Sustainable Nature Tourism in Protected Areas
Many of Finland’s protected areas are significant tourist attractions. Although the main purpose of protected areas is to protect natural features, they are also beneficially used for scientific research, amateur nature studies and outdoor recreation. The recreational use of protected areas can usually also be described as nature tourism.
Metsähallitus manages almost all of Finland’s national parks and other protected areas in areas owned by the state. To help improve nature tourism and the related facilities, Metsähallitus has drafted a special set of principles for sustainable nature tourism in protected areas, wilderness areas and sites in special conservation programmes.
Sustainable nature tourism is promoted in co-operation with local residents, the local authorities, firms offering tourist services, and other organisations. These principles for sustainable nature tourism are not simply a list of “dos and don’ts”, but rather represent jointly agreed practical guidelines that will help to promote sustainability. These guidelines may be followed in different ways by different organisations, according to local conditions.
Principles for Sustainable Nature Tourism
The following nine principles are intended to guide the operations of Metsähallitus in protected areas. Explanations and examples are given to illustrate how these principles are put into practice. In protected areas, wilderness areas, and sites in special conservation programmes that are managed by Metsähallitus, sustainable nature tourism is practised according to the following principles:
1. Natural values are preserved and all activities promote nature conservation.
- Nature is an important reason for visits.
- Visitors can learn about nature and conservation.
- Tourism does not disturb nature; not all areas are suited to tourism.
- Groups are small, and use marked trails wherever possible.
- Tourism is channelled into areas with suitable facilities.
- Facilities are designed to fit in with the surroundings; the most beautiful natural areas are left undeveloped.
- Erosion and other impacts are monitored, with corrective measures taken as needed.
2. The environment is subjected to as little pressure as possible.
- Nature comes first; every effort is taken to avoid damage or disturbance.
- Visitors leave no trace behind them.
- Firewood is used sparingly.
- Emissions of all kinds are minimised, and renewable energy sources preferred.
- Metsähallitus and other organisations set good examples on environmental protection.
3. Local traditions and cultures are respected.
- Visitors are encouraged to learn about local cultures.
- Local cultures are suitably considered in the provision of information and activities.
- Guides are familiar with local conditions.
4. Visitors increase their understanding and appreciation of nature and cultures.
- Information is available for visitors before they come.
- Information is easily available and attractively presented.
- Visitors can contribute to the management of the area.
- Guides are well trained.
5. Improved recreational facilities are provided for visitors.
- The needs of all visitors are considered.
- Facilities suit local demand and conditions.
- Visitors can enjoy peace and quiet, as well as guided activities.
- Facilities and services are developed in co-operation with local firms.
6. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy both mental and physical recreation.
- Visitors are encouraged to move under their own steam.
- Facilities are provided for hikers and other visitors.
- Easy and demanding routes are available.
- Opportunities exist for a variety of activities in natural surroundings.
- All trails and other facilities are safe.
7. Local economies and employment are promoted.
- Local firms’ products and services are used where possible.
- Employment is given to local people where possible, although outsiders may also contribute valuable ideas to help promote local development.
8. Publicity materials are produced responsibly and carefully.
- Information is reliable and up-to-date.
- Publicity work is conducted openly and interactively.
- Publicity does not work against nature conservation.
9. Activities are planned and organised co-operatively.
- Visitors’ opinions are very important.
- Training is organised together with local firms.
- All interested parties may participate in planning.
- In co-operation work, preference is given to organisations committed to these principles of sustainable nature tourism.
What Is Sustainable Nature Tourism?
The goal of sustainable nature tourism is to provide visitors with valuable experiences in natural surroundings in fully sustainable ways. The above principles for sustainable nature tourism in protected areas relate to the various ecological, social, cultural and economic aspects of sustainability.
Ecological sustainability involves respecting natural values. Not all areas are suited to nature tourism. Social, economic and cultural sustainability depend on the impacts of nature tourism on local residents and communities, and also the experiences of visitors. Nature tourism has the potential to improve both economic and spiritual well-being, but poorly planned or badly organised tourism can endanger natural features and local cultures, and also disturb other people using natural areas.
Measuring Sustainability
Metsähallitus is currently developing indicators to evaluate the sustainability of nature tourism. These indicators will be used to monitor the ecological, social and economic impacts of nature tourism in specific areas. Such indicators will also be used in the planning of the use and management of protected areas.
Sustainability through Co-operation
The increasing use of protected areas for nature tourism means that clear rules must be jointly agreed by everyone concerned. Written agreements are made between Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services and local firms, to define acceptable and sustainable practices. In addition to the contracts entitling firms to organise activities in protected areas, even more detailed co-operation may be established through co-operation and partnership agreements. Sustainability can only be achieved through co-operation.
The name of this web page is www.metsa.fi/sustainablenaturetourism