Termez State University (TerSU) supports community education on environmentally responsible tourism and the sustainable use of land and natural landscapes in Surkhandarya, Uzbekistan. Its Green Tourism Initiative connects the University’s Economics and Tourism teaching expertise with outreach to local guides and tourism stakeholders. The programme addresses how nature-based tourism can support local livelihoods while reducing pressure on vegetation, habitats, sensitive land and cultural landscapes.

Community-oriented programme and outreach

The University’s published programme on sustainable land use in agriculture and tourism describes ecotourism workshops for students and local guides under its Green Tourism Initiative. Outreach content brings together ecosystem protection, sustainable visitor routes, responsible land use and heritage stewardship. The programme is linked to cooperation described by TerSU with the regional tourism authorities and the Uzbekistan National Commission for UNESCO.

Community audience and learning channels

The 2025 Xo‘jamayxona-Darband field-planning case

On 25 June 2025, the University reported on-site consideration of tourism master-plan proposals for Xo‘jamayxona Gorge in Boysun District. The regional governor visited TerSU’s Darband educational and practical base, where the University’s rector presented land-use and tourism-development opportunities. The field review included the proposed walking and cycling routes, hiking and trekking activities, and other nature-oriented tourism infrastructure.

A follow-up institutional report dated 26 June 2025 described a meeting at the Darband base on tourism and green energy development. University representatives presented approaches to using regional natural assets and improving tourism services. The discussions illustrate transfer of university expertise to regional decision-makers responsible for tourism development and land-use planning.

Documented planning figures and what they measure

These numerical parameters are documented planning specifications. They describe proposed tourism infrastructure and visitor formats rather than a claim that the trail had already been completed or that any number of visitors had used it in 2025.

Educational link between tourism and land protection

TerSU connects the outreach programme to academic teaching in ecotourism and sustainable tourism. The University’s published Ecotourism module (EKOB304, semester 6) specifies learning outcomes on conservation, local-community benefits, minimising environmental impact, designing eco-routes and explaining environmental issues to visitors. Together with local-guide outreach and field-planning engagement, this supports a pathway for applying conservation knowledge beyond the classroom.

Institutional approach and SDG contribution

Through its community-facing green-tourism activities and 2025 engagement on a proposed mountain tourism destination, TerSU connects higher education, regional planning and practical environmental responsibility. The work makes sustainable land-use principles relevant to local tour guides, tourism stakeholders and public authorities managing visitor destinations.