Mongolia Honors Dr. George Archibald with the Medal of Friendship

Dr. George Archibald proudly displays the Medal of Nairamdal, presented by Mr. Batbayar Shurenchuluun of the State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia. Photo courtesy of the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia

On September 9, 2026, the Government of Mongolia awarded Dr. George Archibald, Co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, the Medal of Nairamdal (Friendship) in recognition of his more than three decades of contribution to crane and wetland conservation and international cooperation in Mongolia. The medal was presented by Mr. Batbayar Shurenchuluun of the State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia.

Nairamdal, meaning “friendship” in Mongolian, is a state honor presented to foreign citizens who have made significant contributions to strengthening Mongolia’s international relations and cooperation.

Dr. Archibald’s engagement with Mongolia began in 1992, right after the country’s historic transition to democracy and a market economy. That year, he invited Mongolian biologists Dr. A. Bold and N. Tseveenmyadag to the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin. They were the very first Mongolian biologists to visit the United States. During the visit, they were introduced to international approaches to crane research, wetland conservation, and environmental education. The visit helped establish a lasting connection between Mongolia and the international crane conservation community.

White-naped Crane at the Khurkh and Khuiten Nature Reserve. Photo courtesy of the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia

Dr. Archibald subsequently supported cooperation to conserve the internationally important Daurian wetlands and grasslands shared by Mongolia, Russia, and China. This work contributed to efforts that led to the establishment of the Mongol Daguur Strictly Protected Area and the development of the transboundary Dauria International Protected Area, strengthening the protection of critical habitats for cranes and other migratory birds across Northeast Asia.

His support has continued through successive generations of Mongolian conservationists. In recent years, the International Crane Foundation has worked closely with the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia to advance long-term research and conservation of White-naped Cranes and wetlands in the Khurkh and Khuiten valleys of northeastern Mongolia. This long-term scientific and conservation work helped demonstrate the national and international importance of the landscape and contributed to the establishment of the Khurkh and Khuiten Nature Reserve, protecting more than 200,000 hectares of wetlands and grasslands. Today, the reserve protects one of Mongolia’s most important breeding populations of the globally threatened White-naped Crane and provides critical habitat for many other migratory birds.

Over more than three decades, Dr. Archibald has helped connect Mongolian scientists with the international conservation community, supported the development of national expertise, promoted transboundary cooperation, and championed the protection of some of Mongolia’s most important crane and wetland landscapes. The Order of Friendship recognizes this enduring contribution and the long-standing partnership between Dr. Archibald, the International Crane Foundation, and Mongolia’s conservation community.