Ecology
Mongolia is one of the few nations of the world that has managed to preserve its natural environment in a relatively pristine condition. This is mainly due to the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols, which was closely interconnected with the natural environment and had little permanent impact on the ecology. Mongolia's ecology has also benefited, until recently, from the country's small and highly dispersed population and from its low level of urbanization. Nevertheless, negative environmental impacts have been produced in the past 60 years by the intensification of mining, quarrying and logging activities. Since the 1990s in particular, Mongolia has become increasingly urbanized and industrialized, with the natural resource sector contributing an ever greater share of the national economy.
Some actions have been taken to protect the most sensitive ecological areas and species through the expansion of the network of national protected areas. The first officially protected area in Mongolia was the Bogd Xan Mountain, protected in 1778, and considered to be the first national park in the world. The 1994 [[Library:Law on Special Protected Areas|]] defines four types of protected area: (1) Strictly Protected Areas, (2) Natural Parks, (3) Natural Reserves, and (4) Monuments.
 | In commemoration of the legacy and teachings of His Holiness Dulduit Danzanravzhaa Fifth Wrathful Noble Xutagt of the Great Gobi (1803-1856) I did not overbearingly sophize Nor preach with pride and arrogance But having found a sense in this world Spoke the truth of my dear heart. |   |