Concept of the Sacred Atlas — Living Lands Guardians

A skilled finance and program coordination professional, Khaluin Ganbaatar is dedicated to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives. Since 2021, she has managed complex accounting and program coordination for the Land of Snow Leopard (LOSL) Network, a multi-stakeholder conservation effort. A passionate volunteer, Khaluin thrives on building cross-cultural connections. She has managed logistics for international conferences, provided interpretation at the United Nations, and mentored young Indigenous leaders. Through her work, Khaluin blends financial expertise with a deep commitment to community and social impact.

As the youngest member of the World Union of Indigenous Spiritual Practitioners' Council of Elders, Buyanbadrakh Erdenetsogt is a powerful voice for the new generation of spiritual leaders. A practicing shaman from the Olkhonuud-Medeebayan clan of Mongols, he accepted the call from his ancestors at the young age of 17. Today, he is the head of the Association for the Protection of Altai Cultural Heritage (Altai Uv), dedicating his life to revitalizing the traditional knowledge and spiritual heritage of Mongolian-speaking peoples. Buyanbadrakh has traveled across all 21 provinces of Mongolia, conducting powerful ceremonies at sacred sites to restore the deep connection between humanity, nature, and culture. Whether he is leading a Great Tengeri (Father Sky) Ceremony or working with local students to help them understand their roots, his mission is clear: to translate the ancient language of the spirits and nature for a modern world. As a father of four, his work is not just about preserving the past but nurturing a balanced and spiritually connected future for generations to come.

Drawing inspiration from her Mongolian nomadic heritage, she uses her art to remind us of the importance of harmony, balance, and unity with the world around us. Her signature material is felt, a fabric deeply woven into the fabric of nomadic life. For Munkhtsetseg, felt isn’t just a medium; it’s a message. Its warmth and organic properties represent a call to return to a more mindful and sustainable way of living. Through her powerful and symbolic work, she bridges ancient wisdom with modern challenges, advocating for a future where we live in loving coexistence with nature.

Born on January 5, 2007, Oyunguvaa Dolgormaa is a recent high school graduate from School No. 71 in the Sukhbaatar district. This fall, he embarked on an exciting new chapter, starting his first year at the Mongolian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Following his passion for animals, he is studying to become a veterinarian. At home, he lives with his three younger siblings. With his love for animals and his new journey into veterinary science, Oyunguvaa brings a unique and compassionate perspective to the camp.

Growing up in a herding family, he learned the ins and outs of caring for Mongolia's five traditional livestock animals. While his dad is a whiz with machines, his mom is a master of needlework, and Nyamaa has inherited their spirit of learning and doing.

Born in 2013, Temuujin Buyanbadrakh is the second-oldest of four siblings and shares a special bond with his twin sister. He’s currently a 7th grader at Tugsdelgerekh Secondary School. Don't let his age fool you—he's already a decorated student, having won the "Honor Student" gold medal and acing the "National Calligraphy Champion" contest.

student at the Mongolian State University of Arts and Culture, where he has shifted his focus from performance to composition. He is already making a name for himself with original works like "Piano Prelude No. 1," "Toccata Prelude," and a string quartet for four morin khuurs.

He is currently pursuing his bachelor's degree at the Mongolian National University of Arts and Culture, where he excels as a professional Morin Khuur and piano player.

Bright, young, talented screenwriter and director of many films.

15 years of experience in the field of preserving and developing cultural heritage and traditional knowledge

A freelance printmaker and illustrator from Ulan-Ude, Buryatia, Darima Kantakova is a masterful visual storyteller. After graduating from the prestigious St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts, she returned home to offer a fresh perspective on Buryat art. Specializing in printmaking and book illustration, Darima’s work is celebrated for its elegant simplicity, with her deepest inspiration coming from her own culture. A central theme of her art is her stunning series of illustrations for the Buryat epic "Geser," which reinterprets the ancient tale for a modern audience by blending contemporary style with timeless cultural narratives.

A member of the Buryat Ekhirit and Khongoodor/Sagaan clans, Maria Azhunova is a globally recognized leader in biocultural conservation. As Director of the Land of Snow Leopard Network, she unites nearly 100 grassroots organizations across Central Asia, helping integrate Indigenous spiritual values into modern conservation efforts. A graduate of Harvard and Cambridge, Maria was awarded the prestigious Bright Award from Stanford University for her work bridging ancient wisdom and environmental solutions.

He is a participant and organizer of numerous international exhibitions, forums, fashion shows, and festivals dedicated to traditional art. He is the founder of the conceptual clothing brand SHERDEN. Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek.