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DEVELOPING TOURISM IN THE TYAN-SHAN MOUNTAINS

Kirghizia is planning to develop ecological tourism. The Kirghizia government decree On Developing Tourism Through 2010 includes the search for private investors during the first stage (2001—2002); the privatization of recreational and tourist resorts; the creation of a competitive environment to improve the quality and assortment of services; and the construction and reconstruction of key tourist sites during the second stage (2002—2005); and the creation of a comprehensive tourism infrastructure during the third stage (2005—2010).

In addition, the Kirghiz government plans to publish information on the epidemiological and ecological situation in the Republic. This duty is being carried out in part by governmental structures. Unfortunately, NGOs have not yet managed to conduct their own independent monitoring.

The Decree also removes all barriers and constraints imposed by local executive authorities to visiting mountain gorges, historical sites, forests and other protected natural areas of interest to foreign tourists. This is a matter of great concern for Russian environmental NGOs.

Some NGOs involved in the TASIS Intergovernmental Western Tyan-Shan Biodiversity Conservation Project (inaccessible mountain areas of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kirghizia) are developing an elite eco-tourism program of their own. A meeting held in Byshkek on August 15-16, 2001, was devoted to this problem.

For more information write to Igor Khodzhamberdyev:

P.B. 1451, Bishkek 720040, Kirghizia,
or send an e-mail to: igorho@sdnp.kyrnet.kg or khigor@cango.net.kg

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