Baasansuren Zendensuren: Committed to building an eco-friendly future together
Ms Baasansuren Zendensuren, a social worker at the Lifelong Learning Center in Nalaikh district, Ulaanbaatar, is a trainer for the “My Forest Child” project. Her role is to educate children and residents of Nalaikh district about the environment and ways to adapt to climate change.
In December 2024, Z. Baasansuren attended a training organized by Save the Children in collaboration with the Center for Clean Water Resources and Conservation under the Ministry of Environment and Climate change. Since then, she has held numerous training sessions for children, youth, and adults in Nalaikh district. These trainings focus on the impacts of climate change, adaptation methods, and simple daily habits that promote environmental protection and sustainable living.
Z. Baasansuren shares that becoming an environmental trainer has positively transformed her mindset and lifestyle. “I have realized that we can begin with ourselves when making eco-friendly choices. Now, I try to save energy every day, separate our waste, and monitor electricity use,” she says. Having grown up close to farming and often carrying water for greenhouses as a child, Ms Baasansuren draws on these experiences to connect with the community and make her training more relatable.
Others who attended in her training have also reported meaningful changes. “The training was very engaging. Many families are now motivated to plant trees in their yards, but it’s important to choose species that are suitable for the local environment” said B. Ulziitsetseg, a resident of the 6th khoroo. M. Temuulen, a resident from the 3rd khoroo, said, “This kind of training is very useful. If more people in the district had access to this information, the impact would be even greater. I plan to share what I’ve learned with my family and neighbors.”
The training has proven valuable for people of all ages. Residents have started practicing seedling care, planting trees, sorting waste, and reducing their use of plastics.
For Ms Baasansuren, this project is more than just about sharing knowledge. It is about shifting mindsets and building a sustainable, eco-friendly future together. She is dedicated to inspiring others and emphasizes that everyone’s involvement is essential in tackling climate change.
“My Forest Child” project aims to create a forest covering 5 hectares in Nalaikh’s 5th khoroo, involving the community. It also provides education to children, youth, and residents about climate change and encourages positive environmental behavior. Trainers are prepared, and public trainings are ongoing.
Funded by the Save the Children Korea, ‘My Forest Child’ project aims to improve Nalaikh’s residents’ attitudes toward nature and increase their ability to adapt to climate change.