Annie Liang-Zhou | World Monuments Fund

My work consisted of the research and documentation of two current World Monuments Fund (WMF) projects in Ulaanbaatar and Kharkorin, Mongolia, the Choijin Lama Temple and Erdene Zuu Monastery. These are two of the most significant religious heritage sites in Mongolia, representing different eras, architectural traditions, and cultural narratives. Both have survived periods of political and religious cleansing.

These two temple complexes have both been included on the World Monuments Fund (WMF) Watch Program in 2020 and 2025, as they are under the threat of urban neglect and extreme weather and climate events, respectively.

My scope of work included the photo documentation of temple complexes and shadowing the current director on his assessment of the temples. This rapid assessment is meant to assist WMF with the compilation of a strategic plan for next steps in country, as well as seeking sources of long-term funding and partnerships.

As for next steps, I will continue to assist World Monuments Fund’s involvement with Choijin Lama Temple through the second phase of restoration of the Undur Gegeen Temple, known for its unique artworks, sculpture. Additionally, I will present a suggested action plan to increase community engagement and education programs for the advancement of traditional crafts and professional conservation practices in Mongolia.

I drew on research techniques and resources learned in HSPV 6010 Documentation, Research, and Recording, where I learned valuable skills in using a number of means to document the sites, as well as how to properly present the evidence through photo documentation and a rapid assessment of the current conditions, materials, and recommendations. The knowledge gained from HSPV 6250 contributed to my thinking of economic and cost assessments of the sites. The Wood Seminar (HSPV 7380) helped me to look at the sites through the materials, analyzing the conditions of the wood and artifacts.

This experience allowed me to put my academic learning to practice, to really look at sites through the lens of conservation and to cultivate a more comprehensive approach towards sites that face different types of urban and environmental challenges. I am also planning to visit these sites again next summer to continue my observations and assessments and to hopefully help the WMF and local teams in the execution of the conservation plan.

Through this experience, I was able to meet the director of the Choijin Lama Temple Museum and seek expert training and advice on how they approached the conservation of the site. In addition, I also met the Cultural Minister of Mongolia and sought help from two former Presidents of Mongolia to help direct more resources to the WMF projects.