STUDY OF THE TOURIST AND RECREATIONAL LOAD IN THE “KOLSAI LAKES” STATE NATIONAL NATURE PARK, KAZAKHSTAN
Authors:   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Almaty, Kazakhstan, ARTEMYEV Alexander , ABDREYEVA Sholpan ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Almaty, Kazakhstan, BAIBURIEV Ruslan ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Almaty, Kazakhstan, BEISAKHMET Azamat ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Almaty, Kazakhstan, KALIYEVA Aida ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Almaty, Kazakhstan, ABZHAPPAROVA Aigul ,   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Department of Political Science and Political Technologies, Almaty, Kazakhstan, SAVANCHIYEVA Armanay ,   Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Geography, Department of Geography and Ecology, Almaty, Kazakhstan, DÁVID Lóránt Dénes ,   John von Neumann University, Faculty of Economics and Business, Kecskemét, Hungary; Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute of Rural Development and Sustainable Economy, Gödöllő, Hungary; Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Savaria University Centre, Savaria Department of Business Economics, Szombathely, Hungary; Széchenyi István University, Győr, Hungary
Published: January 2025

The growing popularity of ecological tourism has led to a significant increase in tourist flows and, consequently, a
rise in anthropogenic impacts on the ecosystems of natural areas. This phenomenon poses challenges to the delicate balance
of these ecosystems, requiring detailed study and intervention. Studying the dynamics of this process is essential to assess its
impact and develop effective measures to prevent critical stress that could lead to irreversible negative changes in the natu ral
environment. The transition to circular tourism is also a major challenge. Using the example of the State National Natural
Park “Kolsai Lakes,” located in the southeast of the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, the authors proposed a comprehensive
approach to determining the maximum permissible tourist and recreational load. This approach includes expert assessments,
calculation methods, and systematic monitoring observations to evaluate the capacity of the park's ecological routes and
paths. The research focused on ensuring that these natural areas can sustain their ecological integrity while accommodating
visitors. The practical outcomes of the research included the development of recommendations aimed at reducing
anthropogenic impacts on the park's routes and paths. These recommendations encompass a combination of te chnical
solutions, organizational strategies, and managerial measures designed to balance tourism with environmental preservation.
The measures proposed align with global principles of sustainable tourism and reflect the need for integrated approaches to
managing natural resources. The main results emphasize the critical importance of sustainable management methods in
maintaining the ecological integrity of the “Kolsai Lakes” State National Nature Park. These findings were derived from field
research, where the authors conducted on-site evaluations to gather data and analyze the environmental conditions. The
insights gained were systematically organized and presented in tabular form within the article. The study underlines the
necessity of ongoing monitoring and adaptive management to address the evolving challenges posed by ecological tourism. By implementing the recommended measures, the park authorities can mitigate potential environmental risks while fostering a
harmonious relationship between tourism and nature conservation. This research contributes valuable knowledge to the field
of sustainable tourism, offering practical strategies that can be applied to other natural areas facing similar challenges.