GREEN TOURISM AND THE ECONOMY OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Abstract

The article examines the potential of green tourism in the context of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries. The aim of the study was to identify the socio-economic and environmental effects of green tourism, as well as to determine the prospects and challenges of its development in the region. The methodological framework included an online survey of 50 respondents (students, lecturers, and representatives of the tourism sector), statistical data analysis using SPSS Statistics 26.0, and a comparative study of modern scientific publications and international strategic documents. The results showed that more than 70% of participants positively assess the prospects of green tourism, while only 40% associate it with specific SDGs, which indicates a lack of awareness. The economic potential is reflected in supporting small and medium-sized businesses and creating jobs, while the environmental aspect is linked to the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity. The main barriers identified are insufficient infrastructure and weak policy coordination. International experience demonstrates that sustainable development is possible only through a comprehensive approach that includes government support, local community involvement, and innovative technologies.
The study concludes that there is a need to develop a national strategy for green tourism, invest in ecological infrastructure, and implement educational programs for the population.