In East Kazakhstan, particular attention is paid to the development of ecotourism while ensuring the conservation of natural ecosystems.
One of the tools for regulating tourist pressure is the Methodology for Determining the Permissible Recreational Load and Tourist-Recreational Capacity of Specially Protected Natural Areas (SPNAs), developed by the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the participation of scientific organizations and experts.
How the Permissible Load Is Determined
The methodology makes it possible to determine the permissible number of visitors for specific tourist routes, ecological trails, observation platforms and recreational areas, taking into account the natural conditions of the territory.
The calculations take into account:
the type of terrain and relief features;
slope steepness;
the stability of the soil and vegetation cover;
the area and length of the tourist route;
seasonal characteristics of the territory;
the availability and condition of tourist infrastructure;
the need to ensure comfortable conditions for visitors.
The permissible recreational load is determined taking into account the basic and actual recreational capacity of the territory. Reduction coefficients are applied to account for the specific natural and infrastructure conditions of each site.
Monitoring the Condition of Natural Areas
Determining the permissible load is part of the environmental monitoring system. Key sections of tourist routes are monitored to assess the condition of the natural environment.
If signs of increased anthropogenic pressure are identified, appropriate measures may be taken, including reducing the number of visitors, regulating access, and temporarily restricting the use of individual sections of a route to allow the natural vegetation cover to recover.
Ecotourism in East Kazakhstan
There are 42 tourist routes in the East Kazakhstan Region, 24 of which are ecological routes. The routes pass through specially protected natural areas, including the Katон-Karagay State National Nature Park, Markakol and West Altai State Nature Reserves.
Compliance with the permissible recreational load makes it possible to combine the development of the tourism sector with the preservation of the region's natural and landscape potential.
For East Kazakhstan, which has significant natural and tourism potential, this approach is an important condition for the sustainable development of ecotourism.
