and MWFA seek to empower women vegetable and poultry farmers to increase household income and thereby help reduce the incidence of poverty and domestic violence. Through Give2Asia, a U.S. non-profit organization that works closely with The Asia Foundation, MYTWO Funds donated $36,233 to strengthen MWFA’s vegetable training program and build a poultry farming promotion center in Bayankhushuu, one of Ulaanbaatar’s peri-urban ger districts.

Providing citizens access to economic information, which is relevant to decisionmaking that affects their lives, will yield better and more representative policy, and will underscore other government goals associated with transparency and good...

Providing citizens access to economic information, which is relevant to decisionmaking that affects their lives, will yield better and more representative policy, and will underscore other government goals associated with transparency and good governance. Through the USAID Economic Policy Reform and Competitiveness Project, The Asia Foundation is assisting the Government of Mongolia to communicate new economic policies to targeted groups and the public, in order to build a broad constituency that will fuel economic growth and job creation.

Mongolian version

Providing citizens access to economic information, which is relevant to decisionmaking that affects their lives, will yield better and more representative policy, and will underscore other government goals associated...

Mongolian version

Providing citizens access to economic information, which is relevant to decisionmaking that affects their lives, will yield better and more representative policy, and will underscore other government goals associated with transparency and good governance. Through the USAID Economic Policy Reform and Competitiveness Project, The Asia Foundation is assisting the Government of Mongolia to communicate new economic policies to targeted groups and the public, in order to build a broad constituency that will fuel economic growth and job creation.

On June 4th President Enkhbayar opened the National Forum to Combat Corruption at the Government House, and proclaimed the government’s will to lead this effort. The event was attended by senior-ranking government officials and served...

On June 4th President Enkhbayar opened the National Forum to Combat Corruption at the Government House, and proclaimed the government’s will to lead this effort. The event was attended by senior-ranking government officials and served evidence of governmental will to fight corruption and restore pride and integrity in the public and private sectors. “Fighting corruption begins at the top,” according to Mr. Tony Kwok, Honorary Advisor to the Anti-Corruption Agency, and an Asia Foundation advisor.

An estimated 600,000-800,000 women, and children are trafficked across international borders each year, approximately 80 percent are young women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors. Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are...

An estimated 600,000-800,000 women, and children are trafficked across international borders each year, approximately 80 percent are young women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors. Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are deceived, lured across borders and exploited. Mongolia is not immune to this crime. The Asia Foundation and its newest partner, the 55,000 member strong, Mongolian Students’ Union (MSU) launched a major campaign to prevent trafficking in May.

With support from The Asia Foundation six delegates of the newly established Mongolia Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) visited Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and Macau's Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) from...

With support from The Asia Foundation six delegates of the newly established Mongolia Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) visited Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and Macau's Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) from March2 26 to March 30, 2007.

On March 21st “The Pulse” premiered on C1 television with host Gerelt-Od as moderator. In conjunction with C1 TV, the Mongolia Anti-corruption Support Project will broadcast weekly updates based upon information recruited from the...

On March 21st “The Pulse” premiered on C1 television with host Gerelt-Od as moderator. In conjunction with C1 TV, the Mongolia Anti-corruption Support Project will broadcast weekly updates based upon information recruited from the 10 telephone hotlines that have been established in aimag centers and in Ulaanbaatar.