ECOTOURISM SIGNIFICANCE OF THE THERMAL AND MINERAL WATERS OF THE SOUTHERN SLOPE (BETWEEN MAZYMCHAY AND SHINCHAI) OF THE GREATER CAUCASUS

Abstract

In the article, in the socio-geographical direction, issues are discussed about the territory of mineral and thermal waters on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus, the chemical composition of waters, temperature, the possibility of using it in the treatment of some diseases, ecotourism value and rational use of thermal waters. Ecotourism can provide real financial support for nature conservation and increase the importance of natural sites that should be preserved in their original form. For the rational use of thermal waters in the research area, targeted measures should be taken at the state level, in order to eliminate the shortages in this area and to ensure its further development, entrepreneurs should be provided with very low interest rates, long-term loans. In the study of thermal and mineral waters, the merit of geologists, hydrogeologists and balneologists was great; in the modern period, scientists and specialists mainly refer to information obtained 50-100 years ago. There are very few innovations in this area. Favorable climatic conditions of the region, ecotourism conditions, large forests, natural and historical monuments, high seismicity of the territory, deforestation processes, and so on. according to specifications differ. The study area (especially the Gakh region) is the region with the richest thermal and mineral water resources in Azerbaijan, as well as ecotourism and balneological tourism. The Gakh region in the northwestern part of Azerbaijan, along with other natural benefits, is distinguished by its thermal and mineral springs and balneological value. The well-known hydrogen sulfide, hydrocarbonate groups of the Ilisu thermal waters, as well as the resort-tourist and balneological significance of the mineral springs on the left and right banks of the Kurmukh River near the village of Alibeyli and in the so-called boiling zone have not yet been fully utilized. Thermal and mineral waters, with the exception of a few, were used in a very primitive form mainly by the local population. The use of such waters should be carried out under the supervision of a physician for his purpose, and the taking or not taking medicinal baths should be especially controlled. Therefore, the chemical composition of thermal waters must be periodically checked by professional specialists.