e are talking to Mrs. Munkhzaya
Mendbayar, CEO of “Ulaanbaatar
Buyan” LLC and “New Cemetery” LLC,
who is leading the way in advancing
and modernizing the funeral industry
in Mongolia. She is also involved in
redeveloping old cemeteries, keeping
them up to date with the changing needs
and expectations of the community.
Mrs. Mendbayar represents the next
generation of leaders in the funeral
industry, committed to taking it to
new heights and ensuring its continued
development.
KATARZYNA SUPA: Could you please share
your insights on the evolving landscape of
the funeral industry in Mongolia, given your
extensive experience in the field?
MUNKHZAYA
MENDBAYAR:
The
funeral
industry in Mongolia has undergone significant
changes in recent years, reflecting shifts in
cultural norms, urbanization, and environmental
considerations. Traditionally, state-run entities
primarily provided funeral services, but there
has been a notable transition towards private
companies, driven by a growing demand for
more personalized and diverse funeral services.
There are more than 40 privately owned funeral
companies in Mongolia.
The funeral market in Mongolia comprises a mix of
state-owned cemeteries permitting land usage to
private companies. This diversity has introduced
innovation and competition, providing consumers
with a more comprehensive range of options.
The first cemetery facility was established in
2004. Cremation has been gaining popularity,
particularly in urban areas. The cremation rate
currently stands at 7.6%, reflecting a shift towards
more environmentally friendly practices. Due to
the availability of the facilities, the cremation rate
is high in the capital city.
The availability of burial space, including cemeteries,
is a significant concern. The land used for burials
has been increased to 96.4 hectares over the past
five years. This has prompted discussions about
sustainable land use and cemetery management,
particularly in urban areas with limited space. In
response to the evolving needs of consumers,
businesses specializing in funeral products, such
as caskets, urns, and related items, have emerged
to meet these demands. But they are still catching
up to the international standards and trends.
The Mongolian Funeral Association plays a pivotal
role in the industry. It is a unifying body that fosters
collaboration
among
stakeholders,
including
funeral companies and related businesses. The
association contributes to establishing industry
standards, sharing best practices, and promoting
AT A CROSSROADS
WHERE TRADITION
MEETS MODERNITY
Interviewer: Katarzyna Supa
Photo: private archive
16
No. 104 – WINTER 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
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