The evaluation of environmental and socio-cultural impacts of tourism on the Khorgo-Terkhyn Tsagaan Nuur National Park

Abstract

The Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park is one of the major tourist destinations in Mongolia. The Park, in recent years, has witnessed a significant increase in the number of visiting local tourists. The present research was conducted to assess the environmental, social and cultural impacts of tourism in the region particularly today when we talk about sustainable tourism. To assess these impacts, as assessment method was used which is applied internationally. These impacts were based on three criterion for sustainable development-environmental impacts, social and cultural impacts. The National Park has been facing environmental impacts such as poor waste management, soil erosion, overgrazing, and water pollution. Even though it has some great impacts on the social, cultural and environmental aspects and its products and services, preserving traditional and cultural heritages and improving the skills of local and tourist workers, it continues to have a negative affect on the traditional customs, national arts and culture. Therefore, it is important that the means and methods of reducing these negative impacts should be planned and developed in the near future.