Benchmarking measures for handling potential visitor pressures in protected areas; a case of North Karelia biosphere reserve

Abstract

Protected areas have increasingly become popular environment for visitors seeking outdoor recreation and relaxation in recent years. This is also reflected in UNESCO test and model site of sustainable development, the North Karelian Biosphere Reserve. Sustainability of protected areas is achieved when tourism-specific planning and management systems of a region do not conflict with the site’s conservation objectives. Economic instruments such as entrance fees are frequently proposed to regulate and manage visitor volume to vulnerable sites and nature in general. While being common in many countries throughout the world, it seems to have to an extent limited applicability in North Karelia, mainly due to the public rights of access.

In this report, trends and policies affecting management of North Karelia Biosphere Reserve as a protected area are investigated, after which examples of best practices and series of indicators that could be applicable in handling potential visitor pressures across the Biosphere Reserve are offered.

Julkaisun saavutettavuus on tarkistettu.