SCIENTIFIC AND METHODOLOGICAL BASIS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGULATIONS FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF TOURISM AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN THE CENTRAL ECOLOGICAL ZONE OF THE BAIKAL NATURAL TERRITORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BURYATIA

Abstract

The increasing tourist flows on the shores of Lake Baikal require a prompt development of the legal framework for the regulation of recreational loads on the natural complexes of the territory. Therefore, of particular importance are studies on the impact that tourism and recreation activities have on the environment in the central ecological zone of the Baikal natural territory. The present study aims to elaborate a scientific and methodological basis for the development of the Regulations for the organization of tourism and recreation in the central ecological zone of the Baikal natural territory of the Republic of Buryatia (CEZ BNT RB). The research methodology is based on the principles of sustainable development, which were implemented with regard to the region with ecologically fragile ecosystems. The article presents the most important results of the research conducted, including the assessment of the impact of unorganized tourists on the natural complexes. These results were significant for the formulation of certain provisions of the Regulations ensuring compliance with the maximum permissible norms of loads on the natural environment in the CEZ BNT RB. For assessment we selected test sites differing by the regime and intensity of recreational use: in populated areas, in recreational areas in the forest fund, on the territory of the special economic zone, and on protected areas of regional and local importance. The recreational land cover degradation and recreational load on the shores of Lake Baikal were assessed using the methods presented in the relevant regulatory documents and scientific publications. The study revealed that in the majority of the investigated sites, the third threshold stage of recreational digression is exceeded for the indicator ‘trampling’. The territories with the primary need for detailed monitoring surveys and for measures aimed at the restoration of the disturbed natural complexes were identified. The results of the work were used in the development of the main provisions of the Regulations. The implementation of these will ensure compliance with the norms of recreational loads and contribute to the restoration of the natural complexes of Lake Baikal.