ECOLOGICAL TOURISM: FEATURES AND PROBLEMS OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN

Abstract

This article examines the characteristics and challenges of developing ecotourism in the Republic of Tajikistan. Today, Tajikistan's mountainous regions, thanks to their rich
and diverse ecotourism resources, are considered among the most promising regions in Central
Asia. However, the current state of tourism infrastructure in Tajikistan's mountainous regions,
including a weak material and technical base (80 percent of which is in need of reconstruction),
low service levels, the absence of a viable industry, and the lack of oversight of monuments,
memorials, and other sites of natural, historical, and cultural interest, have rendered the Tajik
tourism industry completely uncompetitive in the global market. Ecotourism in the Republic of
Tajikistan is one of the most promising tourism sectors. Unique climatic and natural conditions,
high biodiversity, and the presence of significant protected areas (including more than 20 nature
reserves and national parks) provide the foundation for the development of ecotourism that meets
international sustainability standards. Examples include the Tajik National Park, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, and the Pamir Mountains, which boast highly preserved ecosystems and low
levels of anthropogenic impact.