Mongolia’s geological and cultural heritage took centre stage this August as the Khanbogd – Shar Tsav Geopark was showcased to national and international audiences during two major events in Ulaanbaatar: the Nomads World Cultural Festival 2026 and the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17).
Located in Mongolia’s Gobi region, the Khanbogd – Shar Tsav Geopark is renowned for its distinctive geological landscapes and rich cultural heritage, reflecting the deep connections between people, nature and the environment. Showcasing the geopark during these high-profile events provided an opportunity to raise awareness of its heritage values and highlight its potential to contribute to sustainable tourism, local livelihoods and environmental stewardship.
Celebrating heritage through Mongolia’s nomadic traditions
From 21 to 23 August, the Khanbogd – Shar Tsav Geopark was featured at the Nomads World Cultural Festival 2026, held at the foot of Taij Khairkhan Mountain in Nalaikh District, Ulaanbaatar. With more than 1,200 visitors each day, the festival provided a vibrant platform to introduce the geopark and its heritage to a broad public audience.
Through a dedicated Geopark Pavilion, festival visitors were introduced to the diverse heritage of Khanbogd – Shar Tsav, from its distinctive geological formations, fossils and rich dinosaur footprints to its natural and cultural heritage. The pavilion highlighted the integrated approach of the geopark, which seeks to safeguard, promote and sustainably manage the area’s geological, natural, cultural and intangible cultural heritage, while strengthening the connections between the landscape, nomadic traditions and local communities.
This integrated approach was further reflected in the “Taste of the Gobi” Pavilion, where five distinctive Gobi dishes and drinks were presented through a masterclass and tasting session. The activity brought the Gobi’s culinary heritage and traditional foodways into the geopark’s story, highlighting how local knowledge and practices are rooted in the natural environment and form an important part of the region’s living heritage.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/bringing-khanbogd-shar-tsav-geopark-international-stage?hub=701
