Promotion of Nature Tourism in Oulanka and Paanajärvi National Parks
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

The aim of the project was to promote sustainable nature tourism in the Oulanka and Paanajärvi national parks and, on the other hand, promote their economic sustainability. This would secure the socio-economic benefit of the areas in the long run.

Main activities

• Conducting research on the history of human activities in the Oulanka National Park, creating reconstruction plan for the Paanajärvi Arola Farmhouse, implementing maintenance work for the traditional scenery environment, • Diversification of the tourism product selection, • Marketing of the protected areas to travel entrepreneurs, • Improving the quality and diversity of nature guidance, • Creating a land use plan for the east end of Paanajärvi National Park.

Achievements

The project conducted research on the history of human activities in the Oulanka National Park. In addition, the reconstruction plan for the Paanajärvi Arola Farmhouse was created and maintenance work for the traditional scenery environment implemented. Suitable tourism products for the protected areas were promoted by presenting the opportunities in using them for tourism known to entrepreneurs in the industry. The quality and diversity of the nature information was improved by producing a nature and hiking guide for the Oulanka and Paanajärvi national parks, training personnel at the parks, planning an informative website, and modernising the audiovisual equipment at the Oulanka Visitor Centre. A new exhibition was also implemented at the Oulanka Visitor Centre. In addition, new signage was placed in the wilderness area and new routes were planned. A land use plan was created for the east end of Paanajärvi National Park. The nature and hiking guide produced in the project can also serve visitors in that area. The project created and strengthened relationships between individuals and organisations and connected Paanajärvi National Park more closely to the international nature conservation effort. The project was responsible for establishing a good framework for the continuation of productive local cooperation. Within the framework of the project, a significant number of procedures that benefited Paanajärvi National Park were completed by combining various funds. The area was seen to still require confidential and productive cooperation across the border. Therefore, the activities were continued with the 'Oulanka-Paanajärvi - Wilderness, Experiences, and Well-Being’ project. Paanajärvi National Park has later (in 2005) been approved for inclusion in the Pan Parks network. Additional information at: www.luontoon.fi/oulanka, www.parks.karelia.ru, and www.panparks.org.