Prospects for the Protection of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability of Adjara in the Context of Ecotourism Development

Abstract

The article discusses the features of natural resource protection and environmental sustainability in the Adjara region in the context of ecotourism development. The results of the study showed that Adjara has great potential for sustainable development of ecotourism and ensures natural resource protection and environmental sustainability. Adjara's unique natural resources, protected areas, biodiversity and landscape diversity create a solid foundation for ecotourism development. Ecotourism can have a significant impact on the conservation of natural resources and environmental sustainability. This impact can be both positive and negative, depending on the effectiveness of ecotourism management. Positive impacts include: increasing the financial sustainability of protected areas; Revenues from ecotourism can be used for environmental activities; Involving the local population in environmental activities; Receiving economic benefits increases the motivation of local communities to participate in environmental activities; Increasing environmental awareness; Ecotourism activities contribute to raising the level of environmental awareness among visitors and the local population; Ecotourism is an alternative to activities that have a negative impact on the environment (e.g. illegal logging, poaching); Potential negative impacts include: Habitat degradation: the development of tourism infrastructure and increased numbers of visitors may lead to habitat degradation; Waste management issues: Increased tourist flows may be associated with increased waste; Environmental pressure: Uncontrolled tourist flows may put pressure on the environment, especially in vulnerable areas