DEVELOPMENT OF ECOTOURISM IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The history of nature tourism goes back many centuries. The ancient Egyptians went on long journeys to expand their knowledge of the world around them. Great figures such as Herodotus, Aristotle and Pliny the Elder travelled to different countries, exploring not only cultural and historical monuments but also natural conditions. Over time, many years have been spent travelling to the most remote corners of the planet to conduct scientific research on landscapes, flora and fauna, and local cultures. Explorers such as Alexander Humboldt, Charles Darwin and others became pioneers in this area.In modern tourism, one of the most promising areas is the environment. Ecotourism, defined as travel and visits to natural areas, has a low impact on the natural environment, hence it is called "soft tourism". In addition, the development of ecotourism requires strict compliance with environmental legislation. When organising ecotourism, the local population not only works as service personnel, but also stays in the protected area, continuing their traditional way of life and preserving ecosystems. This generates additional income for local residents, contributes to the socio-economic development of the area and allows them to develop traditional forms of farming.Ecotourism also contributes to the development of related industries, such as souvenir production and regional infrastructure. An important component is an increase in investment activity due to the region's promotional development. This results in a new source of funding for nature reserves and national parks, which contributes to their preservation and expansion. This approach allows for the implementation of the concept of sustainable development and supports harmonious interaction with the natural environment. This article examines the current state and development of eco-tourism in Ukraine and the world, analysing the key stages of its history and environmental impact.