Design and Management of Community-Based Ecotourism Model in Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve of Kazakhstan

This chapter looks into the community-based ecotourism (CBE) model using a sample from the Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve (NR). Community-based ecotourism (CBE) and responsible tourism should be part of a sustainable development strategy. The goal is to propose a suitable CBE model for Aksu-Zhabgly nature-based tourism destinations using a combination of field observation, examination, evaluation, and SWOT analysis. According to the findings, the region's strengths include easy access to transportation, a prime location, a variety of wild animals and plants, rich ethnic and cultural resources, a traditional and peaceful way of life in a typical rural setting, the hospitality of the locals and their positive attitudes toward tourism development, and significant potential for the sustainable development of ecotourism. At the same time, the main weakness is the far residential location from the provincial cities, low-quality service, outdated facilities and shortage of skilled employees, lack of transparency, poor institution arrangement and corruption, and lack of preferential policies for CBE development. Finally, the paper suggests that economic development, environmental protection, culture and heritage, marketing and image, a favorable political environment, and the empowerment of local residents are the primary requirements for effectively implementing CBE in the Aksu-Zhabagly tourist destination.