Kalevala Parks
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

The goal of the project was not only to support the quick establishment of the Kalevala national parks, but also to create a local model for park twinning cooperation and increase the knowledge and appreciation of the forest cultures and the nature affected by them in Viena Karelia and Kainuu.

Main activities

• Creation of a local model for park twinning cooperation, • Creation of an operational model and entrepreneurial network that supports sustainable ecological and cultural values between the Hossa Hiking Area and actors in Russia. • Increasing awareness of the associated lifestyle of the unique wilderness area in Kainuu and Viena Karelia.

Achievements

The project’s active interaction across the border created a good foundation for future cooperation. The Kalevala national park areas and the project were actively presented and the general awareness of the parks was increased. In addition, the media expressed regular interest. Interaction between Finnish and Russian entrepreneurs and officials was successfully created during the project. Therefore, future communication is expected to be easier. The appeal of the area as a nature and tourism attraction was also increased during the project. Tourism cooperation was researched in many different ways, including becoming familiar with potential partners and nature tourism products and by learning about the general prerequisites for tourism in the nearby areas. Attractive nature tourism packages can be built based on the Kalevala national park and the local culture in Russia. In addition, the significance of the ability to cross the border via Suomussalmi in order to promote cooperation was brought up in discussions. The foundation for continuing the cooperation in tourism is good, though the entrepreneur network was not completed during the project. The Town of Kostomuksha actively worked to establish the Kalevala National Park in Russia. The park was, in fact, ultimately established on 3 July 2007. A director was appointed for the park, and he has an office and limited staff in Kostomuksha. In Finland, the planned national park is effectively a nature reserve already. However, the national park was officially established in 2014.