Basgal community unites around sustainable tourism as local residents, entrepreneurs, and youth pledge to protect the destination they call home.
On 11 May 2026, the historic village of Basgal became the venue for a landmark training session titled "Shaping a Green Future in Tourism" - a clear signal that this remarkable destination is serious about growing responsibly. Bringing together 19 participants drawn from the local community, tourism businesses, and youth, the session marks another concrete step in Basgal's commitment to building tourism that works for people and nature alike.
Basgal is one of Azerbaijan's most treasured rural destinations - a place of living heritage, mountain landscapes, and centuries-old craftsmanship. As visitor numbers grow, so does the community's determination to ensure that growth enhances rather than erodes what makes Basgal special. This training placed that commitment front and centre.
Participants explored the full spectrum of responsible tourism practice: from reducing plastic use and conserving water and energy, to managing waste, guiding visitors responsibly, and promoting genuinely eco-friendly services. Local guesthouse owners, guides, and business operators learned how every individual action - however small - contributes to the long-term health of the destination. Real-world examples of thriving eco-tourism models from other destinations demonstrated that sustainable tourism is not just an ideal: it is a proven path to lasting prosperity.
Equally powerful were the conversations around community and youth. Young participants brought energy and fresh ideas, exploring hands-on initiatives - from community clean-up campaigns and promotion of local products to support for environmentally conscious visitor experiences. The session made clear that the next generation of Basgal's tourism stewards is ready and engaged.
The training underscored that Basgal's natural landscapes, heritage, and community identity are the very foundation of its tourism appeal, and that protecting them is not a constraint on development - it is the smartest investment the community can make.
The training forms part of a broader programme of capacity-building initiatives being delivered in Basgal in support of its Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2026–2028. It reflects a shared vision between local stakeholders, the Reserves Management Centre, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board and the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan: that Basgal can grow as a destination while remaining authentic, resilient, and beautiful for generations to come.
Basgal is not just preserving its past. It is actively building its future - and that future is green.
