For Kazakhstan, the development of ecotourism is not only a matter of tourism and investment. It is part of a broader national and international agenda on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. These priorities are reflected in the approved Concept for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2036, which includes 8 priority areas and 140 activities — the country’s strategic framework, the NBSAP.

Sustainable ecotourism also contributes to Kazakhstan’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. In particular, it is linked to GBF Targets related to spatial planning, effective management of protected areas, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity mainstreaming across sectors, resource mobilisation, environmental education, and the participation of local communities, youth and women.

These priorities came into focus on 20 June 2026, when Kazakhstan held its first field meeting on the development of ecotourism, at Sairam-Ugam State National Nature Park. The meeting was chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Nurlybek Nalibayev and brought together the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nysanbayev, the Akim of Turkestan Region Nuralhan Kusherov, the First Deputy Akim of Shymkent Aydyn Karimov, and representatives of government agencies, local executive bodies, the national park administration and the business community.

The agenda had real economic substance. Representatives of interested investors presented their projects, while Daniyar Turgambayev, Chairman of the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, briefed participants on additional prospective ecotourism sites, road and engineering infrastructure needs, and the investment potential of the park. Particular attention was paid to the conservation of the unique natural landscapes of the Western Tien Shan — the mountain ecosystem at the heart of the park’s appeal and ecological significance.

Ecotourism can become an important source of sustainability for protected areas. When properly planned and managed, national parks can generate additional resources for maintaining infrastructure, strengthening site protection, monitoring biodiversity, implementing conservation measures and improving visitor services. According to BIOFIN estimates, Kazakhstan’s natural capital already generates significant economic value, including through nature-based tourism. However, the potential of ecotourism as a source of sustainable financing for protected areas remains far from fully realised.

Equally important is the fact that ecotourism creates economic opportunities for local communities. People living near national parks can work at tourism facilities, serve as guides and rangers, provide accommodation and catering services, produce souvenirs, develop local crafts and contribute to the maintenance of tourism routes and ecological trails. This agenda also has an important gender dimension: local women gain new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and participation in the regional economy.

The special value of natural areas is shaped by ecosystem services — the often “invisible” benefits that nature provides and that make national parks so attractive to people. Clean mountain water, springs, forests, rich flora and fauna, fresh air, silence and beautiful landscapes create conditions for comfortable recreation, recovery and well-being. These natural benefits cannot be replaced by artificial infrastructure. Therefore, the task of ecotourism is not only to use the attractiveness of nature, but above all to preserve and enhance these ecosystem services.

At the same time, the development of ecotourism requires a careful balance. For every route, trail, viewing platform and tourism site, it is necessary to understand the acceptable recreational carrying capacity. Visitor flows must be managed in a way that prevents ecosystem degradation, pollution, disturbance of rare species’ habitats, trampling of vegetation and damage to natural landscapes.

This is why environmental standards in the construction and operation of tourism facilities are critically important. These include wastewater treatment, solid waste management, water-saving solutions, the use of renewable energy, environmentally friendly materials and continuous monitoring of natural ecosystems. Positive international experience shows that ecotourism can successfully develop in protected areas only when it is based on science-based planning, strict environmental requirements and the meaningful participation of local communities.

The key message of the field meeting was clear: ecotourism development should create conditions for investment and high-quality recreation, but not at the expense of nature. National parks are part of the country’s natural heritage, and every project implemented on their territory should help people better understand the value of nature, promote a culture of responsible behaviour and generate additional resources for ecosystem conservation. First Deputy Prime Minister Nalibayev closed the meeting by underscoring the importance of coordinated work between government bodies, the regional administration, the park and investors — a call that echoes the broader principle at the heart of this agenda.

Ecotourism is a nature-positive economy — one that creates opportunities for people while preserving the ecosystems that make these opportunities possible. It is also a shared responsibility: of the state, national parks, businesses, local communities and every visitor. Only through this approach can infrastructure development support, rather than undermine, nature conservation, regional sustainability and the well-being of future generations.