WILD IRISES AND TULIPS OF SOUTHERN KAZAKHSTAN AS OBJECTS OF ECOTOURISM

Abstract

The article provides information on the history, current experience, and prospects of ecotourism in Southern Kazakhstan. This region ranks first among the five regions of the country in terms of its attractiveness for tourism. The main focus is on tourists from abroad, who began to actively visit Kazakhstan after it gained independence. The first organizers of ecological tours were the well-known ornithologists and photographers A.Yu. Knystautas and O.V. Belyalov, who launched specialized tours through the well-known travel company M.A.L. Khan Tengri. The most valuable and promising tourist attractions are wild irises and tulips, over 75% of whose species diversity is concentrated specifically in Southern Kazakhstan. The article presents a list of 53 species, indicating both endemic and Red Book species. It also provides information about the main natural sites shown to tourists along 15 previously tested routes, as well as proposes 6 new routes for future excursions. The importance of further development of ecotourism, particularly botanical tourism, is emphasized as a driver of national economic growth and enhancement of Kazakhstan's international image.

Keywords: wild irises, tulipa, Southern Kazakhstan, ecological tourism, excursion route.