“...one can say that the main characteristics of a nomadic society where Buddhism is a dominant religion are:  a pollution free way of living, ability to adapt quickly to the new environment in a broad sense, mobility, a more or less harmonious relationship with the environment, and readiness to give up the demands or things which turn into a burden.”

His Excellency N. Enkhbayar

Aim

A monastery is often a place of learning and monks have a role as respected teachers in the community. Because of the monks’ authority, they  can be influential in improving the livelihood and environment of their temples and of the local community through religious teachings, education and practical programmes This conference is aimed at developing this potential amongst the monastic community and encouraging links with governmental bodies, environmental NGOs and agencies.

Structure

This 4 day conference brought together representatives of monastic communities, government and ngo’s to discuss and develop ideas in the field of environment and development. The event will be hosted by His Excellency Nambar Enkhbayar, Speaker of the State Great Khural and International President of ARC.

Although many of the discussions and workshops of the conference are run specifically for Sangha participants, there will also be open sessions for national and international agencies and government bodies to discuss the potential for partnerships in this field.

Invitations have been extended to Sangha participants from Mongolia (thirty from Ulaanbaatar and seventy from other parts of the country), Russia, China andJapan, The Mongolian government will be represented by the Ministry of Nature and Environment; Ministry of Science, Technology, Education & Culture; Ministry of Social Welfare & Labour; Ministry of Food & Agriculture; Ministry of Infrastructure; Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

International participation is sought through the Ulaanbaatar embassies of the Netherlands (Beijing), the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Korea, Japan, USA, India, German, France, Hungary.

Delegations from Non-Governmental Organisations may include but are not limited to: WWF Mongolia, WWF Russia, WWF China, IC, WCS, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, TCC, TCF, Hovsgol GEF, GTZ, Asian Development Bank, EcoMinex; World Vision; ADRA; Peace Corps; VSO; Steppe Forward; Conservation Club MUIS; Open Forum

Programme

The opening ceremony will include speeches from His Excellency N. Enkhbayar; Minister of Environment Mr. Barsbold; Khamba Lama Choijamts, Gandan Tegchenlin Monastery; Mr. Meyanathan,World Bank Mongolia; and Martin Palmer, Alliance of Religions and Conservation. The opening is followed is followed by a small lecture on traditional conservation in Mongolia and examples of good practice. A prize will be handed out for a student essay competition on traditional conservation.

For the monastic community there will be workshops on Water, Forestry, Mining, Pollution (Solid waste, Air), Urban Issues, Rural Issues (Herding, Agriculture). Additionally there will sessions on project management, environmental education, communication, tourism.

For the NGO’s, government institutions and the international representatives there will be a sessions to to introduce the aims of their organisations relevant areas of activitiy and to explore with the Sangha possible areas of collaboration.For all participants there will be an excursion, including a visit to Gandan Tegchenlin Monastery and the Bogd Khan mountain range, and an official dinner hosted by His Excellency N. Enkhbayar.