A field school in Mongolia has brought heritage professionals closer to the communities around important cultural sites. Sixteen participants worked with two international experts in the Orkhon Valley from 2 to 7 September 2026. They visited monasteries, a museum and a waterfall, while meeting nomadic families and people who practise traditional arts. These visits connected classroom discussions with the places and people involved in protecting heritage.
Participants formed four groups to examine community involvement, heritage education, tourism and risks from disasters and climate change. Their observations will help shape a management proposal for the area. The programme treats heritage as more than historic buildings. It also considers local knowledge and daily life, so planning can reflect both conservation needs and the experiences of nearby communities.