Publication Details
Abstract
The integration of cultural heritage preservation with ecological sustainability represents a critical challenge for sustainable ecotourism development in heritage-rich destinations. However, despite the accumulating evidence in favor of such an integrated view, the practical economic mechanisms enabling the integration of both types of knowledge remain relatively underexplored in the academic literature. The research develops and test economic mechanisms for sustainable combination of cultural heritage and ecological restraint in ecoturism, using Bukhara Region as an example. We used a mixed-methods design that involved econometric modeling complemented by stakeholder analysis. We drew on original data from surveys (n=520) and interviews (n=42). For Macroeconomic forecasting, it used Vector Autoregression (VAR) models and scenario analysis. The evaluation of the project was based on NPV, IRR, and a full CBA. They have found that the Cultural Ecological Integration Complex (CEIC) proposed is highly financially feasible, with NPV of 5.87 million dollars, IRR of 26.3 percent, and payback period of 3.8 years. Macroeconomic forecasts suggest that ecotourism revenues might be as high as $142.5 million by 2030 ($142.5 million, CAGR 41.2%) in the high-end scenario. The established BCR of 2.68 reflects the significant positive externalities (1,120 jobs created, a 28% reduction in environmental footprint and 15 heritage sites preserved). This successful integrated economic mechanism strikes a harmonious balance between the financial returns, cultural preservation, and ecological protection. They offer valuable policy recommendations for destinations with rich treasure heritage seeking paths towards sustainable tourism development.