On 4 July 2025, Mingachevir State University (MSU), through its Department of Economics, organised an educational ecotourism excursion to Göygöl National Park. The initiative aimed to strengthen the practical knowledge of students enrolled in the Tourism Management programme while raising awareness of sustainable land management for tourism, environmental protection and the conservation of natural heritage.

As part of the educational activity, participants received information about Göygöl National Park’s ecosystem, flora, fauna, natural landscapes and the ecological importance of protected areas. The guided excursion along designated routes highlighted the relationship between tourism activities and the natural environment, with particular attention to the responsible use of land resources, biodiversity conservation and the maintenance of ecological balance.

A key focus of the initiative was promoting sustainable tourism principles and highlighting the importance of environmentally responsible practices in natural areas. The activity emphasised the need to balance local tourism development with the protection of natural ecosystems and landscapes.

The initiative also highlights the importance of extending environmental awareness beyond the university community. Local residents, tourism guides, representatives of tourism businesses and other interested community members can benefit from educational outreach on sustainable tourism, responsible land use and the conservation of protected natural areas. Public awareness activities and knowledge-sharing initiatives can help promote environmentally responsible behaviour, support sustainable tourism development and contribute to preserving Azerbaijan’s natural heritage for future generations.