Oulanka-Paanajärvi – wilderness, experiences and well-being (Tacis)

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The project was created from the need to secure and strengthen the status of the Oulanka-Paanajärvi twin park, both domestically and internationally, as an attraction and a resource. By improving the conditions for nature tourism, the local development could be positively influenced by creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. The sustainability of functions is a prerequisite for the use of national parks, nature tourism, regional appeal and continued recreational use. Therefore, the sustainability of nature tourism and the recreational use of the environment were to be ensured in the Oulanka National Park by studying its current condition and potential need for change. A review of the functionality and effectiveness of the cooperation between the national parks was also to be created and future prospects for continued cooperation and development identified. As nature tourism is becoming more international and the demand is changing, an increasing need for quality, information, and guides specialised in the attractions was considered necessary. The intention in the project was to meet this challenge by developing a training system for guides. In addition, principles were to be established for their certification. There was also a wish in the project to offer information to travellers regarding the diversity of nature in the area and encourage them to extensively tour the nature sites in the region.

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