As the tourism season begins and more people head outdoors, concerns over environmental protection and responsible tourism are once again coming into focus.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, a destination visited not only by residents of Ulaanbaatar but also by foreign tourists, has long faced litter problems in the spring as the snow melts. To address this issue, the Solongo-HONKH NGO launched the “Trash-Free Terelj” volunteer campaign in 2024. More than 400 people took part in the first campaign, removing a total of 40 tons of waste. The second campaign, held on April 19, 2025, brought together more than 420 participants who collected 30 tons of trash and delivered it to the Nalaikh District’s centralized landfill. The initiative also achieved a notable milestone by being named the tourism sector’s Best Social Responsibility Campaign of 2025.
The organization was founded on April 14, 2023, with the aim of protecting the rights and interests of Korean-language guides and interpreters, strengthening industry cooperation, and promoting information exchange.
The campaign’s main objectives are to protect the environment, reduce waste, increase public participation and awareness, and promote responsible tourism. A distinctive feature of the initiative is that volunteers are provided with tools, food, and snacks, while the closing ceremony helps foster cooperation among industry professionals and organizations.
The campaign has boosted youth engagement, delivered tangible cleanup results, and strengthened cooperation within the tourism sector. It is also evolving into a sustainable model of social responsibility. This year’s “Trash-Free Terelj 2026” campaign is currently being prepared and is set to take place on April 25 with 500 participants.
Going forward, this initiative, which is expected to be held annually, is emerging as an important movement that encourages the public to join efforts to protect the environment.
