Belarusian Nature Reserves Showcase a Sustainable Ecotourism Model at the Ecology Expo 2025

Four pilot nature reserves supported by UNDP demonstrated how ecotourism can drive economic growth while safeguarding biodiversity.

August 22, 2025

Belarusian nature reserves participating in a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project unveiled their holistic approach to sustainable ecotourism at the international exhibition Ecology Expo Belarus 2025 in Minsk, proving that environmental protection and economic prosperity can go hand in hand.

The Ozyery, Naliboksky, Osveysky, and Krasny Bor nature reserves have become pilot sites for the introduction and development of new approaches to sustainable ecotourism as part of the project “Ecotourism Development to Promote Green Transition to Inclusive and Sustainable Growth,” implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus with financial support from the Russian Federation. Over several years of systematic work, the reserves have developed a comprehensive model of sustainable ecotourism in the specially protected nature areas.

What sets this model apart is its unwavering commitment to inclusion – embodied in the principle that "every tourist matters." This approach has driven real change on the ground.

The Naliboksky Nature Reserve in the Minsk region has redesigned its ecological trail, creating barrier-free access for wheelchair users and making it genuinely family-friendly for those traveling with young children. Similar inclusive eco-trail is rolling out across the Krasny Bor and Sinsha nature reserves, managed by the State Environmental Agency ECO-ROSY in the Viciebsk region.

UNDP's strategic support for ecotourism infrastructure has unleashed a tourism surge that benefits local economies. The Osveysky Nature Reserve is a bright example of such success – new eco-routes now wind through previously inaccessible areas of the reserve, while two pleasure boats (with a third on the way) ferry visitors across Osveyskoye Lake. A newly opened ecological trail on Du Island has become another draw, complemented by an all-season glamping site, attracting tourists who want to stay longer.

Igor Romanyuk, Director of the Osveysky Nature Reserve. Photo: UNDP in Belarus.

According to Igor Romanyuk, Director of the reserve, approximately 2,200 tourists visited Osveisky this year, already surpassing last year's entire season. Romanyuk projects that figure will climb to 3,500 by year's end, nearly doubling last year's visitor numbers.

“Glamping is in huge demand,” says Igor Romanyuk. The dome-shaped houses that opened this summer haven't seen a single empty night, with bookings stretching two months ahead. The surge isn't just about organised groups – individual travelers are increasingly drawn to these landscapes, and the new infrastructure allows staff to manage visitor flows more effectively.

Behind the impressive statistics lies a more fundamental shift in how ecotourism is managed by the reserves. Success stems from recognising that authentic ecotourism must weave together environmental protection, community engagement, and economic viability. The reserves have become genuine partners with local communities, championing volunteer initiatives, fostering ecotourism clusters, and ensuring local service providers are integral to tourist experiences rather than sidelined by them.

“Growing revenues allow us to allocate more funds to preserving areas unique to Belarus,” Romanyuk explains.

At Ecology Expo Belarus 2025, UNDP and reserve representatives shared their experiences during a roundtable discussion on "Ecological Tourism: Prospects and Development Trends."

Their three-day thematic stand drew attention from potential partners eager to understand how this innovative model successfully balances conservation, accessibility, and local economic development.