In the centuries that followed the height of the Mongol empire, the nation experienced periods of great constancy and of significant transition. After the fall of the empire in the 14th century, Mongolian history was dotted with few significant events for nearly two centuries. The rhythmic lifestyle of nomadic herders set the  pace of life, as opposed to the warring hordes that had dominated the region in previous centuries. Then in the 17th century, an extended period of Chinese influence and occupation began, fueling a rivalry between these two nations that endures even today. Not until the early 1900s did Mongolia gain complete autonomy from China, a status that was quickly reversed with the commencement of Russian occupation less than a decade later. From 1921 to 1991, Mongolia was under the ambiguous control of the Soviets, becoming the second communist state in the world, but never being fully integrated into the Soviet Union. But upon the collapse of the U.S.S.R, Mongolians wasted little time in manifesting their autonomy once again. Today, Mongolia is a democratic free-market economy that has made an impressive transition from its soviet socialist occupation, to a burgeoning nation with an ambitious and optimistic outlook on the future.

Mongolia is a geographically immense nation, at nearly 2000 miles across, but with a population of just over 2 million, it has the second lowest population density in the world. Nearly half of this population continues to practice nomadic pastoralism, while virtually all the rest live in the quickly-growing capital city, Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia’s vast and largely unspoiled land has helped to make it an increasingly popular spot for tourism, which has become one of the largest industries in this developing nation. Indeed its spectacular landscapes, colorful culture and religions, and low rates of crime and negative incidence, make Mongolia an appealing gem for visitors.

But Mongolia is not without its struggles. In the years following the 1991 political and economic transition, Mongolia and its people have confronted an array of social, environmental, political, cultural, and economic challenges. To name a few: The onslaught of extractive industries, the process of revitalizing religious and cultural traditions stifled and suppressed by the former regime, the loss of state-provided services, and the relentless influences of globalization, technology, and development. These factors have often taken their toll on the cultural and environmental legacy of this ancient nation and its enduring people. For indigenous minorities, new socio-political systems have meant incompatibilities with traditional activities and values. In sensitive ecosystems, rapid development and resource exploitation have triggered threats to biodiversity and the potential for irreversible environmental degradation. But in light of Mongolia’s epic transition to its new systems, there is limited funding and sometimes lack of concern from those in power to address and ameliorate these consequences.

Therefore, third sector organizations such as The Itgel Foundation play an important role in the sustainable development of Mongolia in this time of great transition and rapid development. Itgel picks up where domestic capabilities or resources leave off or have been exhausted, aiding in the protection of threatened traditions, providing immediate relief to those in need, and revitalizing communities through capacity building and grassroots action.

- Morgan Keay

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