ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN SPECIALLY PROTECTED NATURAL TERRITORIES OF NORTH KAZAKHSTAN REGION: CANADIAN EXPERIENCE AND POSSIBILITIES OF ITS USE

Abstract

Annotation. The article is devoted to the study of ecotourism development in the specially protected natural territories of the North Kazakhstan region on the example of the Kokshetau State National Park (Imantau-Shalkar resort area (IShRA)) with an emphasis on the experience of Canada. In the context of global environmental challenges and growing interest in sustainable tourism, ecotourism is becoming an important tool for preserving natural heritage and supporting local communities. The analysis of successful practices is carried out in the paper in Canadian regions where ecotourism contributes not only to environmental protection, but also to economic and social development. Key aspects such as the management of natural resources, the involvement of the local population in the tourism industry and the creation of infrastructure for tourists are considered. The possibilities of the use of the Canadian experience in the conditions of the North Kazakhstan region are also being discussed, including potential areas for the development of ecotourism that can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in specially protected natural areas and improve the quality of local residents’ life. The article highlights the importance of integrating environmental, economic and social factors for the achievement of the goals in the ecotourism sustainable development.