Landscaping Potential for Developing Ecotourism in the Eastern Part of Lake Alakol

This study focuses on assessing the water balance along the Tasty River in the eastern part of Lake Alakol. The research area represents a geographically significant zone with potential for ecological and economic development. Particular attention is given to the hydrological characteristics of the river system and its surrounding landscape. The study aims to evaluate water availability and its suitability for vegetation growth and land-use planning. Remote sensing data were applied to ensure spatial accuracy and analytical consistency. Specifically, satellite imagery from Landsat 9 was utilized for environmental assessment. The data were processed using specialized software, including QGIS, SNAP, and Google Earth. An optimal combination of spectral bands, particularly the thermal channel SWIR1, was applied to enhance feature detection. This approach enabled the identification of colder spectral responses corresponding to water bodies. As a result, the water surface of the Tasty River was clearly delineated. In addition, the spatial extent of the associated alluvial fan was determined to be approximately 100 km2. The analysis demonstrates that the study area possesses a sufficient water balance to support planting activities. This includes the cultivation and breeding of tree seedlings under suitable environmental conditions. The findings also highlight the presence of favorable conditions for landscape development. In this context, the area shows significant potential for ecotourism development. Furthermore, a field-based survey was conducted to complement the geospatial analysis. The survey results indicate a positive relationship between environmental awareness and ecological outcomes. A moderate regression coefficient (0.5) suggests that increasing awareness among guesthouse owners contributes to environmental improvement. This relationship underscores the importance of community engagement in sustainable development. Overall, the study identifies key opportunities for ecological restoration and greening initiatives. It also emphasizes the role of integrated environmental management in strengthening local resilience

Balance of nature · Ecotourism · Floodplain · Geospatial analysis · Landscaping · Sustainability · Tourism · Water balance · Groundwater and Watershed Analysis · Land Use and Ecosystem Services · Remote Sensing in Agriculture