Abstract
This article aims to examine effective ways of conservation and use of cultural heritages in Mongolia, focusing on local people's view of them.
This research was carried out at Kharkhorin sum, Ovorkhangai aimag in Mongolia. I had observations and interviews with local people there. Kharkhorin sum is located in Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, which became a World Heritage Site in 2004. In the center of this sum, there are the ruins of Kharakhorum City, which was the capital of the Mongol empire, and Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in the 16th century.
As a result of this research, cultural heritage has both an economical and cultural value for the local residents. Local people expect economic effects from heritage tourism. And they also need the information of their cultural heritage. But, under the present conditions, both the cultural and economic benefits are insufficient for them.
The effective way to solve this problem is to organize the local residents and develop the preservation and utilization system of cultural heritage sites with local people leading. And public administration, museums and schools also play an important role in educating local residents. It is important to make a relationship between and foster cooperation of administration, local government and local community.
