From April 22 to 24, Astana hosted the large-scale Regional Environmental Summit RES 2026 and its practical component, the international exhibition RES 2026 EXPO. The event, held under the auspices of the UN, gathered around 10,000 participants from Kazakhstan, Russia, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan. The venue became a key center for discussing sustainable development issues, where the East Kazakhstan Region confidently established itself as a leader in environmentally responsible tourism.
The region's stand focused visitors' attention on the unique symbiosis of the pristine nature of the Altai Mountains and modern approaches to organizing recreation.
Eco-routes and International Interest Within the framework of the exhibition, the East Kazakhstan Region presented a wide range of opportunities in the field of ecological tourism. The main focus of the exposition was on well-developed eco-routes covering unique natural territories, nature reserves, and national parks of the region. Special attention was paid to preserving natural wealth and biodiversity while developing tourist destinations.
The presented tourism products, oriented towards sustainable development, resonated strongly with foreign delegations. Representatives of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan actively explored the region's offers. On the sidelines of the exhibition, B2B negotiations took place, discussing prospects for cooperation, the organization of cross-border tours, and the exchange of experience in the field of eco-tourism.
Sustainable Tourism: The Unity of Nature and Business The region demonstrated an effective model for integrating environmental protection processes and the tourism business. Representatives of East Kazakhstan's nature reserves and local tourism enterprises took an active part in the forum.
The delegation promoted the concept of a business-government partnership, where the main priorities are:
Developing tourism infrastructure without harming fragile ecosystems.
Actively involving local communities in servicing eco-routes and environmental projects.
Promoting the principles of "Leave No Trace" among travelers.
Scientific Support for Environmental Safety The development of tourism in the region is inextricably linked with safety issues and a scientific approach to ecology. At the exhibition, these competencies were presented by the D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU) with its Green EKTU model.
Of particular practical importance for the region's tourism industry are the demonstrated digital solutions of the university, implemented within the "Taza Qazaqstan" initiative. These include flood monitoring and forecasting systems using artificial intelligence, as well as digital monitoring of avalanche activity. These technologies directly ensure the safety of tourist routes and enhance the environmental sustainability of East Kazakhstan's territories.
The results of the RES 2026 EXPO confirmed the high status of East Kazakhstan in the international arena. By combining a rich natural heritage, a responsible approach from the tourism business, and advanced safety technologies, the region confidently secures its position as the main center for sustainable eco-tourism in Central Asia.
