Intellectually driven management of natural resources of Green Belt Fennoscandia (KA529)
Funded by Karelia ENPI 2007-2013

Objective of the project

The aim of the project is to contribute to the socio-economic development of the Green Belt of Fennoscandia by creating the system of sustainable use and conservation of natural resources (hunting, fishing, PA-based tourism, recreation, other activities).

Main activities

• Specialization, Zoning and Conservation Regimens. • Sustainable management of game animals and fish resources, development of hunting and fisheries. • Promotion of educational excursions and learning tourism.

Achievements

The project has been producing both theoretical results and practical outputs as well as having a societal impact. The theoretical component comprised in-depth scientific studies (including expeditions) for the assessment of the current state of natural complexes and biological resources (fish & game animals), delineation of ecological corridors, as well as studies at the forest ecosystem level with further landscape-based zoning. Scientific research results were discussed at various conferences and seminars held both within the project and outside. The project results served as the material for 5 presentations and 3 papers in scientific journals. The results obtained and the maps produced within the project will be used in various publications in the future, creating an added value from the project. Theoretical results have close interconnection with the practical ones especially when it comes to elaboration and publication of the management models, development plans, guidelines on population monitoring, excursion route guidebook, information boards and signs, video on selective fishing. One of the important practical results was the adaptation of relevant Finnish and Swedish practices in sustainable use and management of fish resources to Russian realities. In this regard the publication "Perspectives on Sustainable Fisheries Management — Case Examples from Sweden and Finland" has become a good visibility material that was handed over to representatives of target groups. Another specific output is the set of Green Belt of Fennoscandia (GBF) publications (illustrated popular science book on GBF, disk with it electronic version, bilingual leaflet) and video about GBF & related project results. All copies of the publications were widely disseminated to target groups and other stakeholders. The Concept for developing scientific excursions and learning tourism (Kostomukshsky Strict Nature Reserve and adjacent areas) until 2020 has become the basis for the Tourism Development Strategy worked out within another ENPI project (“Quality-CET” – КА333) which, in turn, will be implemented within a large-scale ENPI project (Fennoscandian Green Belt – Welfare from Sustainable Cross Border Nature and Culture Tourism (FGB). Such synergy between various projects is a good example of complementarity and amplification of the effect of projects. The recreational facility built on Andronova Gora has in demonstrated how maximum positive changes in infrastructure can be achieved with limited funding. After thorough discussions with all stakeholders it was decided to build it in a site that local people have traditionally used for fishing, hunting and recreation, but which had no facilities at all. The facility will undoubtedly serve to attract more visitors to the area, and will help use natural, historical and cultural resources in a more sustainable way. Muezersky District Administration is very interested in having such a facility in their territory. They provided all possible assistance in infrastructure building during the project, a caretaker was recruited and hired by the administration. These facts suggest the infrastructure-building activities of the project will be sustainable.