Сотрудники ООПТ изучили методику расчета туристической емкости

PAs Staff Master Methodology for Calculating Tourism Carrying Capacity

Kyrgyzstan is actively implementing tools to develop ecologically responsible tourism. A recent milestone in this effort was a training session for staff of Protected Areas (PAs), organized by CAMP Alatoo PF in collaboration with the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Areas (DBCPA) under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The primary focus of the training, which brought together 60 participants representing 20 PAs from across the country, was the practical application of the methodology for determining tourism and recreational carrying capacity. While the development of ecotourism opens new economic opportunities for the regions, increasing visitor numbers place additional pressure on fragile mountain ecosystems. To prevent the degradation of natural complexes and ensure their preservation, specialists must precisely determine each territory’s "endurance threshold"—its recreational carrying capacity. This methodology was developed under the GEF-UNDP project, “Integrated community-based management of high value mountain ecosystems in southern Kyrgyzstan for multiple benefits”.  Its main goal is to ensure sustainable management of protected areas and the development of regulated, eco-friendly tourism as a source of income for local communities without compromising biodiversity.

Almaz Musaev, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the KR, delivered the opening remarks. He noted that PAs specialists currently face critical challenges in preserving natural zones. The Deputy Minister emphasized that in addition to tourism pressure, parks and reserves face challenges arising from land leasing and unregulated livestock grazing. Mr. Musaev expressed his hope that the training would provide relevant knowledge and practical skills. Enhancing the competence and professionalism of PAs staff is a pressing task, as recent performance evaluations have shown a need for improvement. According to Talantbek Turdumatov, Director of the DBCPA, the latest knowledge assessment among PAs specialists revealed that 60% do not yet possess the required level of professional expertise.

During the training, PAs representatives gained skills in calculating three key indicators: (1) basic carrying capacity — to determine the physical space available on ecological routes and in recreation zones; (2) potential carrying capacity — to account for various environmental parameters, such as slope steepness, soil types, etc.; (3) maximum allowable carrying capacity — for calculations that include management constraints, such as available infrastructure and parking spaces.

Special attention was given to the practical session. Participants worked on mapping their sites, modeling the placement of yurt camps, determining the load on horse and hiking trails, and calculating the capacity of coastal recreation zones. The results of these calculations will serve as a foundation for long-term planning and territorial management. This will enable PAs staff to independently prevent the overcrowding of popular locations and ensure the sustainable use of the country's tourism potential.