GER to GER’s Environmental and Social Responsibility
Sustainable Tourism in Mongolia | Ger to Ger’s Community & Environmental Impact
At Ger to Ger, we believe that sustainable tourism should leave a positive impact on the communities and environments we touch. Through our initiatives in education, healthcare, environmental conservation, community empowerment, disaster relief, and inclusive partnerships, we are committed to creating meaningful change across Mongolia.
Educational Enhancements
We believe that every child, regardless of where they are born or their family’s circumstances, deserves access to quality education. However, many rural schools and kindergartens in Mongolia are 50–60 years old, with outdated facilities and insufficient heating. During winter, classroom temperatures can drop to -10°C to -15°C, making it difficult for children to study. In some cases, three students are forced to share a desk meant for two.
To improve learning environments, Ger to Ger, in collaboration with responsible travel partners, has renovated and upgraded schools and kindergartens in:
- Gurvantamir School (Erdenebulgan soum, Arkhangai province)
- Hatgal soum School & Kindergarten (Khuvsgul province)
- Renchinlkhumbe soum Kindergarten (Khuvsgul province)
- Binder soum School (Khentii province)
- School & Kindergarten in Khoroo 6 (Nalaikh district, Ulaanbaatar city)
We also improved outdoor playgrounds, creating safer and more enjoyable spaces for children to learn and play.
Healthcare Access
Rural healthcare facilities in Mongolia often lack adequate medical equipment and specialized staff, forcing residents to travel long distances for basic check-ups and treatment. To address this, we partnered with Doctors Without Borders-like organization for a three-day free medical care program in Rashaant, Bulgan Province, benefiting thousands of local residents who otherwise have limited access to healthcare.
Environmental Conservation
Due to climate change and human impact, Mongolia faces severe land degradation and desertification, threatening the livelihoods of nomadic herders. In support of the Mongolian government’s “One Billion Trees” initiative, Ger to Ger and our partners planted 200 trees in Terelj National Park in 2024 and are preparing to plant an additional 200 trees this year.
Additionally, to promote environmentally friendly waste management, we invited former Minister of Environment, Mrs. Oyungerel Tsedevdamba, to conduct bio-toilet training for nomadic communities, helping them transition from traditional pit latrines to eco-friendly alternatives
Community Empowerment
As climate change makes traditional herding increasingly difficult, many nomads are forced to migrate to urban areas, contributing to Ulaanbaatar’s growing population. Over half of Mongolia’s population now resides in the capital, and the number of rural migrants continues to rise each year.
To create sustainable livelihoods in rural areas, Ger to Ger has been actively training and supporting nomadic families in eco-tourism, environmental conservation, and business management since 2005. Our efforts have:
- Provided hundreds of nomadic families across 7-8 provinces with training on tourism principles, environmental conservation and business management.
- Created over 200 job opportunities for rural communities, helping families generate income without leaving their homeland.
Ger to Ger donated fully furnished traditional gers to three families who had lost their homes in Khatgal soum of Khuvsgul province.
- One family had spent the past two years living in a rented ger after selling all their belongings to cover medical expenses for a severe illness.
- Two other families lost their homes due to natural disasters, leaving them without shelter and stability.
Through these efforts, we aim to help vulnerable families regain their independence and security, ensuring they have a warm and safe place to call home.
Disaster Relief
Mongolia’s harsh climate frequently leads to extreme natural disasters, including droughts, dzud (severe winter conditions), heavy snowfall, dust storms, and floods. Over the past 20 years, these disasters have doubled in frequency and intensity, devastating livelihoods and endangering lives.
In 2010, Mongolia suffered one of its worst dzuds, killing over 10 million livestock and forcing thousands of herder families into poverty. The loss of livestock not only affected food security but also led to severe health and nutritional challenges.
Recognizing the urgent need for support, Ger to Ger launched a dzud relief campaign in Dundgovi Province, assisting nomads who lost 50-75% of their livestock during extreme winters.
Inclusive Partnerships
We are committed to fostering inclusive employment opportunities. In central Ulaanbaatar, “No Limit Café” provides job opportunities for adults with Down syndrome. To support this initiative, Ger to Ger connected the café with the tourism industry and international travel companies, helping them attract more customers and generate sustainable revenue.
Seasonal Support
For many children in Ulaanbaatar’s ger districts, Christmas is just another cold winter day—many families struggle to afford basic necessities, let alone holiday gifts. Some parents must choose between buying food, heating their homes, or purchasing presents for their children.
To bring joy to these children, Ger to Ger partnered with the Lantuun Dohio NGO, which distributes gifts to 15,000 children annually. Through this initiative, we were able to provide Christmas gifts to 100 children living in difficult conditions.