Tourism and Climate Change Effects on Lake Baikal's Ecosystem: Sustainable Development Solutions
Lazu, Elizaveta (2026)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202604166654
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202604166654
Tiivistelmä
This thesis examines the impact of tourism on the Lake Baikal ecosystem, with a particular focus on endemic species and the impacts of climate change. The aim of the study was to assess how tourism impacts the Lake Baikal ecosystem and to develop sustainable tourism strategies to mitigate negative impacts from tourism and raise awareness about protecting the lake ecosystem using social media.
A literature review was conducted to analyze existing research on tourism and the impacts of climate change in the region. Data on tourist flows, environmental conditions, and climate models were collected and analyzed to assess trends and correlations. Additionally, examples of sustainable tourism practices from other regions with similar environmental challenges were examined to identify the best practices applicable to Lake Baikal. A social media initiative was also developed to raise public awareness about sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
The analysis showed that increasing tourist flows placed pressures on lake’s environment. These pressures were further intensified by climate change, including rising water temperatures, reduced ice cover duration, and shifts in biodiversity. Insufficient regulation of tourist activities and limited environmental awareness among visitors were identified as key drivers of ecosystem degradation. However, the review of international best practices demonstrated that some measures reduced ecological impacts in similar regions.
Based on these findings, sustainable tourism strategies were proposed, including stricter environmental regulations, the development of eco-certified services, enhanced environmental monitoring, and the use of social media to promote responsible behavior. It was concluded that integrating environmental management with public awareness initiatives is essential for the long-term preservation of the Lake Baikal ecosystem and for balancing economic development with environmental protection.
A literature review was conducted to analyze existing research on tourism and the impacts of climate change in the region. Data on tourist flows, environmental conditions, and climate models were collected and analyzed to assess trends and correlations. Additionally, examples of sustainable tourism practices from other regions with similar environmental challenges were examined to identify the best practices applicable to Lake Baikal. A social media initiative was also developed to raise public awareness about sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
The analysis showed that increasing tourist flows placed pressures on lake’s environment. These pressures were further intensified by climate change, including rising water temperatures, reduced ice cover duration, and shifts in biodiversity. Insufficient regulation of tourist activities and limited environmental awareness among visitors were identified as key drivers of ecosystem degradation. However, the review of international best practices demonstrated that some measures reduced ecological impacts in similar regions.
Based on these findings, sustainable tourism strategies were proposed, including stricter environmental regulations, the development of eco-certified services, enhanced environmental monitoring, and the use of social media to promote responsible behavior. It was concluded that integrating environmental management with public awareness initiatives is essential for the long-term preservation of the Lake Baikal ecosystem and for balancing economic development with environmental protection.