Abstract
Lakes represent primary physiographic features that attract significant tourist flows. Their presence, distribution, hydrological regimes, hydrochemical profiles, and other characteristics serve as critical determinants for the development of the tourism industry. The lacustrine systems of the North Kazakhstan Region function as natural biomes for semiaquatic and aquatic nesting and migratory birds; furthermore, they contain concentrated stocks of ichthyofauna, therapeutic muds, sapropels, and brine (rapa). To date, a comprehensive assessment of the recreational potential of these lakes for integration into the tourism sector has not been previously conducted. This comprehensive evaluation encompasses four primary dimensions: functional, sanitary-hygienic, aesthetic, and technological. The assessment was based on an integrated analysis of ten criteria: morphometric, hydrological, hydrochemical, and hydrobiological indicators, as well as climatic factors, aesthetics, transport accessibility, current economic utilization, and the sanitary-ecological state. Each criterion comprised a specific set of variables. In total, 20 distinct parameters were examined, including: linear dimensions, surface area, water mass volume, mean depth, mineralization (salinity), average water and air temperatures, wind velocity, among others. Thirty-three key lakes within the Esil River basin were selected as focal points for this study. A specialized database was developed, and geoinformation mapping was performed using the ArcGIS 10.8 software suite. The evaluation employed a point-based scoring system. During the scoring process, the weight of each criterion was accounted for through the application of a significance coefficient. As a result of the study, the recreational potential of the region’s lakes was determined, followed by their classification and physiographic regionalization based on suitability for the tourism sector. The obtained results allowed us to identify 5 levels of the recreational potential of the lakes of the studied region: low, below average, medium, increased/good high, very high. Specific types of tourist and recreational activities were proposed for designated lake clusters.