PPP legal framework for development of ecotourism in protected areas

Strategy for tourism development in the Russian Federation through to 2035 is aimed at increasing the tourist attractiveness of protected areas and their transformation into growing points for local economies. Public-private partnership is one of the alternative decisions to achieve this goal. The article analyzes the legal conditions for implementation of public-private partnership mechanisms in creation of infrastructure facilities for ecotourism in protected areas. In the study we have used analytical and comparative methods, carried out an expert survey of professionals with competencies in the field of tourism development, nature management, protected areas and PPP project management. The analysis of legislation in the field of PPP has revealed that the current legislation doesn’t define the role of protected areas as a special participant in public-private partnerships, and there are no regulations on the transferring infrastructure facilities to a private partner or concessionaire under control of federal state budgetary institutions, including protected areas. Based on the results of the study, we have formulated proposals for improvement of legal regulation, development of appropriate mechanisms and procedures for attracting investments in protected areas within the framework of PPP.