A new glamping site launched this June at Osveja Nature Reserve in Belarus is redefining the relationship between tourism and conservation.
Developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Environment, and financial backing from the Russian Federation, the site introduces three dome-shaped, all-season structures designed to offer comfort without compromising environmental integrity.
Each dome accommodates guests with amenities including insulation, electric stoves, king-sized beds, and climate control systems while maintaining a low-impact footprint in one of the country’s ecologically significant areas.
The facility can host up to 12 guests across the three domes, with additional seasonal camping capacity and a sanitary block to support year-round operations.
These developments are part of a broader conservation strategy to create meaningful and accessible nature experiences. Central to this strategy is a new water taxi service connecting visitors to Du Island, previously closed to the public.
On the island, the five-kilometer “Mysterious Du Island” eco-trail guides guests through grassy hills and lake views in a route designed to promote environmental awareness.
The trail features educational installations, a radio guide system for self-led tours, and opportunities to learn about rare species and habitats.
More than 3,000 visitors have booked stays since the site’s opening, and local officials expect increased traffic through the end of 2025. The project is also intended to support local economic development.
“When communities benefit directly from protecting natural spaces, they become stakeholders in conservation rather than obstacles to it,” the organizers said in a press release.
Local suppliers, guides, artisans, and operators now have new opportunities as the reserve expands its tourism offerings. The initiative also aligns with global trends in the outdoor hospitality sector.
According to information mentioned in the press release, the glamping industry, currently valued at US$3.11 billion, is projected to reach nearly US$5 billion by 2028. Industry research indicates that 71% of travelers seek more environmentally sustainable options, and online searches for glamping have increased by 143% over the past three years.
The Osveja site targets not only eco-conscious tourists but also groups often excluded from traditional nature experiences, such as families with children or those less comfortable with conventional camping.
By reducing access barriers, the reserve aims to foster broader public engagement with conservation efforts.
For nature reserves facing similar funding and sustainability challenges, Osveja may offer a replicable model. Its combination of low-impact accommodations, environmental education, and community involvement presents a strategy for enhancing both visitor experience and conservation outcomes.
Whether this model can be expanded to other protected areas in Belarus remains to be seen. However, as global interest in sustainable tourism grows, the integration of comfort, education, and conservation could offer a viable path forward for nature-based destinations.
Featured image via UNDP via undp.org