Southern Gobi Geopark: A Story We Are Building Together

In the vast, open landscapes of Umnugovi and Dornogovi provinces in Mongolia, where the wind carries stories across the desert and ancient rocks hold the Earth's memories, something new is beginning to take shape-the Southern Gobi Geopark.

On 27-31 March 2026, a diverse group of people traveled across Khanbogd and Manlai soums of Umnugovi province and Mandakh soum of Dornogovi province. They came from different places and backgrounds-local officials and residents, national experts, an international geopark expert, the project donor, and UNESCO project team-but they shared one common purpose: to explore, understand, and help shape further the geopark at the image of local people.

The experts include Mr. Munkhbileg Namsrai, Director General of the National Geological Survey of Mongolia, Mr. Mainbayar Buuvei, Head of the Paleozoology Department at the Paleontological Institute under the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Lee Soo Jae, the Coordinator of Korea's Global Geoparks Network and UNESCO Global Geopark Council member.

This journey is part of a larger effort to support Mongolia in establishing its first aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark. While plans, checklists, and international standards guide the process, what became clear during these days is that a geopark is not only about geology or tourism - it's about people.

As the group traveled from site to site, the land revealed its richness. Springs appeared like hidden treasures-Ikh Bulag and Baga Bulag in Khanbogd soum-representing unique scenes in Gobi. The quiet presence of Demchog Monastery added not onl y spiritual but also geological and ecological layers to the journey. Cliffs and valleys such as Baishin Tsav (Khanbogd soum) and Shar Tsav (Manlai soum) told stories written millions of years ago, while Suikhent petrified wood site in Mandakh soum served as a reminder of ancient forests that once thrived.

The experts and stakeholders from the on-site field visit reflected on what they had seen and what could come next. One message stood out clearly: the strength of the geopark will depend on how well its stories are told. Local guides, interpreters, and residents held the key to success. By weaving Southern Gobi geological knowledge with cultural stories and everyday life, they can create experiences that are unique, meaningful, authentic, and unforgettable. What is common to local people is extraordinary for the visitors!

On 30 March 2026, Dr. Lee Soo Jae conducted a workshop for the geopark management team, sharing his observations from the field visit and providing guidance for the operationalization of the geopark. The international expert also participated in various consultation meetings in Ulaanbaatar, on 1-2 April 2026, with the project's Multi-disciplinary Scientific Committee, the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, and the National Geopark Committee of Mongolia. He emphasized the presence of an abundant geological heritage of international significance, and the strong commitment of the local governments and communities.

The Southern Gobi Geopark is still in its early stages. There is work to be done-plans to refine, sites to prepare, and ideas to bring to life. But what this field visit demonstrated is that the foundation is already very strong.