THE IMPORTANCE OF THE JIZZAKH REGION'S BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AS AN ECOTOURISM RESOURCE
Keywords:
biological diversity, ecotourism, protected natural areas, endemic species, Zomin State Reserve, Nurata State Reserve, Aydar-Arnasay lake system, birdwatching tourism.Abstract
The article analyzes the biological diversity of the Jizzakh region as an important natural resource for the development of ecotourism. The territory of the region is distinguished by combining mountain (the Turkestan and Nurata ranges), desert, and wetland ecosystems in a single area. Drawing on official sources, the article summarizes the flora and fauna indicators of the Zomin and Nurata state reserves and the Aydar-Arnasay lake system, and assesses their ecotouristic potential for birdwatching, botanical, safari, and mountain tourism. Under conditions of growing global demand for nature-based tourism, it is substantiated that the region's richness in endemic and rare species is a promising direction for diversifying tourism. At the same time, it is shown that certain ecological problems (a falling water level and a decline in bird numbers) create the need to adhere to the principles of sustainable use.
References
