The Asia Foundation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.              

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.

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).

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.

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.

(In Vietnamese) This publication is a documentation of steps taken in the advocacy process in developing a regulation on the management, use, and conservation of non-wood products in the buffer zone of Phong Dien Nature Conservation Area in...

(In Vietnamese) This publication is a documentation of steps taken in the advocacy process in developing a regulation on the management, use, and conservation of non-wood products in the buffer zone of Phong Dien Nature Conservation Area in Thua Thien Hue. This regulation has been approved and enforced by the People's Committee of Phong My Commune, Phong Dien district, Thua Thien Hue province.

The Asia Foundation in Mongolia has been promoting, facilitating, and supporting responsible use of water and minerals for the long-term prosperity of all Mongolians. The Foundation’s approach is to inform, engage, and empower civil...

The Asia Foundation in Mongolia has been promoting, facilitating, and supporting responsible use of water and minerals for the long-term prosperity of all Mongolians. The Foundation’s approach is to inform, engage, and empower civil society to participate actively in decisionmaking that has direct consequences on communities, households, and individuals.

The Asia Foundation in Mongolia has been promoting, facilitating, and supporting responsible use of water and minerals for the long-term prosperity of all Mongolians. The Foundation’s approach is to inform, engage, and empower...

The Asia Foundation in Mongolia has been promoting, facilitating, and supporting responsible use of water and minerals for the long-term prosperity of all Mongolians. The Foundation’s approach is to inform, engage, and empower civil society to participate actively in decisionmaking that has direct consequences on communities, households, and individuals.

In this issue: "Books for Asia Hosts Vartan Gregorian in NYC, Launches Tech Start-up Fund," "Skoll Global Threats Fund to Help Address Water Sharing in Asia," "Citi's Ida Liu to Chair Lotus Awards 2012," "Asia Foundation Announces Five New...

In this issue: "Books for Asia Hosts Vartan Gregorian in NYC, Launches Tech Start-up Fund," "Skoll Global Threats Fund to Help Address Water Sharing in Asia," "Citi's Ida Liu to Chair Lotus Awards 2012," "Asia Foundation Announces Five New Trustees," "Amb. Verveer Meets Experts from Asia Foundation Panel on Women's Changing Roles in Asia," "Briefly Noted," "Multimedia," "Ashraf Ghani Briefs on Afghan Transition 2014," "Henry Luce Foundation Renews China Young Diplomats Program."

Now more than ever, disaster preparedness and risk reduction are essential to the sustained well-being and future development of communities throughout Asia and the Pacific. For over 17 years, The Asia Foundation has been helping communities...

Now more than ever, disaster preparedness and risk reduction are essential to the sustained well-being and future development of communities throughout Asia and the Pacific. For over 17 years, The Asia Foundation has been helping communities strengthen their resilience to natural disasters and the increasing threats from climate change. It is cultivating leadership among local and national governments, building the capacity of vulnerable communities, and engaging the private sector.