THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN ENHANCING PLACE AFFECTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE: EVIDENCE FROM A MOUNTAINOUS TOURISM DESTINATION IN LENGER TOWN OF KAZAKHSTAN

This study examines the role of environmental infrastructure in enhancing place affection and residents’ quality of life (QOL) in Lenger, a mountainous tourism destination in southern Kazakhstan. Rooted in Social Exchange Theory, the research investigates how eco-friendly infrastructure, such as green spaces, parks, and sustainable waste management, shapes emotional connections to place and promotes physical and mental well-being, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). A structured survey involving 417 residents was conducted, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the direct and indirect relationships among environmental infrastructure, place affection, and QOL. The findings reveal that environmental infrastructure positively influences both QOL and place affection, with place affection acting as a partial mediator in this relationship. This indicates that infrastructure investments not only improve physical conditions but also foster emotional attachment, which in turn enhances overall well-being. The study emphasizes that emotionally resonant infrastructure is essential for sustainable tourism planning and public health promotion. By focusi ng on the case of Lenger, the research contributes to a growing body of literature highlighting the psychosocial dimensions of tourism development. It offers practical recommendations for policymakers and urban planners to incorporate community - oriented and ecologically sensitive infrastructure in tourism regions. The findings suggest that infr astructure designed to engage residents emotionally and support their environmental values can lead to stronger community bonds, healthier lifestyles, and more sustainable tourism outcomes. By highlighting the psychosocial pathways linking infrastructure development and community well-being, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and tourism developers aiming to balance ecological sustainability with socio-emotional needs in emerging tourist destinations like Lenger.