Oulanka-Paanajärvi – wilderness, experiences and well-being (Interreg, Tacis)
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

The aim of this project was to secure and strengthen the status of the Oulanka-Paanajärvi twin park both domestically and internationally and thus positively influence local development by creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

Main activities

• Production of guide material on nature information and hiking, the History of the National Park of Oulanka book, and electronic information points • Assessing the sustainability of nature tourism and recreational use of the environment in the Oulanka National Park • Assessing the effectiveness of the Oulanka-Paanajärvi cooperation • Organising guide training.

Achievements

Several different types of material was produced in the project. These included nature information and hiking guide material, the History of the National Park of Oulanka book, and electronic information points. The information points present nature destinations in Finland and Russia. Travellers are invited to locate and visit them during various seasons and encouraged to try varied forms of nature activity. The tourism services of the region can also be found at the same location In addition, an assessment was made of the sustainability of nature tourism and recreational use of the environment in the Oulanka National Park. The assessment revealed areas with valuable vegetation being also used for nature tourism and recreation, which will create a challenge for park maintenance that should be included in future planning of nature tourism. The report creates a foundation for improving the 'limit for acceptable change' method in the Oulanka National Park and provides tools for park care. Electronic information points help direct visitors from high-traffic areas to less visited destinations. The project was also responsible for completing an assessment of the effectiveness of the Oulanka-Paanajärvi cooperation, which will be an important tool for developing future cooperation. In addition, guide training was organised, which was completed already during the project by eight guides from the Oulanka National Park joint-venture company and two customer service specialists from Metsähallitus. The material for the training was placed in a teaching folder and onto a CD. The training and the associated certification are used as examples for later training by Metsähallitus.