DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECOTOURISM CONCEPT: A STRATEGIC APPROACH TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

This article analyzes the formation and development of the ecotourism concept in the context of the rapid growth of the tourism sector and the emerging environmental challenges in the global development process of the 21st century. The article covers the theoretical foundations of ecotourism, definitions provided by international organizations (World Tourism Organization, The International Ecotourism Society), and its main principles based on the sustainable development paradigm. Furthermore, the stages of developing an ecotourism concept are examined in detail: comprehensive resource analysis, determining carrying capacity, flora and fauna inventory, cultural heritage integration, and infrastructure issues. The ecotourism potential and existing problems are analyzed using the example of Uzbekistan's mountainous regions (Ugam-Chatkal, Zomin, Nuratau national parks and reserves). The article highlights the importance of SWOT analysis, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation systems, as well as issues of economic efficiency of ecotourism. The conclusion emphasizes that the ecotourism concept is not just an ordinary tourism project, but a strategic management model that combines environmental protection, economic sustainability, and social justice.