Church Leaders Participate in Presidential Event Celebrating Environmental Stewardship at Mongolia’s Khuvsgul Lake

DOWNLOAD

On August 1-2, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, participated in events focused on the preservation of Khuvsgul Lake, one of Mongolia’s most important freshwater resources. The participation came in connection with humanitarian efforts supported by Deseret International Charities (DIC), the church’s humanitarian affiliate and at the invitation of organizers involved in Mongolia’s national Blue Pearl initiative

The event brought together religious leaders, government officials, scientists, conservationists, and representatives from organizations supporting efforts to preserve one of Mongolia's most treasured natural resources. Representing Deseret International Charities were Elder Kimo Esplin, President of the Church's Asia North Area; Elder Ochirjav Odgerel, an Area Authority Seventy; and local church leaders.

The invitation was extended in recognition of DIC's participation in the "Blue Pearl" initiative, a national effort focused on protecting Mongolia's vital water resources, including Khuvsgul Lake. During previous discussions with members of the President’s staff, Elder Esplin discussed humanitarian initiatives supported by the Church and DIC throughout Mongolia, including Chromebook donations to rural schools, tree-planting projects, wheelchair assistance, maternal and infant healthcare programs, and clean water initiatives. During those discussions, presidential staff members also shared the goals and vision of the Blue Pearl initiative and areas where humanitarian collaboration could help meet needs.

Often called Mongolia's "Blue Pearl" or "Mother Ocean," Khuvsgul Lake is the nation's largest freshwater lake and contains more than 70 percent of Mongolia's freshwater reserves. The lake plays a vital role in maintaining the country's water ecosystem, supporting groundwater recharge and hydrological balance across the region. In recent years, however, increasing tourism, pollution, abandoned vehicles, and other environmental pressures have threatened the lake's fragile ecosystem.

To address these challenges, Mongolia's Blue Pearl program is working to reduce water pollution, improve wastewater treatment and reuse systems, and protect the region's glaciers and permafrost ecosystems. As part of those efforts, initiative leaders identified an urgent need to provide reliable power to a remote scientific research facility being constructed near the lake.

In response, Deseret International Charities led the humanitarian project through its global Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiative, partnering with the nonprofit organization Blue Pearl of Blue Mongolia to fund and install solar panels and related equipment for the facility. As a humanitarian affiliate of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, DIC works throughout the world to improve access to clean water, health care, education, food security, and other humanitarian services.

The completed project now provides year-round electricity and heating for the research center, enabling scientists to live and work at the site throughout Mongolia's harsh winters while conducting research essential to the preservation of Khuvsgul Lake.

Elder Esplin and other Church leaders toured the newly completed facility, learned about the scientific work being conducted to better understand and protect Mongolia's freshwater ecosystems, and participated in events marking its opening. Elder Esplin expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support a project that benefits communities and promotes responsible stewardship of natural resources. He also noted the potential for future scientific collaboration between researchers in Mongolia and Church-affiliated universities.

Following the research center celebration, the delegation participated in the Ritual Blessing of Khuvsgul Lake hosted by President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. Participants in the event represented a variety of religious, academic, environmental, and community organizations committed to the preservation of Mongolia's natural heritage.

After the blessing, church leaders met with President Khurelsukh, discussing environmental stewardship, humanitarian service, and the positive role faith-based organizations can play in strengthening communities. President Khurelsukh shared his priorities for protecting Mongolia's natural resources and expressed gratitude, on behalf of the Mongolian people, for DIC's contribution to the Khuvsgul Lake research facility. The solar-powered project represents a collaborative effort among government, scientific, nonprofit, and faith-based partners to support research and sustainable solutions for preserving one of Mongolia's most important freshwater resources.

Elder Esplin shared a brief overview of the Church, noting that it has more than 18 million members worldwide, including more than 13,000 members in Mongolia.

"We are Christians. We believe in Jesus Christ," Elder Esplin said. "We believe that when Christ was on the earth, He performed many miracles."

He added that miracles continue today, including those that come through inspired researchers, scientists, educators, humanitarian organizations, and government leaders who work together to solve challenges facing God's children and improve the world around them.

Reflecting on the experience, Elder Esplin said:

"It was an honor to meet with President Khurelsukh, and he was extremely gracious and kind in his time with us. He was complimentary of the humanitarian and community efforts being carried out in Mongolia. We had a wonderful discussion about his priorities related to the environment in Mongolia and how they align with efforts to bless communities and improve lives. He is a very personal and genuine person."

The visit highlighted Mongolia's commitment to environmental stewardship and scientific advancement, as well as the important role that humanitarian organizations can play in supporting those objectives. It also demonstrated how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through Deseret International Charities, continues to support initiatives that bless communities, encourage responsible stewardship of natural resources, and contribute to the well-being of future generations.