Formation of a conceptual model and principles for building a digital ecosystem for the sustainable development of specially protected natural areas

Abstract

Aim.  To develop a conceptual architecture and scientifically grounded principles for the functioning of a digital ecosystem aimed at ensuring a balance between recreational activity, the investment attractiveness of specially protected natural areas (SPNAs), and biodiversity conservation objectives within the framework of the national ESG agenda. Objectives.  To conduct a critical analysis of the current state of digitalization in managing tourist flows within SPNAs of the Russian Federation; to identify the economic barriers to crossindustry collaboration between businesses and conservation institutions; to substantiate the need to transition from static recreational capacity standards to dynamic models based on big data; to develop the component structure of a digital solution that integrates geoanalytics, ecosystem services economics, and distributed ledger tools. Methods.  The research is based on the methodology of enterprise architecture systems analysis, the platform economy concept, and agent-based simulation methods (AnyLogic). The empirical foundation includes reported data on visitor numbers from pilot national parks and the results of an analysis of existing geographic information system (GIS) solutions used by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation. Results.  The study presents the author’s conceptual model of a three-level digital ecosystem for SPNAs (data collection verification monetization of ecosystem services). The analysis reveals that the key driver for implementing platform solutions is industrial partners’ need for verifiable carbon footprint reduction and biodiversity offset units. The study demonstrates the economic efficiency of dynamic anthropogenic load regulation compared to traditional administrative restrictions. The paper proposes principles for integrating a digital twin of a tourist destination with corporate ESG reporting systems. Conclusions.  The developed model enables the transformation of SPNAs from subsidized entities into active participants in the green financial instruments market, thereby creating a sustainable economic foundation for preserving natural heritage. Practical application of the model is constrained by the absence of an industry standard for geospatial data exchange and insufficient legal certainty regarding the status of ecosystem services in Russian legislation.