Mongol Ecology Center

Mongol Ecology Center (MEC), a 501(c)3 non-governmental organization based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and Tucson, Arizona, was established to ensure a thriving future for Mongolia by transferring best practices to preserve the environment, natural resources and cultural heritage of Mongolia. MEC recognizes the international “best practice” to preserve a country’s natural and cultural heritage is through a national system of parks and protected areas. These places when properly managed often serve the dual purpose of supporting sustainable economic development and the perpetual preservation of nationally important resources. MEC established the Lake Hovsgol Conservancy (LHC) in 2012 to support the protection and management of Lake Hovsgol National Park and to help the park sustain its wilderness resources, protect indigenous nomadic culture and ensure sustainable recreation and locally provided tourism activities. The LHC focuses on Park Planning and Management, Science and Education, and Sustainable Tourism. The Conservancy works to establish science as the basis of park management decisions, correct past mistakes, and ensure planned and lawful sustainable tourist development. Since 2013, in addition to Lake Hovsgol National Park, MEC has been collaborating with Ulaan Taiga Protected Areas Administration, which oversees management of three protected areas in the Darkhad Valley of Hovsgol aimag, Ulaan Taiga and Horidol Saridag Strictly Protected Areas and Tengis Shishged National Park.