OSCE Centre promotes eco-tourism in Kazakhstan
ASTANA, 28 November 2006 - Promoting ecological tourism in Kazakhstan is the focus of a two-day OSCE roundtable that began today in Astana.
"Ecological tourism is not just about spending time in nature," said Ambassador Ivar Vikki, Head of the OSCE Centre in Almaty. "It is also includes protective, educational and social components. This meeting will contribute to a better understanding and development of ecological tourism in Kazakhstan."
Representatives of state institutions, national parks administrations, local authorities, tourist associations and ecological non-governmental organizations will discuss issues such as administrative barriers affecting ecological tourism, inter-agency co-operation and development prospects. Experts from Kyrgyzstan and from the World Tourism Organization will share international experiences.
The meeting is organized by the OSCE Centre in Almaty together with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Kazakhstani Tourist Association, the Eurasia Foundation and Global Environmental Facility's Small Grants Programme.
IDuring the roundtable meeting, participants will develop recommendations on ecological tourism promotion in national parks and natural reserves.