Development of tourism in the Southern Baikal Region (by the example of the Slyudyansky District)

Abstract

The article discusses the prerequisites and limitations for the development of the tourism sector in the Slyudyansky District of the Irkutsk region. Emphasizes the role of cartographic research methods in recreational geography, both in the collection of information in the field, and in the laboratory processing of statistical data. The Baikal position, high mountains, mountain rivers and lakes, deposits of minerals of decorative value, a plant species endemic to the southern coast of Baikal, a seasonal migration corridor of birds of prey, the non-freezing source of the Angara, the only river flowing from Baikal—all these are strong prerequisites for the development of various types of tourism associated with the natural environment. There are artificial objects in the region that attract the attention of tourists—the Circum-Baikal Railway, the closed Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill, which was widely known in the past due to environmental problems. At the same time, there are a number of environmental and socio-economic factors hindering the development of tourism in the region. Fluctuations in the water level in Baikal create a risk of flooding of tourist and recreational facilities and, in part, affect the development of the coastal zone. In a number of places there is a danger of mudflows. The socio-economic development of the region is taking place in the regime of severe environmental restrictions, determined by the Federal Law “On the Protection of Lake Baikal”, as well as the position of a significant part of the territory within the boundaries of the Pribaikalsky National Park. The local population participates little in the distribution of material benefits received from the use of the tourist and recreational resources of the region. It is noted that the contrast of conditions for the development of the tourism and recreational sphere (the presence of advantages and obstacles) requires special attention from regional authorities.