A meeting between staff from the Kronotsky Nature Reserve and local residents took place in the village of Ozernovsky to discuss the development of ecotourism in the South Kamchatka Sanctuary and surrounding areas, the conservation organization reported. The discussion specifically addressed employment opportunities for inhabitants of the Ozernovsky cluster (the settlements of Ozernovsky, Shumny, Pauzhetka, and the village of Zaporozhye) in the southern part of the peninsula—people who know and cherish their homeland's natural environment—as guides and creators of original souvenir products. Also covered were ways to harness their professional skills in environmental education, conservation, protected-area science, and the provision of hospitality services.

"The meeting was held in a question-and-answer format. It was clear that the residents of southern Kamchatka are keen to develop the region's tourism potential. We talked about the prospects for establishing new routes, job opportunities for locals as guides and rangers, and issues related to preserving the unique natural landscape amid a growing influx of visitors," said Anna Narab, the reserve's Deputy Director for Environmental Education.

The "Ozernovskaya Sockeye – For Me, For You, For Us" project is being carried out in the South Kamchatka Federal Sanctuary, adjacent natural systems—including river and marine areas—and the settlements of Ozernovsky and Zaporozhye. The initiative has three main pillars: strengthening special protection measures for key sockeye salmon habitats, providing additional training for state inspectors, and enhancing the environmental awareness of the local population while engaging them in the development of ecotourism.

Photo by Liana Varavskaya

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