Проблемы и перспективы использования природного потенциала трансграничного биосферного резервата «Западное Полесье» для целей экотуризма

Abstract

The natural potential, ecotourism, Biosphere Reserve, sustainable development, local community, transboundary cooperation. The aim of the work was to study the problems and prospects of using the natural potential of West Polesie Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (WP TBR) for ecotourism purposes. To achieve this aim the natural potential of the Belarusian national part of the WP TBR was studied; meaning of «ecotourism» in the world and in the Belarusian, Polish and Ukrainian national parts of WP TBR were compared; the state of the regulatory framework was analyzed; the development direction of the cross-border region of Western Polesie was analyzed; the problems of the use of natural potential of WP TBR for ecotourism purposes were identified; the prospects for further use of the natural potential of the WP TBR for ecotourism purposes were determined. For the WP TBR, as for cross-border region, the unity of nature and culture is the main property. Ecotourism is one of the main sources of sustainable development, and its development is a necessary condition for the functioning of Biosphere Reserves. For transboundary reserve the overall development program of the national parts of the Biosphere Reserve is of great importance. The main problems in controlling of the Biosphere Reserve are financial, personnel, legal and infrastructural ones.