SOCIO-ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF TOURISM IN THE CONTEXT OF NATURAL PROTECTED AREAS DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
In the context of increasing global environmental challenges and growing anthropogenic pressure on the environment natural protected areas play a significant role in ensuring ecological balance, conserving biodiversity and providing ecosystem services. However their development is hampered by insufficient funding, conflicts of interest between stakeholders and growing tourist pressure. The article analyzes the potential of tourism as a tool for sustainable development of natural protected areas. Particular attention is paid to ecotourism, which is showing steady growth globally and has a multiplier effect on local economies, including Ukraine’s. The international classification of natural protected areas, the economic benefits of tourism, the problems of overloading territories and the introduction of the ecological capacity concept are considered. The importance of integrating the cultural component, the participation of local communities, the educational role of tourism and the need to introduce eco-innovations are emphasized. The author analyses the world models of tourism management in natural protected areas: from public-private partnerships to community-centered approaches. On the basis of statistical data and international experience the mechanisms of harmonization of tourism activities with environmental goals are highlighted. Financial instruments for sustainable tourism development in natural protected areas are outlined, including payments for ecosystem services (PES), green bonds, crowdfunding and digital technologies. Recommendations for optimizing the tourist flows management in natural protected areas to ensure their environmental sustainability and socio-economic efficiency are proposed. The author proves that with proper management tourism can transform from a threat factor into a mechanism for preserving natural and cultural heritage, ensuring a balance between economic benefits, social interests and environmental goals.
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