Evaluating sustainability policies by measuring well-being: evidence from Mongolia

Abstract

The study examines the relationship between sustainability policies and resident well-being within Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's Ger district, through a case study of the 19th subdistrict of the Bayanzurkh district. The primary research question is: Are well-being attributes being used to determine the efficacy of sustainability policies? Using mixed methods, survey questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups with 30 participants across three stakeholder groups (Ger district residents, subdistrict officials, and district officials), the research identified 15 key well-being attributes. The identified well-being attributes were used to assess whether these attributes serve as efficacy determinants in sustainability policies across national, municipal, and district governance levels. The study revealed significant gaps between policy objectives and implementation outcomes. While sustainability policies demonstrated clear goals on paper, they consistently lacked implementation mechanisms, designated agents, and dedicated funding streams. For example, air quality deteriorated significantly, as measurements of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) revealed an alarming upward trend, rising from 213 μg∕m3 in 2020 to 262 μg∕m3 in 2023. Infrastructure deficits remained severe, with 75% of residents reporting having only unpaved roads and 95% relying on pit latrines. Public service accessibility showed marked disparities, with 70% of residents expressing some level of dissatisfaction with school accessibility. The research advances the understanding of using well-being attributes to measure sustainability policy effectiveness in informal settlements. Recommendations include the use of well-being attributes when developing sustainability policies, strengthening implementation mechanisms, prioritizing infrastructure development, and enhancing community engagement in planning processes. The findings have significant implications for policymakers and urban planners working in rapidly urbanizing contexts, demonstrating the critical importance of aligning sustainability initiatives with resident well-being outcomes.