In May 2015, Ms. Javzansuren Norvanchig, a water specialist with the WaSH Action of Mongolia, participated in the U.S. State Department’s Professional Fellows Program by spending a month at the Waterkeeper Alliance (WKA) in New York City learning about Waterkeeper’s model of advocacy for clean water across the global, which started at the Hudson River. As a result of her experience in the United States, Ms. Javzaa returned to Mongolia and founded the Tuul River Waterkeeper Organization, which aims to sustain a swimmable, drinkable and fishable Tuul River. The Tuul River Waterkeeper Organization joins more than 260 other organizations in 32 countries across the globe, which make up the Waterkeeper Alliance.
Ms. Javzansuren is a program coordinator at the WaSH Action of Mongolia, which aims to improve water quality, sanitation facilities, and hygiene behaviors for vulnerable population. She organized several campaigns, activities to raise awareness on water safety and conservation. In addition she is an alumna of Environmental Fellowship Program by Zorig Foundation.
Now, Ms. Min Zheng, the Asia Regional Coordinator for the Waterkeeper Alliance, is in Mongolia to work with Ms. Javzaa on the Tuul River. While in Mongolia Ms. Zheng met with the Water and Sewage Authority of Mongolia, the River Basin Administration at the Ministry of Environment, and Tuul River Basin Authority. She also did some site visits along the Tuul River to understand the ecosystem and the surrounding of the Tuul River.
Ms. Zheng began her career in sustainability at the grassroots level by developing community-based initiatives to increase environmental awareness among youths and communities for over 10 years from the East to the West coast of the United States. Min is also knowledgeable about environmental issues internationally through her studies and travels in countries such as Costa Rica, South Africa, China and Japan.
The Professional Fellows Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and managed by the National Committee on United States-China Relations. The National Committee works in partnership the Zorig Foundation in Ulaanbaatar to administer a two-way exchange for emerging leaders in Mongolia and the United States in the fields of environment, philanthropy, legal aid, and community building.
