ECOTOURISM POTENTIAL OF THE BUKHARA REGION AND ANALYSIS OF ITS DEVELOPMENT TENDENCIES

Аннотация

Ecotourism is globally recognised as a sustainable development instrument capable of
harmonising economic growth, environmental conservation, and socio-cultural enrichment.
The Bukhara region of Uzbekistan possesses an exceptional portfolio of ecotourism assets that
remain significantly underexplored in contemporary academic literature. This study aims to
systematically assess the ecotourism potential of the Bukhara region and to analyse the
principal tendencies shaping its development trajectory between 2018 and 2024. A mixedmethod research design was employed, integrating SWOT-analysis, stakeholder interviews (n
= 45), field observations at eight key natural sites, and secondary data obtained from the State
Committee of Uzbekistan for Tourism Development and regional statistical agencies. The
results demonstrate that Bukhara possesses four distinct ecotourism clusters: the Kyzylkum
Desert zone, the Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve, the Tudakul-Shurkul wetland complex,
and the Jeyran Ecological Centre corridor. Visitor arrivals to these clusters grew by 63.4 %
over the study period, yet average per-capita spending remained 2.3 times lower than the
national ecotourism benchmark. SWOT-analysis reveals strong natural and cultural
endowments offset by critical infrastructure deficits, insufficient trained human capital, and
fragmented institutional governance. The study proposes a four-pillar development framework:
(i) infrastructure upgrading along certified eco-routes, (ii) community-based tourism
integration, (iii) capacity building for local guides and operators, and (iv) inter-agency
coordination mechanisms. The findings contribute to the emerging body of Central Asian
ecotourism scholarship and provide actionable policy recommendations for regional tourism
authorities