About trends and prospects of development in Russia ecological tourism as an element "green" economy

Abstract

The transition to the standards of the «green» economy implies economic growth while reducing poverty, social integration and human welfare, as well as improving the condition of all ecosystems of the planet. These goals completely coincide with the goals of ecotourism as a type of entrepreneurial activity. How-ever, the development of ecological tourism in Russia requires the improvement of the regulatory framework, both at the federal and regional levels, which will strengthen environmental safety guarantees, create an incentive for the development of entrepreneurial activity, increase the tax base in the country and regions, and lead to the creation of new jobs. In this regard, it seems appropriate to develop a draft Federal law «On ecological tourism in the Russian Federation», the adoption of which will create incentives and procedures for the development of ecological tourism in many regions and the Russian Federation as a whole. This will require amendments to the Federal Law «On Environmental Protection», its addition with a special article on the specifics of ecotourism activities, its environmental restrictions, as well as amendments to the Federal Law «On Specially Protected Natural Territories» dated March 14, 1995 №. 33-FZ. The above-mentioned draft laws should contain economic incentives for the development of ecotourism, a list of powers of state authorities of the Russian Federation and its subjects, local selfgovernment bodies in the field of the development of ecological tourism, provide for the procedure for maintaining a register of tour operators providing this type of services, allowing to claim tax and other benefits.