Promotion of Nature Tourism in Oulanka and Paanajärvi National Parks

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The Oulanka National Park, which is located in Kuusamo and Salla municipalities, shares a border in the east with Paanajärvi National Park in the Republic of Karelia. Oulanka National Park fulfi ls the requirements set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and has been included in the European Pan Parks network. Paanajärvi National Park, located in the northwestern region of the Republic of Karelia, is approximately four times the size of Oulanka National Park. Due to its inaccessibility, the park has been preserved to such an extent that the area is without comparison elsewhere in North Europe. Th e cooperation between Oulanka and Paanajärvi national parks is based on an agreement between the nations. Th e nature in the wilderness area is unique and the twin park is internationally a signifi cant wilderness entity and an important nature tourism destination. Th e product selection of the area has been homogeneous in relation to demand. Tourism and traditional lifestyles/ values have been in confl ict with each another. Similarly, the goals of tourism and nature conservation have been partially in confl ict. Th erefore, the tourism appeal of the area has been at risk. Th e 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. Th is would secure the socio-economic benefi t of the areas in the long run. Th is was striven towards by diversifying the tourism product selection (culture tourism, tourism products suitable for protected areas, high-quality and diverse nature information services) and by improving the tourism appeal of the area.

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