Научный руководитель: кандидат филологических наук Вахитова Г.В.,
доцент кафедры международного и интеграционного права Уфимского университета науки и технологий
Scientific supervisor: PhD in Philological sciences Vakhitova G.V.,
Associate Professor of the Department of International and Integration Law at Ufa University of Science and Technology
Ecotourism is a type of nature-based tourism activity in which the visitor’s essential motivation is to observe, learn, discover, experience and appreciate biological and cultural diversity with a responsible attitude to protect the integrity of the ecosystem and enhance the well-being of the local community, according to the World Tourism Organization United Nations (WTO) [3]. It is considered one of the most popular and sustainable forms of tourism in the world. Most developed countries are actively involved in promoting ecotourism, for example, Germany, the USA, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Switzerland, taking into account both the desire of tourists for environmentally friendly products and concern for natural resources and sustainable development of the region.
Furthermore, ecotourism is referred to as «soft» tourism, in contrast to «hard» tourism, which focuses on generating revenue. «Soft» tourism emphasizes reducing the adverse effects of tourism on ecosystems and offering economic assistance to protected wildlife areas and nearby populations. It is crucial to promote ecological education to the public, conserve natural sites utilized as tourist attractions, and urge tourism agencies to enhance the worth of the environment by dedicating a portion of their profits to tackle associated concerns.
The Republic of Bashkortostan is a perfect place for the development of ecological tourism with a convenient location in the Southern Ural, at the crossroads of two continents – Europe and Asia, with a rich historical, ethnic, and cultural heritage, unique natural attractions, its own traditions and authenticity, which is of interest to both tourists and investors.
The Republic of Bashkortostan has a diversity of natural conditions and resources, including Specially Protected Natural Areas that play a key role in organizing, guiding, and guaranteeing ecotourism. These are three nature reserves («Bashkir», «Shulgan-Tash», «South Ural»), Bashkiriya National Park, three natural monuments («Asly-Kul», «Kandra-Kul», «Muradymovsky gorge»), 29 State Wildlife Preserves (including 15 zoological ones), 178 natural landmarks, seven districts of mountain-sanatorium protection of therapeutic and recreational resorts, the local landscape natural park «Zilim» [1].
Various types of ecotourism, including mountain, water, and speleotourism, are thriving in these zones. Rural and Mountain tourism is practiced in the Iremel Nature Park, with mountaineering tourist routes, including an eco-cultural route based on the Bashkir epic «Ural-Batyr». Some other examples include speleotourism in the Muradymovsky gorge, where excursions to the cave are organized. Water tourism is practiced at «Asly-Kul», «Kandra-Kul», and «Zilim». This demonstrates the considerable growth of tourism in Bashkiria and the potential for expansion.
It is worth noting that the development of mass tourism in the state nature reserves is undoubtedly unthinkable and technically unfeasible. However, limited, educational ecotourism has its place. It needs to be carefully regulated in many territories, taking into account their size, peculiarities and traditions, which in turn will enhance social significance of the region. Reserves, national parks can play a major role in the formation of sustainable ecotourism in Bashkortostan.
To establish the prospects of ecotourism development in the Republic of Bashkortostan and strategic directions of tourist enterprises, it is necessary to conduct a SWOT-analysis which is presented in Table 1.
Table 1. SWOT-analysis of ecotourism of the Republic of Bashkortostan
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| - Availability of unique natural, cultural and historical resources
- Favourable climatic conditions - Advantageous economic and geographical position (on the border of Europe and Asia) - Developed scientific and educational complex, including the universities that train specialists for the tourism sector - Considerable support and a variety of projects within the framework of small grants programs - Development of various forms of ecotourism (hiking, horseback riding and skiing, caving, many types of mountain and water travel) - Efficiency of air transport - Availability of a tourism development strategy |
- Insufficient development of infrastructure (including water, energy, gas and heat supply, water disposal) and transport infrastructure, high degradation degree in existing engineering and road infrastructure and supplies
- Significant distances to major cities, taking into account the lack of vehicles - Shortcomings in advertising and activities related to the promotion of ecotourism in Bashkortostan in the domestic and foreign markets - Insufficient level of quality in providing tourism services to the population |
| Opportunities | Threats |
| - Creation of a comprehensive ecological tourism product of the Republic of Bashkortostan based on development based of innovative types of tourism
- Favorable conditions for the active development of tourism, increasing the competitiveness of the republic’s tourism industry - Additional influx of long-term investment resources - Increasing consciousness and rationality in favor of protecting nature - Development of auxiliary sources of income in ecotourism areas (production and sale of non-timber, forest products and beekeeping products) - Creation of new jobs - Possibility of attracting foreign tourists directly to the Republic - Improving the level and quality of life of the local population |
- Decreasing competitiveness of the region’s tourism product
- Outflow of tourists to more popular tourist destinations in other regions - Threat of exceeding capacity at certain times and locations - Destruction of ecosystems due to lack of regulation by the authorities |
* Compiled by the author according to [2]
The SWOT-analysis suggests that the Republic of Bashkortostan possesses unique natural, cultural, and historical resources, as well as favorable climate conditions and a strategic geographical position that make it a potential hub for tourism development. A number of factors are likely to enhance the region’s potential for growth. These are the developed scientific and educational complex focused on training specialists for the tourism sector, as well as availability of support through small grants programs and the development of various forms of ecotourism, However, challenges such as insufficient infrastructure development, shortcomings in advertising and promotion of ecotourism, and concerns about inadequate quality in tourism services need to be addressed in order to unlock the full potential of tourism in the region.
Despite these weaknesses, the opportunities for Bashkortostan in the tourism sector are significant. Creation of a comprehensive ecological tourism product, additional influx of investment resources, and the possibility of attracting foreign tourists directly to the Republic present promising prospects for economic growth and societal development. However, attention must be given to mitigating threats such as decreasing competitiveness, outflow of tourists to other regions, and the risk of ecosystem destruction. By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on its strengths, Bashkortostan has the potential to become a thriving tourism destination that not only benefits the local economy but also contributes to the conservation of its natural environment and cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the development of ecotourism in the Republic of Bashkortostan holds significant potential for growth, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. By leveraging its unique natural and cultural resources, as well as addressing infrastructure and marketing challenges, Bashkortostan can become a leading ecotourism destination in Russia and reach the international level. With strategic planning, investment in sustainable practices, and collaboration with local communities, the region can create a sustainable tourism industry that benefits both the environment and the economy. By promoting responsible tourism practices and preserving its natural beauty, Bashkortostan can position itself as a model for ecotourism development in the country.
References
- Abdullin D.R., Zakirov I.V., Ibragimova Z.F. [etc.] Tourist and recreational complex of the Republic of Bashkortostan: monograph / I.V. Zakirova. – Ufa: RIC Bashgu, 2020. – 27 p.
- Volina O.V. Ecological tourism in Bashkiria / Tribune of the Scientist, 2020. – URL: https://tribune-scientists.ru/articles/745 (accessed: 19.02.2025).
- World Tourism Organization. Glossary of tourism terms. – URL: https://www.unwto.org/glossary-tourism-terms#:~:text=Tourism%20is%20a%20social%2C%20cultural,personal%20or%20business%2Fprofessional%20purposes (accessed: 19.02.2025).