Ecotourism framework as an ecological reference point in the development of tourism in Altai

Original Paper

Abstract

Relevance and problem formulation. The study is devoted to issues related to the systematic development of ecological tourism (ecotourism). Using the example of the ecotourism location in the Altai Mountains, the conflicts inherent in choosing the format of ecotourism in a territory of preserved natural heritage are identified. A compensatory territorial and managerial structure for mitigating these conflicts – an ecotourism framework – is proposed. Materials and Methods. The theoretical constructs are based on the results of generalizing and analyzing the provisions of systemic and framework concepts in geoecology, tourism and recreation, and nature conservation. Ideas useful for the framework theory of ecotourism have been identified in more than 4,400 sources. Among them are both the fundamental developments in recreational geography by Boris Rodoman, Aleksandr Zyrianov, Vladimir. Kotlyakov, Viktor Kruzhalin, and Larisa Mazhar, as well as exploratory multidisciplinary reflections on landscape-ecological, ecological‑recreational, and natural‑recreational framework structures. Results and discussion. Rethinking them made it possible to view the ecotourism system as a natural, socio‑economic environment for carrying out ecotourism activities. The ecotourism framework is considered as an industry – and territorial structure consisting of physical objects of various nature‑driven frameworks (natural, tourist‑recreational, ecological). The key points of the framework concentrate resources of different natures. When the scale changes from local to regional and interregional, they demonstrate multi‑level structure and a duplicative spatial organization. At the local level, the framework includes «in situ» objects (focal points); at the regional and interregional levels, it includes protected areas (PA) and groups of such areas within a single natural or tourist‑resource zone. The kinetic role in the framework is assigned to multi‑level linear infrastructure. These are eco‑trails, river crossing sections, and sections of federal and regional highways connecting regional and district centres. Based on theoretical reasoning, an architecture of a regional ecotourism framework has been proposed for the Altai regional part of the Gorny Altai tourist region. The actual implementation of the developed and recommended structures has been carried out.