Mongolia : Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project

Sovereign Project | 48216-001

Khuvsgul Lake National Park (KLNP) in Khuvsgul aimag supports a rapidly expanding but uncontrolled tourism industry, and a small local population which is poor, receives few benefits from tourism, and is dependent on subsistence use of natural resources. The proposed grant will support local livelihoods through improved capacity for sustainable tourism and subsistence activities, in participation with the park administration and other key stakeholders. The project design adopts an integrated approach for livelihoods, tourism, waste management, and land use planning, and will serve as a model for other protected areas in Mongolia.

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Bezuijen, Mark R.
    East Asia Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Mongolia
  • Modality
  • Sector
    • Agriculture, natural resources and rural development
Project Name Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project
Project Number 48216-001
Country / Economy Mongolia
Project Status Closed
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Grant
Source of Funding / Amount
Grant 9183-MON: Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park
Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific US$ 3.00 million
Strategic Agendas Environmentally sustainable growth
Inclusive economic growth
Drivers of Change Gender Equity and Mainstreaming
Governance and capacity development
Partnerships
Sector / Subsector

Agriculture, natural resources and rural development /

Gender Effective gender mainstreaming
Description Khuvsgul Lake National Park (KLNP) in Khuvsgul aimag supports a rapidly expanding but uncontrolled tourism industry, and a small local population which is poor, receives few benefits from tourism, and is dependent on subsistence use of natural resources. The proposed grant will support local livelihoods through improved capacity for sustainable tourism and subsistence activities, in participation with the park administration and other key stakeholders. The project design adopts an integrated approach for livelihoods, tourism, waste management, and land use planning, and will serve as a model for other protected areas in Mongolia.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

The KLNP was established in 1992. It encompasses 1.2 million hectares of forests and mountains which surround Khuvsgul Lake, one of the most important reservoirs of fresh water in the world. It is the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia and contains 70% of Mongolia's fresh water and 1% of global fresh water. The lake is also of trans-boundary importance as it drains via the country's largest river, the Selenge, into Baikal Lake in the Russian Federation.

The KLNP is becoming one of the most popular tourism destinations in Mongolia, and tourist numbers and facilities are expanding rapidly. From 2010-2014, annual tourist visits to the KLNP rose from 11,000 tp 60,000 due to improved road access and reduced visa restrictions. Although no projections for furutre growth are available, Khuvsgul aimag and the KLNP are targeted as a key region for the development of tourism and associated infrastructure, and growth is expected to continue.

Achieving sustainable tourism and which benefits local livelihoods and does not impact on biodiversity conservation raises significant challenges: (i) tourism-related expansion is largely occurring in the absence of planning - there is no framework for coordination among the KLNP Administration, communities, and tour operators (the key stakeholders in the KLNP), nor any shared vision, targets, or codes of conduct for tourism; (ii) districts within KLNP are some of the poorest in Mongolia, yet most communities currently have limited capacity or resources to access tourism-related benefits; (iii) uncontrolled sewage and litter from tourism is threatening the lake water quality; and (iv) for many residents in the park, livestock grazing will continue to be a principal livelihood, yet these benefits are declining due to over-grazing.

Government and donor initiatives are addressing some of these issues, but the need to support community-based tourism and waste management in the KLNP is widely acknowledged by government, communities, and tour operators.

At the national level, there is an urgent need for an integrated approach to balance livelihoods, tourism, waste management, and biodiversity conservation within protected areas. Government efforts to expand tourism are centered on Mongolia's unique wilderness values and large network of protected areas, which comprise 18% of the country's area. These are generally located in poor regions with limited infrastructure, which presents challenges for maintaining ecological values, providing benefits to communities, and sustainable tourism. Few such models are available, and the project will be among the first in Mongolia to address the linked issues for livelihoods, tourism, and waste management in a protected area. New participatory mechanisms for the KNLP will be piloted, including co-management approaches for tourism and waste management and community-led revolving funds for livelihood improvement.

Impact

(i) Per capita income in five soums of Khuvsgul aimag increased (Khuvsgul Aimag Socio-Economic Development Action Plan);

(ii) Management of natural resources in the KLNP improved (KLNP Management Plan)

Project Outcome
Description of Outcome

Livelihoods and sustainable tourism in five soums of the KLNP improved and integrated

Progress Toward Outcome The project has been completed. All DMF targets and indicators have been achieved or exceeded.
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs

Community-based tourism in Khatgal and Khankh settlements promoted

Capacity for sustainable livestock and pasture management in the KLNP and buffer zone improved

Waste management around Khuvsgul Lake strengthened

Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues)

Target achieved. (The water quality monitoring program is completed and handed over to the agency).

Target achieved. (Total 8 CWMTs established vs target of 3; 39% (11) female staff compared to 30% target).

Target achieved. (50 litter bins and 50 eco-toilets vs target of 50).

Target achieved. (Final review of KLNP zoning report with recommendations submitted to Ministry of Environment and Tourism).

Target exceeded. (Total 664 residents trained in community-based tourism and goods and services vs target of 400; of which 66% were women participants' vs target of 30%).

Target exceeded. (Total 267 initiatives established vs the target of 40; 347 households benefitted vs the target of 120; 117 poor and/or vulnerable households benefitted vs the target of 40 and 74% these led by women).

Target achieved. (Tourism code of practice signed by 104 stakeholders of which 53 (65%) were tour camps owners vs the 50%).

Target exceeded. (Total 2,637 herders vs target of 1,125 trained in sustainable livestock and pasture management and/or non-tourism livelihoods; of which 59% were women participants' vs target of 40%).

Target exceeded. (Total 536 households adopted sustainable herding management practices vs target of 400).

Target achieved. (Total 111 livelihoods activities initiated vs target of 70; 207 households benefitted vs the target of 210; and of the 111 initiatives or 84% were led by women vs target of 40%).

Geographical Location Khovsgol
Safeguard Categories
Environment C
Involuntary Resettlement C
Indigenous Peoples C
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects An environmental assessment and review framework (EARF) has been prepared and includes an environmental management plan (EMP), which describes the environmental safeguard screening, management and reporting procedures to be applied to all activities supported by the project.
Involuntary Resettlement The project does not involve involuntary resettlement or land acquisition.
Indigenous Peoples Khuvsgul aimag supports Mongolia''s only population of the Dukha ('reindeer people ), a vulnerable ethnic group. Their settlements are located over 50 kilometers west of the KLNP. Some families visit Khuvsgul Lake to sell locally-made or imported handicrafts (souvenirs) to tourists. They camp on access roads and do not stay long, partly due to the grazing feed requirements of their reindeer, which are not available in the lake area. The Dukha do not have permanent or regular seasonal settlements, or traditional migration routes, in the KLNP, and do not practice livestock herding. The project is not anticipated to result in impacts to the Dukha, but nonetheless, the design of eco-tourism activities will include culturally-sensitive approaches.
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design Khuvsgul Lake is revered in Mongolia and is a high-profile area subject to frequent media coverage. A project stakeholder communication strategy has been prepared. The strategy describes target audiences and media approaches, including public events and workshops.
During Project Implementation

The project is having good success in communicating its results and lessons learned. To disseminate news of the project, the Blue Pearl Newsletter has been established (8 issues printed between 2017 and March 2019) and is distributed to government agencies, protected areas, donors, and communities. A range of pamphlets and brochures have been printed. The project has also funded two tourism events, at which community members supported through the revolving funds showcased their products.

In June-August 2018 the project experienced challenges with operation and maintenance (O&M) for 6 of the 109 project-funded toilets installed at the KLNP. This resulted in some public complaints. The project thanked the complainants for highlighting this issue and responded quickly to resume the operation of the toilets. As a pilot, challenges are expected and this provided important lessons learned. The team is using this helpful experience to strengthen the O&M arrangements for the toilets and to ensure smooth functioning in the future.

Business Opportunities
Consulting Services The project is expected to require 3 person-months of one international consultant and 487 person-months of 16 national consultants for project implementation. These 17 positions comprise seven administrative staff (PMU manager, PIU field coordinator, Khankh officer, implementation specialist, accountant, procurement specialist, driver) and 10 specialists. The executing agency will engage all the consultants through individual consultant selection method, following ADB's Guidelines on the Use of Consultants (2013, as amended from time to time).
Procurement The PMU, on behalf of the executing agency, will be responsible for procurement. All procurement financed by the JFPR grant will be carried out in accordance with ADB's Procurement Guidelines (2015, as amended from time to time) and Mongolia's Ministry of Finance (2014) Procurement Manual. The selection and engagement of contractors for works, goods, and/or consulting services to be financed by the grant will be subject to ADB approval.
Responsible ADB Officer Bezuijen, Mark R.
Responsible ADB Department East Asia Department
Responsible ADB Division Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture Division, EARD
Executing Agencies
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Timetable
Concept Clearance 08 May 2015
Fact Finding 04 Jun 2015 to 21 Jun 2015
MRM 22 Jul 2015
Approval 07 Dec 2015
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 27 Mar 2021

Grant 9183-MON

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
07 Dec 2015 26 Jan 2016 16 Mar 2016 30 Jun 2020 - 02 Jun 2021
Financing Plan Grant Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 3.18 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 0.00 17 Jun 2022 0.00 2.99 100%
Counterpart 0.18 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 3.00 17 Jun 2022 0.00 2.99 100%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating - Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory - Satisfactory

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.

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Title Document Type Document Date
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism at Khuvsgul Lake National Park: Initial Poverty and Social Analysis Initial Poverty and Social Analysis May 2015
Хөвсгөл нуурын байгалийн цогцолбор газарт иргэдийн амьжиргааг дээшлүүлэх, аялал жуулчлалыг тогтвортой хөгжүүлэх нэгдсэн төсөл : Төслийн Мэдээллийн Тайлан Translated PDS Oct 2015
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism at Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Project Administration Manual Project/Program Administration Manual Nov 2015
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism at Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Report and Recommendation of the President Reports and Recommendations of the President Nov 2015
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism at Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Gender Action Plan Gender Action Plans Dec 2015
Grant Agreement (Externally Financed) for Grant 9183-MON: Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project Grant Agreement Jan 2016
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism at Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Semiannual Progress Report (16 March-30 June 2016) Executing Agency Progress Reports Jun 2016
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Executing Agency Progress Report (16 March-30 June 2016) Executing Agency Progress Reports Jul 2016
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism at Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Procurement Plan Procurement Plans Sep 2016
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Executing Agency Progress Report (July-December 2016) Executing Agency Progress Reports Dec 2016
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Executing Agency Progress Report (January-June 2017) Executing Agency Progress Reports Jun 2017
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Audited Project Financial Statements (January-December 2016) Audited Project Financial Statements Jun 2017
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Executing Agency Progress Report (January-December 2017) Executing Agency Progress Reports Dec 2017
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Audited Project Financial Statements (January-December 2017) Audited Project Financial Statements Jun 2018
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Executing Agency Progress Report (January-June 2018) Executing Agency Progress Reports Jun 2018
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Ecotourism Training Report Documents Produced Under Grant/Loans/TA Dec 2018
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Executing Agency Progress Report (July-December 2018) Executing Agency Progress Reports Dec 2018
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Audited Project Financial Statements (January-December 2018) Audited Project Financial Statements Jun 2019
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Executing Agency Progress Report (January-June 2019) Executing Agency Progress Reports Jun 2019
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Executing Agency Progress Report (July-December 2019) Executing Agency Progress Reports Dec 2019
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Review and Recommendations for Re-Zoning of Khuvsgul Lake National Park Documents Produced Under Grant/Loans/TA Dec 2019
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Community Revolving Funds – Final Consultant Report Documents Produced Under Grant/Loans/TA Jan 2020
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Water Quality Monitoring Program for Khuvsgul Lake National Park – Final Consultant Report Documents Produced Under Grant/Loans/TA Apr 2020
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Water Quality Monitoring Program for Khuvsgul Lake National Park – Final Consultant Report (Mongolian version) Documents Produced Under Grant/Loans/TA Apr 2020
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Waste Management – Final Consultant Report Documents Produced Under Grant/Loans/TA May 2020
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Waste Management – Final Consultant Report (Mongolian version) Documents Produced Under Grant/Loans/TA May 2020
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Audited Project Financial Statements (January-December 2019) Audited Project Financial Statements Jun 2020
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Domestic Project Completion Report Documents Produced Under Grant/Loans/TA Jul 2020
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Audited Project Financial Statements (January 2020-June 2021) Audited Project Financial Statements Jun 2021
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project: Project Completion Report Project/Program Completion Reports May 2022

Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

Title Document Type Document Date
Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism at Khuvsgul Lake National Park: Environmental Assessment and Review Framework Environmental Assessment and Review Framework Jul 2015

Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

Title Document Type Document Date
Mongolia: Integrated Livelihoods Improvement and Sustainable Tourism in Khuvsgul Lake National Park Project Validations of Project Completion Reports Nov 2022


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Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.

Tenders

Tender Title Type Status Posting Date Deadline
KLNP Internal zoning specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Livestock and pasture management specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Micro-finance specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Pasture management specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Honey bee specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Waste management firm Firm - Consulting Closed
Procurement Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Accountant Individual - Consulting Closed

Contracts Awarded

No contracts awarded for this project were found

Procurement Plan