Юрты, ремёсла и конные маршруты: новые идеи для экотуризма в регионах

Yurts, Crafts and Horseback Routes: New Ideas for Ecotourism in the Regions

Development of ecotourism in the Pamir-Alai mountain landscape and the creation of stable income opportunities for local communities is one of the objectives of the project “Integrated community-based management of high value mountain ecosystems in southern Kyrgyzstan for multiple benefits”. The CAMP Alatoo PF is involved in the implementation of the project and is also responsible for activities related to forest restoration and pasture management. The initiative is implemented with the support of UNDP and GEF.

To achieve this goal, a small grants programme will be launched for residents of Osh, Batken and Naryn regions. Specialists from CAMP Alatoo PF have developed a practical guide on participation in the programme and conducted training sessions for rural residents who plan to develop tourism as a sustainable source of income.

Trainings were held in the Alai district of Osh region, the Leilek district of Batken region, as well as in the Naryn and Ak-Talaa districts of Naryn region, with participants representing nine aiyl aimaks. According to project coordinator Aliya Ibraimova, the main topics focused on local tourism potential — the availability of natural attractions, mazars, a range of services of interest to both domestic and international tourists, as well as the training and support needs of rural entrepreneurs.

“For example, in the Leilek district we conducted a training for residents of the village of Ken-Talaa. This settlement is considered remote and tourists are rarely seen there. Nevertheless, local residents are eager to turn their village into a tourist destination and proposed several ideas. Together, we prepared draft project proposals,” said Aliya Ibraimova.

Residents of the project area propose to develop tourism through the establishment of yurt camps, revival of traditional crafts, production of kurut and dried fruits, and the organisation of horse-riding tours. Trainers supported participants in structuring their ideas into project proposals and calculating the necessary start-up costs.

Alongside business idea development, participants received detailed information about the grant programme conditions, including application procedures, project implementation stages and selection criteria. Project ideas must align with ecotourism development goals, benefit a defined number of beneficiaries, including women, and include at least a 20% own contribution.

The launch of the programme is planned for early next year. Members of the Project Coordination and Advisory Council will join the selection committee. Throughout the implementation period, grant recipients will receive monitoring and support to help them develop their initiatives and strengthen their capacities.