*BASED ON STORIES |
Tseegii and Zaya, Mongolia.

What you will find in this article:
→ The testimonies of Tseegii and Zaya, who take us to their country, the Mongolia.
→ The way we met them.
→ Links to other testimonials of the series « *Based on true stories », when each day these appear :
> Pavel, Russia | Asanka, Sri Lanka | Geoffrey, Japan | Biplav & Dipesh, Nepal | Yana & Maxime, South Korea

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« [...] So I think it's at least that:
By stopping tourism, the pandemic finally offers a respite to nature and Mongolia. »

Where
It all started.

Tseegii was the first person we met in Mongolia. To become familiar with a culture, we like to start every adventure in a new country by meeting its inhabitants: our wish had been fulfilled with Tseegii, who was very enthusiastic about meeting two French. She opened the doors of her apartment and left her guest room, we spent several days at her house. We had long discussions about his country and had also talked about ours. She made us taste, from the first night, after 12 hours of bus and having crossed the capital under the snow at night to reach her, her father's favorite vodka. We, on the last night, surprised him with a specialty of the country, straight out of our backpack and preciously preserved until then: This is how a sausage found itself on the table of a kitchen in Mongolia whose tablecloth was none other than the country map.

Zaya, on the other hand, marked our last week in the country. We'll always remember the day we saw this little woman at the baby ball Jump from a Uaz to meet us. It was on the first day of Shipping that she had helped us prepare for the meeting of one of Mongolia's last ethnic minorities. It was when we didn't know yet how Zaya was. a guide that attached importance to the preservation of his country. But if you really want to know Zaya, the best thing is to get lost in this story. unforgettable adventure.

Are you comfortable?
We're leaving you now with Tseegii and Zaya.

→ Can you tell us about the situation in Mongolia? Does the pandemic have much impact on your personal life?

Tseegii: « In Mongolia we have 16 confirmed cases, no deaths*. This pandemic has completely changed our lives. It affects our daily lives, our habits and brings everyone to face new challenges, including our government. But these challenges are not the same for everyone, they are even bigger in small towns and the countryside. In Ulaanbaatar, it is easier to comply with the hygiene rules set out by the government. But for my family living near borders in a small town, for example, is synonymous with much more effort and changes of habit.

My husband, my two little daughters and I now carry constant masks. We wash our hands constantly. We clean everything up everywhere. We have more than distance communication with others, we stay home as much as possible. In any case, we think that washing our hands and wearing masks will not only prevent us from coronavirus but also from all other respiratory diseases We think we're protecting ourselves from a lot of other things at the same time. I have two little girls who have just been born, as much as putting every chance on our side... This pandemic is an opportunity to make small changes in our lives that may make a big difference now and later. It's time to learn and turn to new things. »

*These comments were received on 10 April. On the date of writing of these lines, 18 April 2020, the figures of the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in Mongolia report 31 cases, 5 of which are cured. No deaths. [IKON.MN,

Zaya: « Our Daily has actually changed completely, for many months already. It's been four months since all the schools were closed and we've been taking care of the children so they can study from home. For that, there are a few lessons that are broadcast on television, which helps them do their homework. I don't work anymore. But I felt I was even more busy than before. : in normal time because of my guide activity, my children stayed at school or day care. Now I have to take care of my three non-stop girls, cook at each 3 meals a day every day and also help them do their homework. Yes, our daily lives have changed completely... and we still have until the end of AprilMaybe even later. »

→ What kind of measures have been taken?

Tseegii: « In addition to wearing masks and washing hands very regularly, the government has decided to contain the population and has also prohibits alcohol consumption*. Many professions are stationary if not necessary, and in addition to the closure of universities & schools, we do not not the right to date children. Supermarkets Stop selling alcohol and all borders are closed. »

*In Mongolia alcoholism is according to the Mongolian state itself a « national scourge » This is the country most affected by alcoholism in the world. According to the Mongolian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, 28% of men suffer from alcoholism and 5% of women. These rates are three times higher than the European countries. Médecins du Monde estimates the mortality associated with alcohol abuse at 27%.

Zaya: « We no longer have the right to move. They force us to stay home. In Mongolia, the decisions were taken very quickly, the month of January: after imposing very strict quarantines on all foreigners, the country quickly closed borders. Even for us the conditions were strict: all Mongolian citizens returning from abroad were obliged to remain 15 days in isolation before you can go home*. I think it's all these decisions that have helped us to contain this epidemic so far and that for now our health system works well, it's not overwhelmed. »

*This is how the majority of the 31 cases were identified and directly quarantined.

→ How does the population experience this situation? Does she respect the rules?

Tseegii: « Personally, we're here. Very vigilant. I have the impression that this virus scares a lot of people in Mongolia without that people take it very seriously certain simple measures. Paradoxically, while the government keeps asking us to wear masks, The population is wearing... Less than before. Up to now, many of these were due to fire pollution* But now spring is there then the fires are no longer necessary with the good days. People no longer feel the need to put...

Every time in our country, It's like the winter break had a soothing effect on everyone.. People feel more serene. As if with the good days this pandemic would also end. But calmly, this is the time to be. This virus is insidious and can hide everywhere. If we are not vigilant, He'll hit harder. »

*Many nomads live in precarious conditions and have been forced to leave this lifestyle. They found a job in the capital and permanently set up their yurt there. Around the Ulaanbaatar, the vision is rather disturbing: huge expanses of encased yurts, like a shanty town. The majority of these former nomads live in precarious conditions and burn everything they find to resist the winter. These coal fires and tires, among other fuels, make Ulaan Bator the second most polluted city in the world in winter.

Zaya: « In cities, we respect very much. And as far as confinement at home is concerned, we don't have a choice anyway: depending on the case, the government has even completely closed all roads.*. »

*There are few roads as we know them in Mongolia. This country is three times larger than ours, with only five major paved roads. The rest of the roads outside some cities are more or less marked in the steppes.

→ When we ask Zaya how she envisages the future, she addresses a theme that had never been mentioned in previous testimonies:

« The virus has affected many businesses and businesses that have sometimes had to stop their activities altogether. The tourism sector – my sector – is particularly affected We no longer have any tourism income and we will not have any for the next year. It's difficult and it's a strong pressure, it's for sure, but I know how to be honest: deep down, I think it's a Good thing. It'll offer. a year of respite to the environment of our beautiful country.

It's true, every year we see the number of tourists increase, More and more. It's economically speaking, but environmentally it has a lot adverse effects : our natural spaces become contaminated, our roads are much more frequented and even in steppes, we sometimes meet with Full of vehicles... So I think it's at least this: by stopping tourism, The pandemic will finally provide a respite for nature and Mongolia. »

→ Are you scared about later?

« I'm not afraid.. Because for once in life, it's never been so much simple to do well Wash your hands, stay home, wear a mask. These simple rules just follow them, patiently. Then everything will be better. »

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