KazNU and PolyU Launch Guest Lecture Series: First Session by Dr Roshis Shrestha on Regenerative Tourism

On 26 September 2025, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted the inaugural lecture of the online PolyU–KazNU Guest Lecture Series. The opening session was delivered by Dr Roshis Krishna Shrestha from the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, with a thought-provoking presentation on Regenerative Tourism.

The initiative was jointly organised by the PolyU–KazNU Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia and the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, KazNU. The session was moderated by the Centre’s Administrative Assistant and Senior Lecturer of the Department, Yeldar Nuruly, with welcoming remarks delivered by the Head of Department, Dr Ruslan Baiburiyev. The lecture, held on the Zoom platform, drew an engaged audience of undergraduate and postgraduate students, doctoral candidates, and academic staff.

Focus of the Lecture

Dr Shrestha explored the paradigm shift from the traditional principle of “do no harm” towards the more ambitious approach of “leave it better”. He highlighted that regenerative tourism goes beyond minimising negative impacts: it seeks to restore ecosystems, empower local communities, and foster inclusive economic participation, all of which can be tracked dynamically. The lecture also addressed practical management tools and the role of visitor behaviour, showing how small interventions–before, during, and after a trip–can contribute to the regenerative objectives of destinations.

Emphasising the complexity of the topic, Dr Shrestha noted the need for long-term perspectives, transparent co-management frameworks, and realistic “quick wins” during the first year to sustain community and stakeholder motivation.

Discussion and Q&A

The question-and-answer session proved lively and insightful. Participants asked about starting points in resource-limited contexts, ways to detect “regen-washing” (when regenerative claims are not backed by real action), and simple sets of 5-6 indicators that can be tracked without costly audits. Other questions touched on reconciling environmental goals with local employment, using low seasons for ecosystem recovery and education, and positioning regenerative projects as infrastructure for climate adaptation. Issues of gender, youth, and indigenous participation in decision-making were also raised, as well as ownership models that enable local communities to retain value from tourism.

Relevance for KazNU and the Region

The PolyU–KazNU lecture series is part of the Centre’s mission to connect academic expertise with the pressing challenges of Central Asia. The theme of regenerative tourism is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth (local jobs and entrepreneurship),
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (resilient destinations),
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (procurement and material cycles),
• SDG 13: Climate Action (adaptation and resilience),
• SDG 15: Life on Land (ecosystem restoration).

For students and young researchers, the lecture provided both exposure to cutting-edge concepts and a practical framework for academic projects, internships, and future research.

Next Steps

Dr Shrestha’s lecture opened a cycle of five online sessions led by SHTM faculty members. Four more lectures will follow in October, covering topics such as social sustainability in destinations, service-learning and ecotourism, big data and tourist mobility, and gastronomic tourism, with scheduling aligned to the time zones of Almaty and Hong Kong.

Acknowledgements

KazNU extends its sincere appreciation to Dr Roshis Krishna Shrestha for his inspiring and substantial lecture, and to the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, PolyU for their continued partnership.