Geo-Tourism Perspectives In East Kazakhstan

摘要

Eastern Kazakhstan and the adjacent Gorno Altai of southern Siberiaencompass very mosaic landscapes across all the geographic and geomorphic zonesenclosing numerous (pre-)historic monuments, some of them being a part of the UNESCOWorld natural and cultural heritage. Excepting the high-mountain ranges (Rudno andSouthern Altai, Narym, Tarbagatay and Dzhungarskiy Alatau) surrounding the territory,the interior open arid steppes characterized by a broken relief of the granite-built CentralKazakhstan Hills as well as the barren rocky semi-deserts in the SE parts of the land remainlargely unexplored and tourism-uncovered. The extraordinary topographic diversity wasgenerated by complex geological processes associated with the Cainozoic orogenesisand the changing Quaternary climates. Geo-tourism focusing on the most exquisitelandscape forms (geo-sites) and geological formations is a new trend in the country withstill minor activities that take advantage of the region’s supreme geo-heritage potential.The unquestionable touristic-recreational attractiveness of this geographically marginalarea of Central Asia (historically a part of the Russian Empire’s Tomsk Gubernia) reflectsunique natural features – both geomorphic and biotic – including orographic, hydrologic,climatic, mineral and pedogenic, as well as rare endemic plants and wildlife in additionto the colourful national Kazakh and Russian traditions. In spite of these predispositions,an introduction of a vital, sustainable geo-tourism in East Kazakhstan is impeded by thelimited accessibility to the region due to an insufficient year-round transport infrastructureand poor local accommodation facilities in addition to the restricting boarder-zone entryregulations.