Impact

Ulaanbaatar Oasis

The need of creating green spaces within the ger areas becomes a priority given the underserved nature. The Ulaanbaatar Oasis Project will refurbish the pre-existing social gathering points, specifically, water kiosks, into green, social hubs throughout ger areas of Ulaanbaatar. We will transform the specific water-kiosk as the pilot project in one of the largest ger area populated khoroo (smallest government unit) located in Songinkhairkhan district. Songinokhairkhan district is the second-largest ger area in Ulaanbaatar with a population of almost 500,000 citizens. Within the ger areas, one of the most trafficked places is a water kiosk which draws one member of each household regularly. It is a water collection point, that household members visit to fetch water for domestic use. Government-owned fully functioning water kiosks are counted as 9,000 in 2020. It is estimated that almost 44 households use water kiosks in their daily life. Even though it is visited by many, there is no function that enables interaction between residents. By creating a public space to gather, connect and build strong ties to each other and to place, we will enable pathways to a close-knit and safe community while increasing the level of green spaces in the urban settlement areas. Our project is specifically designed for the migrated communities that have a high risk of climate change exposure due to the lack of flood resilience and infrastructure. To achieve the project goals, it is important to include and engage local residents, grassroots-community-based organizations, and a local government.