ABSTRACT
Mongols have a long history of preserving and honoring nature and the environment (Batjargal, 1996). We worship fresh air, space, and sky as “father” and the eternal earth as “mother.” The sun, which is the source of all life, is “gold” and the moon, which lightens the darkness, is “silver.” Water, which sustains life, is considered the “precious source,” while fresh mineral springs with therapeutic characteristics are regarded as “healing waters.” The deep knowledge of and respect for nature possessed by Mongols has led us to live in harmony with the environment and to respect the land’s carrying capacity. As a result, Mongolia is one of the few countries in the modern world with large unspoiled natural areas that can still be conserved. This has awakened great interest among tourists and researchers; in many cases it is the main reason they travel to Mongolia.
