«Eco-efficient tourism»
project is being implemented in the framework of the Karelia ENPI CBC
Programme. It is aimed at making Euregio Karelia more attractive for tourists
through gradual leveling of the quality of services provided to tourists on the
two sides of the border. That also includes introduction of eco-efficient
technologies for management of recreational areas and improving the quality of services
offered in active tourism destinations in Republic of Karelia (Lake Ladoga and
Syamozero areas) in co-operation with adjacent Finnish areas. The project will
contribute to making pilot areas more comfortable, safe, environmentally
friendly and known for these features. It will also significantly improve
cross-border tourism transboundary practices and regional development
co-operation. The partner consortium headed by non-profit partnership «Centre
for Problems of the North, Arctic and Cross-border Cooperation» unites a number
of partners. The Russian partners are Karelian Research Centre of the Russian
Academy of Sciences, Energy Efficiency Centre, Petrozavodsk Municipal Utility
College, Pryazha and Sortavala Municipal District Administrations. The Finnish
partners are represented by Ecofoster Group Oy, Finnish Environment Institute
(Joensuu office), Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the
Environment for North Karelia, Metsähallitus (Natural Heritage Services, South
Finland/North Karelia), Ilomantsi Municipality and an associate partner -
Karelia Expert.
Seminar «Strategies and
best practices for sustainable/ green development of cities and regions» that
was held in Petrozavodsk on June 13-15, 2012 officially launched the Project:
the first half of June 13 was given to the working kick-off meeting, where
plans for the project implementation were discussed.
Pryazha and Sortavala Municipal Districts became a place for an
«Eco-efficient tourism» project expedition that took place on July, 16–17th,
2012. The main goal of an expedition was to explore the area and find most
suitable places for the introduction of eco-efficient technologies for
recreational area management and the improvement of quality of services offered
in active tourism destinations in the Republic of Karelia.
The expedition was specifically aimed at gathering information about the
situation in the districts for further selection of pilot areas, that will be
facilitated as long-stay recreation areas on the shores of Ladoga and Syamozero
lakes and short-stay (from a few minutes to a few hours) stopover sites along
the "Blue Highway" route.
The expert team visited more than 20 potential places. In several weeks
the experts will choose several pilot areas for further development according
to data dealing with issues of property, land acquisition, accessibility,
recreational appeal, their popularity among tourists, amount of investments
needed, etc. Later, special management models for maintenance of the installed
equipment will be elaborated. They will consider interests of local people and
tourists, envisage joint responsibility of local administration and businessmen
for waste disposal, energy and water supply of chosen territories.
According to the Leader of the Project, the director of „North-Centre“
Igor Shevchuk, in spite of the fact that the Project envisages facilitation of
only 2 long-stay areas and several short-stay stopovers, the infrastructure
development itself as well as comfort improvement and favorable atmosphere for
people has a great significance. It has a certain influence on creating
positive image of the Republic of Karelia in tourists' minds and on destination
options for tourists. Local people will get more comfortable and sustainable
environment in recreation areas, get rid of dumps in these areas, have new
opportunities for the development of small business.
The development of caravanning can be considered as one of the most
prospective tourism spheres. Nowadays it is one of the most popular kinds of
auto tourism in Europe and the US. According to World Tourism Organization,
caravanning amounts to 17% of all tourists. According to the representative of
„KarelCaravanService“ Konstantin Ekhov, who took part in the expedition, auto
tourism in Russia is underdeveloped not only because of rough roads, but also
because of the absence of well equipped sites and roadside infrastructure.
Though the Project doesn't envisage this scale of investments, the plans for
facilitation of chosen areas will provide the opportunities for creation of
caravan parking sites and adequate infrastructure. The fact that the Project
attracts the attention of potential investors to the issue of caravanning
development is a positive factor.
The participants of the Project have a positive perception of the
Project's perspectives and believe that the implementation of planned
activities and events will make Karelia more attractive for tourists and will
contribute to the creation of favorable and comfortable life for local people.
Elena Cherniakevich, project manager
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