Around the world communities are losing precious relics and cultural identity. To compound this situation, modern tourism often exploits these areas.

Tourism is the largest industry in the world, yet seldom, if ever, is it used in a constructive manner.

According to the World Tourism Organization less than 10% of all tourist dollars make it into the hands of local communities.

Cultural Restoration Tourism Project

• Aid communities around the world in restoring artifacts of cultural importance

• Develop sustainable communities

• Create a model of Responsible Tourism

• Utilize alternative funding source for development and restoration projects

M I S S I O N

BALDAN BARAIVAN, MONGOLIA

(Outer)

MONGOLIA

KHENTII AIMAG

Baldan Baraivan

The construction of Baldan Baraivan Monastery began in the early 1700s.

Monasteries were the centers for culture and learning.

At its height, Baldan Baraivan was the home to over 5000 monks and lamas.

Baldan Baraivan was destroyed in 1937.

In Mongolia, over 700 monasteries were destroyed and more than 17,000 monks were killed.

Baldan Baraivan, Main Temple, 1937

Baldan Baraivan, Main Temple, 2003

Community Initiated

Lama Dorjtovuu

• returned to BB in 1991 with intentions to restore temple

• after rebuilding small temple, he realized they needed help

Mark Hintzke, founder and Director of CRTP, meeting with Dorjtovuu in the fall of 1998.

Why restore this temple?

Mongolians see Baldan Baraivan as a spiritually and culturally important place.

Upon completion of the restoration, this monastery will not become a museum, but will once again be a place of learning and practice, as well as a community resource (i.e health clinic, art school).

Effecting Local People:

• Restore cultural heritage

• Re-establish cultural hub

• Provide ownership & …responsibility

• Develop community pride

• Bringing people back to the …countryside

• Promote sustainable practices

• Heighten community skill-base

… etc.

1999 2003

CRTP provides jobs and job training for local people.

CRTP acts as a facilitator, bringing together the necessary local and international partners.

The Restoration Work

Thought to be the only man in Mongolia to have the skills required, Jaminguroo, 82 years old and a master-carpenter, teaches the Baldan Baraivan crew.

Finding the experts.

70% unemployment in the Khentii Province

Baraa, Baldan Baraivan head carpenter with his wife, son, mother and father.

CRTP employs approximately 30 Mongolian staff each work season, as well, as purchases supplies from local venders (lumber, food, etc).

How does our program work?

Participants from all around the world come to the restoration site as Volunteer-Vacation Participants. Their tour fee acts as a donation funding the project. While at the site the “Participants” help with the restoration efforts and are immersed in local culture.

The expertise, craftsmanship, and continuity is carried out by our Mongolian staff. The donations from the Volunteer-Vacation Participants pay the staff wages and buy the materials and supplies to run the project.

CRTP Participant Experience:

• Cultural understanding

• Connecting with philanthropy

• Making a difference when they travel

“My only regret about the whole adventure is that I didn't stay longer.....regardless of the cost.”

Bob Hanes, 75 years old

Participants do not need any prior experience in construction or woodworking.

Participants have the opportunity to work alongside the crew.

“In return for my good will and desire to contribute, I am enriched by the warm friendship and generosity of the local Mongolian people.”

Kristin Distelhorst, two-time participant 2002, 2003

Many CRTP Participants return for another trip or stay actively involved with the organization.

Progress Report: Interior of the main temple – east wall

1999 2003

2004 2004

“I will tell my children, when I was twenty years old, I was here and I helped to restore this temple.” – Jagaa, CRTP employee since 2000

Local people visiting Baldan Baraivan

Local people have already begun to return to Baldan Baraivan for traditional festivals.

changing tourismenriching lives…

restoring a temple

Cultural Restoration Tourism Project

410 Paloma Avenue Pacifica, CA 94044

Tel: (415) 563-7221

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