METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE "DIGITAL ECOLOGICAL PASSPORT" (REP) SYSTEM IN ECOTOURISM AREAS OF UZBEKISTAN

This research investigates the transformative role of digital innovation in the sustainable governance of ecotourism resources within the Republic of Uzbekistan. As global tourism shifts toward high-tech sustainability, this article proposes a novel "Digital Ecological Passport" (DEP) system as a primary mechanism to mitigate escalating anthropogenic pressures and enhance the ecological resilience of natural destinations. The study meticulously explores the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create a proactive monitoring framework. By evaluating the economic and environmental trade-offs, the research develops a pioneering methodology that treats ecotourism resources as "digital assets." The findings suggest that the integration of real-time data analytics into the national tourism strategy can optimize carrying capacity management by up to 30%, fostering a harmonious balance between economic profitability and environmental conservation.