Globally, countries are shifting from a linear economic model toward a circular economy that emphasizes resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the reuse of natural resources. This transition requires designing products and services from the outset to be reusable, efficient, and sustainable. 

In Mongolia, with the goal of introducing the circular economy model into the tourism sector and building the capacity of entrepreneurs in this area, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, with financing from the Asian Development Bank, commissioned the “Capacity Building for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Circular Economy and Green Business” consultancy project. The project was jointly implemented by IRIM, the ToC Association, and Development Solutions NGO from November 2022 to June 2025. 

The project was carried out through three main components: 

🟢1. Comprehensive assessment  
A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the existing legal and policy frameworks supporting the circular economy, along with an in-depth assessment of the opportunities and challenges of introducing circular economy principles into the tourism sector. 

🟢2. Capacity Building Program: 
A needs assessment was conducted among MSMEs to understand their level of awareness and interest in circular economy practices. Based on the findings, an integrated training and mentorship program was developed and implemented. A total of 421 women entrepreneurs participated in the program, and 16 outstanding business projects were selected to receive equipment support valued at USD 9,000 each. 

🟢3. National and international virtual event: 
To explore how circular economy principles have been applied in business processes and technologies internationally, virtual discussions were organized with CAREC countries, along with experience-sharing events. 

🤝We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for their support, the Asian Development Bank for funding the initiative, and our project partners—the ToC Association and Development Solutions NGO—for their excellent collaboration throughout the implementation of this project.