ASSESSMENT OF RECREATION CARRYING CAPACITY OF ILE-ALATAU NATIONAL PARK IN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Recreation carrying capacity is an important concept in park and protected area management for estimation of optimum recreation use and sustainable tourism management. In fact, the recreation carrying capacity concept has been used as a method to regulate the maximum number of visitors to a specific recreational site in many occasions. The Ile-Alatau national nature park in Kazakhstan is located close to Almaty, largest city of Kazakhstan and it is a popular place for tourism activities and regular weekend tours. In the Ile-Alatau Nature Park, fauna and flora are characterized by high diversity and concentration in a relatively small area. By using Framework for Assessment Carrying Capacity for Protected Areas, this manuscript aims to estimate the recreational carrying capacity of the Ile-Alatau nature park in Kazakhstan. Result showed that the estimated recreational carrying capacity is between 67-70 people per ha. This number is higher than actual average park visitation. This study outcomes have important implications for the management and can improve long-term planning and decision-making process of the Ile-Alatau National Park.

Keywords

• national park
• recreation carrying capacity
• sustainable tourism
• kazakhstan