Olimjon Saidmamatov and Dr.Umidjon Matyakubov realized UNiCEN project “Developing MOOC on Ecotourism of Uzbekistan” together with prof.Jonathon Day from Purdue University, U.S. In 2021, the team achieved the following results:

1. Academic results. As per the project objectives, the main goal is to create MOOC (Massive Online Open Course) on Ecotourism of Uzbekistan which is the first online open study material in tourism industry of Uzbekistan. The MOOC is successfully uploaded to the EdX platform and CAWEP project of the World Bank supported the access to the EdX platform. From now, the MOOC is publicly available at: https://edx.cakn.online/courses/course-v1:ursu+uz-ecotourism+2021C2/about
2. Scientific results. With the supervision of prof.Jonathon Day, the team was able to publish three outstanding publications in peer-reviewed academic journals:
   1. O.Saidmamatov, U.Matyakubov, E.Khodjaniyazov, J.Day, P.Marty, J.Zhao (2022). The impact of Central Asian tourists’ risk perception on their travel intentions during the COVID-19. Turyzm/Tourism 31(2), 133-154. https://doi.org/10.18778/0867-5856.31.2.08  
   2. O.Saidmamatov, U.Matyakubov, J.Day, P.Marty, E.Khodjaniyazov, E.Ibadullaev, D.Bekjanov, M.Matniyozov, B.Matyusupov. (2021). "Impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism Industry of Uzbekistan and State Support during the Pandemic", Chen, J.S. (Ed.) Advances in Hospitality and Leisure ,Vol. 17, Emerald Publishing Limited, Bingley, 163-174. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1745-354220210000017009
   3. O.Saidmamatov, U.Matyakubov, E.Khodjaniyazov, J.Day, E.Ibadullaev, S.Chuponov, D.Bekjanov, M.Matniyozov, B.Matyusupov (2021). TOWS analysis for sustainable ecotourism development and state support during the pandemic: The Aral Sea region of Uzbekistan. Turyzm/Tourism, 31(1), 47-56. https://doi.org/10.18778/0867-5856.31.1.16
3. Practical results. The project team conducted field trip to 17 ecotourism destinations in August 2021 to record video materials from the ecotourism destinations that can be further used in teaching ecotourism subject to the students. You can find the following YouTube links that better describe each ecotourism destination below. The video materials are publicly available and you can use them in teaching ecotourism subject.
   1. Akchakul lake  https://youtu.be/YBdlh0P8iJE
   2. Amudaryo river https://youtu.be/nxZhGz1fPGg
   3. Aral Sea shore  https://youtu.be/Kc-iEQ12M7Q
   4. Aydarkul lake https://youtu.be/k7iskyYU28U
   5. Baday Tugai Nature Reserve  https://youtu.be/HPypBnDuELk
   6. Charvak lake  https://youtu.be/WW_UAjuexdU
   7. Chatkal range  https://youtu.be/4Z-TuzaRs7M
   8. Jairan eco-center  https://youtu.be/f6qU-vhBK3s
   9. Kitab state geological reserve: https://youtu.be/0Ydx8SRDcRU
   10. Majrum village https://youtu.be/MjrrWzDxRRQ 
   11. Nurata Nature Reserve  https://youtu.be/HroPacFv7E8
   12. Nurata mountain range  https://youtu.be/MaqPCjI2JrE
   13. Qalajiq lake  https://youtu.be/n_4IEE8hR0s
   14. Sentab village https://youtu.be/OiOX3oSiJYg
   15. Ugam Chatkal National Park  https://youtu.be/OZdApp5x_V0
   16. Canyons of the Ustyurt Plateau https://youtu.be/Nm_xvD6UvsQ
   17. Zaamin National Park  https://youtu.be/ghYu4_HM0_U
4. Project sustainability. Based on the obtained results, the project team is awarded with the grant by UNESCO to conduct trainings in to improve the local livelihood in Aral Sea region of Uzbekistan. In addition, staff members of the Tourism Chair is actively cooperating with renowned professors on organizing conferences, writing joint papers, staff exchange and more.