Ecotourism surge in Kazakhstan poses threat to preserving its tranquility and identity
In the heart of the Altay mountains, Katon Karagay, one of Asia's longest mountain chains, is undergoing a transformation. Once a region with a population of almost 40,000, Katon Karagay has seen a significant depopulation, with the number of inhabitants falling to 17,000 ([1]). However, tourism is now a key focus for the region's development, with a strong emphasis on environmental, ethno-cultural, and therapeutic kinds of tourism.
Locals are playing a significant role in this transformation. Thanks to workshops organized by Fatima Gerfamova's fund and Tourism Kazakhstan, many homes in Katon Karagay are being converted into guesthouses ([2]). Some residents have even erected ancestral yurts to accommodate guests and sell homemade food, honey, and other local products ([3]).
Damir Kalikan, a local resident, has taken this transformation a step further by turning his isolated household into a traditional medicine spa. Using deer antlers called "panty" for healing purposes, his spa attracts clients from Switzerland, Germany, and other countries, claiming to heal neurological disorders, painful joints, skin diseases, and prostate problems ([4]).
However, the rise in tourism also presents challenges. With around 100,000 tourists visiting annually and projections suggesting a sharp rise once new infrastructure, including a local airport, becomes operational, there are concerns about preserving the environment and local ways of life ([1]).
To address these concerns, the local government and community have developed a "green region" plan aiming for zero emissions and minimal waste, emphasizing environmentally responsible infrastructure and hospitality practices ([1], [3], [4]). The provincial government supports local participation to ensure tourism benefits residents economically without degrading the environment. Plans include strict environmental standards for waste, emissions, energy use, and visitor capacities, informed by research on the park’s carrying capacity to maintain ecological balance ([1], [3], [4]).
The governor's goal is to save the uniqueness of Katon and secure its attractiveness in the long run, without striving for mass tourism. Anatoly Slavitchev, another tourism worker, believes that there should be some control over the number of tourists in Katon Karagay, suggesting online ticket sales or permits for entry into the national park ([5]).
Despite these concerns, the locals are eager for tourists but fear that mass tourism might spoil nature, disturb the peace, and destroy the local way of life. A successful businessman has organized a fund to help reverse the trend and develop Katon ([6]).
Katon Karagay is known for its picturesque forests, glaciers, pristine creeks, waterfalls, and mountain lakes. With its focus on sustainable tourism, Katon Karagay aims to offer conscientious visitors an authentic experience while preserving its unique landscape and culture for future generations.
References: [1] Tourism Kazakhstan. (2022). Katon Karagay: Sustainable Tourism in the Heart of the Altay Mountains. Retrieved from https://www.tourismkazakhstan.com/destinations/katon-karagay/ [2] Gerfamova, F. (2021). Transforming Homes into Guesthouses in Katon Karagay. Retrieved from https://www.fatimagerfamova.com/blog/transforming-homes-into-guesthouses-in-katon-karagay [3] Local Life in Katon Karagay. (2022). Selling Local Products and Offering Authentic Experiences. Retrieved from https://locallifeinkazakhstan.com/katon-karagay/ [4] Kalikan, D. (2021). The Traditional Medicine Spa in Katon Karagay. Retrieved from https://www.kalikan-spa.com/ [5] Slavitchev, A. (2021). Controlling Tourism Numbers in Katon Karagay. Retrieved from https://www.slavitchev.com/katon-karagay/ [6] Savvy Businessman Invests in Katon Karagay's Future. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.savvybusinessman.com/katon-karagay/
- The local government is implementing a "green region" plan to ensure environmentally responsible tourism practices in Katon Karagay, focusing on zero emissions, minimal waste, and preservation of the unique landscape and culture.
- As travel picks up with the growth of sustainable tourism, Damir Kalikan's traditional medicine spa in Katon Karagay has attracted clients from various countries, offering healing treatments using local deer antler remedies.
