Combining nature conservation and sustainable tourism in ’s protected areas Autumn 2005

Europe’s Wilderness Days Russian Paanajärvi, Training needs assessed Wild adventures in Poland the new PAN Park PAN News

PAN Parks National Park International Bulletin, UK Courier

PAN Parks Courier is the voice of the PAN (Protected Area Network) Parks Foundation. The Courier aims to inform all interested parties about PAN Parks. The project, as a joint initiative Kaleva, of WWF and Molecaten, “Oulanka and Fulufjället is financed by WWF Netherlands. [National Parks] belong to the network of Certified PAN Parks. PAN Parks is a trademark which guarantees that the parks offer Editorial Board authentic wild nature.” André Brasser Edit Borza Zoltán Kun

Letters to the Editor and Free Subscription Edit Borza PAN Parks Foundation PF 264, 9002 Gyôr, Hungary WWF Magazin, Hungary Tel.: +36 1 436 9144 “PAN Parks aims to improve Fax: +36 1 436 9143 conservation in European protected e-mail: [email protected] areas using sustainable tourism as a tool.” Cover Photo Ryszard Nater Bieszczady National Park

Design and Lay-out Hammer Advertising

Circulation Mora tidning, 2500 copies are distributed “A group of volunteers from Canon HU ISSN 1586-1058 PAN Parks joined hands to help local rangers Courier is printed on in the field in PAN Park Fulufjället. recycled paper and is ... This has been an unbelievable published by PAN Parks experience for participants to Foundation (9E0163) of WWF help preserve nature.” Electronic version of this and previous issues of the Courier can be downloaded at www.panparks.org under Newsroom > Courier.

3 PAN PARKS COURIER AUTUMN 2005 In This Issue

What's New? Tourism Spotlight 4 Announcements 10 The first season in Fulufjällsbyn 4 Training needs assessed 10 11 Women dominate the 5 Park Briefs eco-travel market

6 Europe’s Wilderness Days Network News How does business benefit 13 Volunteers work for nature 6 11 from wilderness? in Oulanka

Network Focus Travellers' Stories 8 What makes Paanajärvi 14 Wild adventures in Poland a PAN Park? Bieszczady National Park 8 14

Summer is traditionally the period Furthermore, co-operation can of recreation when everybody feels Editorial make promoting the parks easier the need to take a holiday and enjoy and bring economic benefits to the the lazy time or the relaxing adventures. local community. This summer was, nevertheless, active and eventful for the PAN Parks team. PAN Parks has long been promoting An important step was the verification co-operation without borders. of Paanajärvi National Park, the “pearl” Edit Borza The first transboundary PAN Park of the Nordic land, in June. This is gives us a really good chance to show important not only because we can Without borders the practical benefits. For instance, greet a new PAN Park in our ever- a new border station opened between widening network, but also because Oulanka promoting Paanajärvi and Oulanka and Paanajärvi will make the first transboundary PAN Park - inspiring the Russian twin park to the access between the Finnish and in conjunction with the already apply for PAN Parks verification. the Russian PAN Parks easier not verified Oulanka - was born. only improving the crossing of people The first transboundary PAN Park but hopefully also the meeting of the There is no need to introduce demonstrates that people coming minds - without borders. Oulanka here, one of our oldest from and living in countries with members and a spectacular reserve different traditions and distinct of wilderness in Europe. This wild political and legal systems can kingdom “continues” in the area of work together for the common goal Paanajärvi, which is approximately of protecting nature. Ecosystems do four times the size of Oulanka and not recognize borders; it is important holds similar enchantments for the to apply the same conservation visitors. The two parks have established standards and principles to Write to the Editor at: close contacts over the years with neighbouring geographical areas. [email protected]

AUTUMN 2005 PAN PARKS COURIER 3 What’s New?

AnnouncementsAnnouncements Training needs assessed

Courier going online Language, customer care, marketing, and interpreting nature for tourists are the most important training needs for PAN Parks To bring more up-to-date news to you the PAN Parks and businesses operating around PAN Parks, according to a Foundation will regularly distribute an e-magazine from survey carried out by a team from the Glion Institute of Higher beginning next year and the Courier will cease to be published Education in Switzerland. in a printed format. This will also enable easier response for readers. Of course we would like to keep our subscribers, A team from the Glion Institute of Higher Education in who have taken an interest in our work. To continue your Switzerland, in co-operation with the PAN Parks Foundation, subscription and receive our e-magazine, please send an has now completed a Training Needs Analysis of Oulanka, email to [email protected]. Central Balkan, Bieszczady, and Fulufjället national parks’ staff and local businesses, including PAN Parks partners. The team Our new tourism partner: VCK Travel held around 70 individual interviews and a number of group meetings, including one in Salla, Finland, where 20 people PAN Parks has signed a partnership agreement with VCK were present. Travel, a Dutch tour operator, offering tailor-made incentive tours for businesses and groups, package tours, and cruises. In a past issue of the Courier, the team reported on the interim The company, serving mainly middle-sized businesses, ranks findings of the Training Needs Analysis before they had visited sixth on the Dutch business travel and individual traveller Fulufjället National Park; it can now confirm that these findings markets. VCK Travel guarantees high-level satisfaction for were also reflected in the results from this last field visit. clients by being totally flexible in its services. A customer satisfaction survey in March 2005 showed that 97% of VCK The training needs that have been identified as clear priorities are: business travel clients were very much satisfied with ● Language - mostly English but also German VCK Travel services. The company is planning to widen ● Customer care skills for dealing with foreign visitors/ its scope of destinations to include PAN Parks. understanding the needs of foreign visitors ● Marketing - all aspects, including how to deal with For further information: the foreign travel trade Mylene van der Donk ● Interpreting nature for tourists - this has been clearly expressed [email protected] by both park staff and businesses around the parks ● Issues around sustainable tourism development Partnership with WWF Netherlands ● Assessment of quality of provision for tourists prolonged A complex issue of common import is helping groups like the newly formed Local PAN Parks Groups learn to work together,

Based on a new project proposal, entitled Call for Wilderness, Vancura Vladivoj Photo: WWF Netherlands has decided to prolong its partnership with the PAN Parks Foundation. The project proposal covers activities such as the verification process and developing and marketing nature-based tourism products. The new financial agreement provides more than 1 million Euro over the next 3 years for the core activities of the PAN Parks Foundation. Both parties, however, agreed that the Foundation would work towards financial self-sufficiency during the course of the project.

For further information: Zoltán Kun [email protected] The survey of 4 parks was completed in Fulufjället this summer

4 PAN PARKS COURIER AUTUMN 2005 Park Briefs

Local partners in Oulanka

Nine local businesses operating in the Oulanka region will sign partnership contracts with the PAN Parks Foundation in

Photo:Vladivoj Vancura October. Partners include campsites, a reindeer park, a taxi service, a café, and businesses offering safaris, husky and bird watching tours. PAN Parks partners are committed to preserving the natural values of the national park, constantly improving the standard of services, adjusting them to the needs of customers, and participating actively in the region’s sustainable tourism development. By choosing the services of Local businesses need training among others in customer care, … PAN Parks partners, visitors indirectly support the preservation break down barriers, communicate, and trust each other. of nature since the annual fee paid by the partners is re-invested Although this was not expressed as an explicit training need, in the area. The list of partners will soon be uploaded on www. it is an issue that PAN Parks should take on as part of the panparks.org on the Oulanka pages. proposed implementation of this training project. Group dynamics are complex, and successful communication between For further information: many disparate groups is crucial for realizing the PAN Parks Matti Tapaninen concept. Park management has to learn how to bring together matti.tapaninen@metsa.fi all of these groups to work towards the common goals Tourism development in Bieszczady

Bieszczady National Park, Poland, became the fourth PAN Park to receive full certification after its sustainable tourism development strategy was successfully verified.

Photo:Vladivoj Vancura As the verification team concluded after its field visit to the park at the beginning of July, the park management is developing a sustainable model of tourism. The draft Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy that was adopted in April 2005 is supported by stakeholders and presents a good framework for future co-operation and activities in the PAN Parks region.

… interpreting nature and marketing. Old-new partners in Fulufjället

of preserving wilderness and supporting local community This July, our Swedish local business partners renewed life and businesses within the context of a sustainable tourism their partnership contracts for two more years. strategy. The reconciliation of opinions and interests is Moreover, a new partner also joined the group, not an easy task, and therefore it is recommended that indicating that local businesses see the benefits of communication and problem-solving skills be integrated co-operating with PAN Parks. PAN Parks Foundation into the training program. signed its first partnership agreement with local businesses in Fulufjallet in June 2004. The full results of the Training Needs Analysis will be presented For the list of partners visit www.panparks.org under at the PAN Parks Conference in Edinburgh on 3 November. Network/OurParks/Fulufjället/Local partners

For further information: For further information (both news): Julian Hoseason Vladivoj Vancura [email protected] [email protected]

AUTUMN 2005 PAN PARKS COURIER 5 What’s New?

How does business benefit from wilderness?

Co-operation with PAN Parks offers volunteer camp projects with PAN Parks: Metsähallitus Photo: new and original ways for companies “Participation in the PAN Parks project to distinguish themselves from their also enhances Canon’s relationship with competitors and demonstrate their the outside world. Through its positive commitment to the environment and approach to preserving the environment, sustainable development. This could it powerfully and tangibly demonstrates include among others organising a caring attitude that is attractive both volunteer camps as Canon and Toyota to prospective new staff and customers.” have already done, research project (You Can Magazine for Canon Europe). support as done by Glion Institute from Switzerland or financing conservation Support, preserve, enjoy Europe’s projects. wilderness - this is the special offer of PAN Parks and this is what makes By teaming up with PAN Parks, a partnership particularly rewarding. In company can express its commitment traditional marketing, companies tried for to an environmentally conscious way years to beat their competitors with better of life that is becoming more and more prices, more quality, optimal service, and Just as nature has no country borders, PAN Parks offers opportunities for international companies widespread in our threatened globe. quality. Co-operation with PAN Parks Nature is becoming an increasingly offers a new unique selling proposition conservation in the field, a sponsorship important issue, and many people feel (USP): sustainable enterprising. This all employees can actively “experience.” today that it is our common responsibility partnership will strengthen the image of It makes them proud of their company to live and consume in a way that causes the company, improve its financial results, and increases loyalty to the workplace the least damage to our environment. and motivate employees. that respects and improves our wider Co-operating with PAN Parks is more environment. As the Toyota experience We have received very positive feedback than financial sponsorship: it offers shows, participants in a PAN Parks from Canon, which has participated in results and a real contribution to project are very supportive of the idea and found that working in nature brought them many new experiences and increased community among the employees. The organizers were also impressed by the efficiency of teamwork. As Stefan Crets, Corporate Social Photo:Maciej Grzegorzek Responsibility Manager from Toyota Motor Europe, put it, “Toyota’s corporate philosophy - the Toyota Way - embraces values shared by all the members of Toyota globally. … [Our project with PAN Parks] is a perfect opportunity for our members to put Toyota Way into practice for the benefits of nature and society.”

A further advantage of PAN Parks is that it is a truly international organization. Just as nature has no country borders, PAN Parks has no support, preserve, enjoy Europe’s wilderness - this is the special offer of PAN Parks fences; partnership with PAN Parks

6 PAN PARKS COURIER AUTUMN 2005 is just the right solution for companies in many European countries - and the who want to preserve traditions working at the international level. network continues to expand. and wilderness and who have Multinational companies often learned to think in a new way to have to cope with many local biases, The PAN Parks vision is to conserve sustain our threatened environment which PAN Parks can help overcome nature together with the support of and civilization. The increasing with its Europe-wide network of the local communities and encourage number of these “new customers” opportunities. The PAN Parks logo partnership. By sponsoring PAN Parks, makes co-operation with PAN Parks expresses commitment to these companies do not only support rewarding for our partners commonly shared ideas and values nature, but also local communities, in the long run.

Europe’s Wilderness Days

Opportunities to support Europe’s wilderness employment, population, etc. Second, issues surrounding the communication of wilderness and protected areas to Opportunities to support Europe’s wilderness will be tourists, businesses, and government. Speakers include the main theme of the “Europe’s Wilderness Days“ Stuart Cottrell (Colorado State University), Xavier Font conference organised by the PAN Parks Foundation. (Leeds Metropolitan University), Nick Johns (GIHE, The conference will be held at the Dynamic Earth, Switzerland), Eugenio Yunis (World Tourism Organization), Edinburgh, Scotland, on November 3-4. Tom Brock (CEO Scottish Seabird Centre), and Bill Taylor (Highlands and Islands Enterprise). Previous Europe’s Wilderness Days have been held in Sweden, , and . All have been supported 4 November - Business benefits from wilderness and attended by high-level representatives from host countries, including King Gustav of Sweden and Simeon Senior managers from a range of international companies Saxo-Coburg Gotha, then prime minister of Bulgaria, will present why it is vital for their organizations to be as well as ministers of state, business people, and members involved in wilderness and natural protected areas. of the PAN Parks network. Speakers include representatives from Toyota Europe, Canon, Rabobank, SNP Natuurreizen, and more, all of Historically these conferences have been held near which are actively involved. Join us if you would like to learn existing or potential PAN Parks, but in 2005 we want more about how and why these companies are involved and to broaden our message to engage an audience with a also how your business can also benefit from wilderness. wider interest in issues surrounding protected natural areas beyond membership of the growing PAN Parks We are pleased to invite you to participate in Europe’s network. The two days have quite separate themes and Wilderness Days, organised by the PAN Parks Foundation - could attract separate audiences, but we believe that all an opportunity to meet, discuss, and learn about current of the issues to be discussed are of vital interest to all issues facing the preservation of Europe’s wilderness areas. of those who are concerned with the future of Europe’s The launch of the European Wilderness Charter on protected areas and the communities that surround them. 4 November will provide a unique opportunity to become actively involved in the protection and support of Europe’s 3 November - People and wilderness wild places.

Practitioners and academics from Europe and other parts For programme and registration form, of the world will present and discuss issues in two major go to www.panparks.org/conference2005 topic areas. First, the economic and social consequences of protected area status for local communities - considering For further information: the economic value of protected area status, the impact on offi[email protected]

AUTUMN 2005 PAN PARKS COURIER 7 Network Focus

Paanajärvi National Park

Named after the “pearl” of this land the crystal- borders are the watershed of Oulanka clear Paanajärvi lake, Paanajärvi National Park river and Lake Paanajärvi, and the is one of the most precious jewels of the Nordic southern entrance is guarded by land and it is the newest Certified PAN Park. Nuorunen Fell, the highest peak Besides its natural beauty, the park encompasses in Karelia, whose bold summit is one of the biggest “kingdoms of wilderness” in covered with snow until the end of Europe. Tourism is developed in a way to sustain June. Since the climate of the area is this unique natural heritage: the park’s policy influenced by the severe White Sea and is to make staying in Paanajärvi and the study the Atlantic with the warm Gulf Stream, of protected wild nature ever more enjoyable Paanajärvi is host to unique climatic and rewarding for visitors. conditions: in winter, the temperature can drop below -45°C, while in summer it can rise above 30°C. 104 473 ha What makes Paanajärvi a PAN Park? The main reason for establishing Paanajärvi was to preserve the rich Established in 1992, Russian Paanajärvi biodiversity of the area. Almost National Park occupies 104 473 hectares. two-thirds of the park’s area is covered The exceptionally beautiful geographical with gloomy spruce forests and bright location alone makes a visit to Paanajärvi pine groves with silver moss covering an unforgettable experience. Its natural the soil. The exceptionally clean air is Photo:Vladivoj Vancura

The exceptionally beautiful location alone makes a visit to Paanajärvi unforgettable

8 PAN PARKS COURIER AUTUMN 2005 favorable for the proliferation of 450 species of lichen, among them the dominating Usnea longissima. The park is home to 36 species of mammals, including typical taiga species: brown bear, wolf, wolverine, fox, marten, otter, and forest reindeer. More then 113 bird species nest in the park and Photo:Vladivoj Vancura 17 species of fish spawn in the rapid rivers, clean streams, and blue lakes.

The park can offer many indoor and outdoor activities for tourists to enjoy this exceptionally beautiful Northern fairyland. In 2002, a new visitor-center was opened, which hosts a permanent exhibition, a library, and a seminar room. Adventure-seekers can choose from a number of hiking, boating, and snowmobile trails. Visitors can order a sauna, and sleep in tents or one of the 14 cabins offered by the park. Visitors can also visit the huge stone seitas - worship stones - of the early Sami tribes who lived here 2500 years ago.

Another specialty of the Russian park is that together with the already certified Oulanka National Park, in Finland they form Excellent facilities await visitors in the Russian PAN Park the first transboundary PAN Park.

A voice from the field

The verification team - Gordon Miller (lead verifier), Vancura Vladivoj Photo: Alexander Zinke (verifier), Franco Mari (trainee verifier), Andrei Gromsev (local expert), and Vladivoj Vancura (PAN Parks observer) - visited Paanajärvi National Park between 20-24 June for a field trip to evaluate the area. Gordon Miller reports on his experience.

Dirt roads cut through endless forest but as the dust settled, we experienced our first views of a landscape of lakes, pristine forest and old Karelian settlements. The town of Pyaozero and the National Park Visitor Centre were our final ‘stepping stone’ to the wonderful Paanajärvi National Park. A climb to the easily accessible Mt Kivakka was rewarded Verifiers with the park director, Alexander Bizhon (on the left) with stunning views across the virgin forest of the park. from a beautifully located lakeside campsite, led us up into The centre of the park is bisected by the beautiful 128m the virgin taiga forest. deep Lake Paanajärvi, one of the deepest in the whole of Fennoscandia. The narrow, fjord-like lake is 23.5 km We experienced the excellent cabin accommodation, mainly long and a trip by boat took us to the heart of the park. at the eastern end of Paanajärvi Lake, although visitors would While the magnificent 60m high Ruskeakallio cliffs on the be advised to inquire about availability, as the new border northern shore are without doubt a major attraction, crossing is likely to bring a large influx of visitors to this we were also fascinated by the remnants of former exceptional wilderness area, which totally captivated us all. Finnish villages. Equally fascinating were waterfalls cascading to the edge of the lake. Trails, one starting by Gordon Miller

AUTUMN 2005 PAN PARKS COURIER 9 Tourism Spotlight

The first season in Fulufjällsbyn

Fulufjällsbyn, the first PAN Parks About 400 guests stayed Leuven van PPA/James Photo: Accommodation, located near in the park and there Fulufjället National Park, completed were two fully booked a busy high season. The many guests weekends - a very positive came mostly from the Netherlands start. The majority of and stayed in the park and became guests were independent friends with Fulufjället and PAN Parks. tourists who came to The growing interest in a special nature the area in order to visit holiday suggests that winter will Fulufjället National Park. also be a busy season. The article However, Fulufjällsbyn below summarises the experience also had bookings from of the first season. Swedish companies, Guests enjoyed the light spaces of the accommodation and hosted the WWF PAN Parks Accommodation is an Netherlands major donor most of the visitors were families or independent company licensed by trip and participants of the couples. The guests stayed for five the PAN Parks Foundation. It supports Canon volunteer trip. nights on average. the Foundation financially and, by involving local partners to offer The nationality of the visitors shows Fulufjällsbyn received much positive services to its guests, also supports a clear prevalence of Dutch tourists: feedback concerning the quality of the local economy. The first PAN Parks about 70% come from the Netherlands, the park’s accommodation. As Odet Accommodation was opened near 22% from Sweden, and the rest are Nijmeijer, Manager, said, “visitors PAN Park Fulufjället, Sweden, from other foreign countries. praised the beautiful view of the in September 2004. It is composed Advertisement and communication national park, the light rooms, of 12 houses and can accommodate is obviously important and the and were very impressed by the 136 people. management is planning to increase hospitality of local people.” its activity in the domestic market to Local partners organised barbecue This summer marked the first season in increase the number of Swedish guests. evenings and events including Fulufjällsbyn and it was a huge success. It is also important to note that visiting a summer-farm and a special hiking trip. The children liked the WWF corner and viewed special movie programmes organised especially for them. And, of course, the waterfall was a big attraction for everybody!

Photo:PPA/James van Leuven Fulufjällsbyn is already preparing for next year. A big group from the Dutch Lottery will be coming, which means a lot of business for local partners. And a practical proof of the satisfaction of the guests: 10% already booked for next year.

If you are looking for a special nature holiday, visit www.panparksaccommodation.com Fulufjällsbyn, the first PAN Parks Accommodation has closed a busy season or write to [email protected]

10 PAN PARKS COURIER AUTUMN 2005 Women dominate the eco-travel market

Women dominate the eco-travel market, Leuven van PPA/James Photo: reveals a recent survey in Great Britain. Consequently, PAN Parks and its local and international tourism partners need to take into account the needs and expectations of female eco-travellers.

The survey, carried out by the UK newspaper the The Times in its Times Travel supplement, shows the gendered nature of the eco-travel market. The survey, published on 27 August 2005, reveals that for many eco-travel companies, around 75% of their clientele are women. They are mostly between the ages of 20 and 50, are educated, and come from the higher salary earning groups.

Female eco-travellers are likely to undertake a less comfortable journey to spare the environment It seems apparent from this survey that women are concerned and and cultural life of the destination. According to this survey, some care about the impact of air travel Such contributions can take many of the tour operators interviewed on the environment, the sustainability forms: for example, a percentage did not realize that as many as of large hotels and resorts in some of the cost of staying at an eco-lodge 75% of their clients are women. areas, and the lack of economic benefit in Indonesia going towards a This could imply that there is no to local communities in destinations children’s hospital, using local need to target women particularly dominated by international hotel guides who are paid directly on or that there were no reasons groups and tour operators. And they Mt Kilimanjaro, or actually working offered for the high percentage are willing to “walk the talk” with on a project to help the local of female travellers. their choice of holiday. They advocate community as part of a paid holiday. travelling by train when possible, Female travellers all expected that There are lessons here for PAN Parks: choosing walking holidays, staying the tour operators used be very clear in the preparation of tourist products in small-scale locally-owned and about their ethical stance and show for the national parks, these operated accommodation, and eating that this stance was put into practice expectations should be taken into local food. They acknowledge that on the ground. They expected highly account and acted upon by the the issue of air travel is difficult to visible evidence of sustainability parks and their local and international resolve, as there may be no other and eco-friendliness in all their partners. If we as PAN Parks are practical alternative to reach a trips and at all accommodations. branding ourselves as a special destination. Female eco-travellers This included heating and water eco-tourism experience, we must are, nevertheless, more likely to systems, recycling, use of local ensure that the product that we offer undertake a less comfortable trip produce as appropriate, and clear meets or exceeds the expectations of in order to spare the environment. evidence of local economic benefit. the tourists, regardless of their gender. Above all, these travellers expressed The survey also stated that most a desire to meet real people in a For further information: female eco-travellers want to contribute real place, not one taken over Sue Clark actively to the economic, social, by tourism. [email protected]

AUTUMN 2005 PAN PARKS COURIER 11 Network News

Northern Region Volunteers work for nature

WWF Finland, the Finnish Forest and Park of many threatened meadow species that Oulanka Service, and Oulanka National Park have been have decreased as traditional farming has been organising volunteer work camps since 1979 replaced with modern methods. “Volunteer National in order to maintain and restore the national camps are indispensable for maintaining the park’s nature and landscape. This summer national park,” said Park Director Matti Park around twenty WWF employees participated Tapaninen. For the volunteers, the camp also in the volunteer camp in Oulanka. provides a forum for exchanging thoughts about park management, sharing ideas and, The volunteers mowed flooded meadows and of course, having fun together in the beautiful other open areas that have traditionally been natural environment after the daily work. used for growing hay in Kuusamo. The mowed “It is wonderful that eager volunteers sign up hay was then collected and some of it will be for these important camps year after year,” used for feeding reindeer in winter. said Oulanka camp leader Antti Lappo from The volunteers also marked paths WWF Finland. The success of the initiative is and borders in the national park proved by the fact that in addition to Oulanka, and repaired a traditional rail volunteer camps have previously also been fence surrounding the Oulanka organized in Paanajärvi National Park and camping area. in southern Kuusamo, near to Oulanka.

Photo: Kaleva /Auni Vääräniemi The restoration work will help For further information: preserve culturally valuable Anu Jussila landscape as well as the environment anu.jussila@wwf.fi

Northern Region American “ambassadors” visiting

The supervisor of Yellowstone National Park, ETOUR, before as well as after the national Fulufjället the first national park in the world, together park establishment, indicating a rapid with a group of scientists and employees of increase of visitors. The support given by National the American National Park Service visited local people to realise the PAN Parks vision - Fulufjället National Park this summer. nature protection hand in hand with a Park Suzanne Lewis, the supervisor of Yellowstone peaceful and harmless enjoyment of unspoiled National Park and her colleagues admired nature - also made a great impact on the the achievements of the park and see the PAN representatives of the first national park Parks network as a great initiative and an in the world. opportunity for other European parks. The successful visit is expected to promote The American visitors were particularly Fulufjället and the PAN Parks network outside

Photo:FNP impressed by the park’s efforts to attract of Europe. Hopefully the American visitors nature-minded tourists and the close contact will be good “ambassadors” - not only because between the business partners and the national of the great experience they had in Fulufjället park. Fulufjället is a precursor among Swedish but also because of the gift they received from national parks concerning investments in the park service - the newly printed English visitors’ surveys and focusing on the visitor’s version of the Fulufjället National Park book. experience as well as on nature conservation. The park management was proud to show to For further information: the American guests visitor surveys carried out Evelina Selander by The European Tourism Research Institute, [email protected]

12 PAN PARKS COURIER AUTUMN 2005 Nature for everyone Western Region

Working with visitors is one of the make contacts with them, arrange a basic objectives of all national parks part of the Socaˇ trail to be accessible Triglav worldwide. For this end, Triglav National with wheelchairs, prepare a special leaflet Park runs the Information centre in Trenta, about visiting the park on wheelchair, National provides an informational infrastructure, and organise a workshop on planning and manages several park trails. and designing park infrastructure Park The Information centre is adapted to to achieve universal accessibility. visitors on wheelchairs, while there is still a lot to be done outdoors. A step towards Nature is out there for all of us! this group of visitors achieving “universal Though close for some, it could be accessibility” is the project named Triglav very far for others. Managers of the National Park for everyone. It is run in the national park respect internationally framework of the Junior Ranger Programme recognised objectives, but acting humanly and is financed this year by the EU YOUTH sometimes counts even more. Making Photo: TNP Photo: Programme. The target group includes the park accessible for everyone is one young local people. of the things that means much more than just following guidelines. The whole project consists of five workshops during which participants will get extra knowledge about people on wheelchairs For further information: (their everyday life, special needs, what Marjeta Albinini kind of help is needed at some point, etc.), [email protected]

Youth for Retezat Eastern Region

Fifteen teenage members of the Retezat They also undertook one of the park’s Junior Ranger Club participated this year main attractions: climbing. The Park Retezat in the park’s summer camp, 7 days in Director awarded participants with Retezat National Park. The main goal Junior Ranger Certificates. National of the event was to popularize the park among the local people and to further the Such experiences are very important Park education of environmentally conscious to deepen the children’s commitment young adults. to the national park at an early age and teach them to respect and conserve There were many playful activities that natural values as adults. The camps helped the children deepen their knowledge help children to get to know their of the national park. Children learned environment and their country and Photo: RNP Photo: about rangers’ duties and the rules to be learn more about protected areas all kept in a national park. Participants over Europe. The park’s aim is to painted trail markers to the ruins of the strengthen international co-operation: castle described by Jules Verne in his some of our young rangers have received novel The Castle of the Carpathians. the opportunity to represent Retezat at Park managers taught them how to use European events in Austria and Spain. a map and how they can orient themselves in the field without compasses. Junior For further information: rangers learned to identify animal tracks Florina Crisan and recognise birds by their songs. fl[email protected]

AUTUMN 2005 PAN PARKS COURIER 13 Travellers' Stories

Eastern Region Wild adventures in Poland

In May, a group of 21 Dutch students from photos as we could and even hike to one of the Bieszczady “Club van 2000,” a youth organisation peaks. How rewarding! Green hills, as far as concerned with sustainable development, our eyes reached… Coming from one of the National visited Bieszczady National Park, one of most densely populated countries, we couldn’t the last kingdoms of European wilderness. imagine that regions of such large-scale natural Park Although the 10-day tour started as an intensity still exist in Europe. ordinary holiday, the trip clearly had some distinctive features, which made it a unique Exploring Bieszczady is amazing, but our adventure for the participants. What made guide Grzegorz Sitko added value to this Bieszczady so special and unforgettable for experience. Full of passion, he explained the Dutch visitors? You can find out from about flora and fauna, the PAN Parks Mathanja Walinga’s travel report. concept, and the success and constraints of tourism in this region. Tourism brings The trip was well-prepared and participants money, employment, and environmental in the Club van 2000 came together not only awareness to the region, but at the same to travel but also with a commonly-shared time it also creates problems that cannot goal to discover Europe’s own wilderness be solved in the field of tourist industry. and promote responsible travel behaviour. Mutual understanding among local The common ideas created an atmosphere of people, authorities, and countries community even at the time of our departure. (Poland, Ukraine, and Slovakia) cannot After a long but exciting journey of 30 hours be taken for granted; co-operation requires by train and locally rented touring car, we time. Grzegorz discussed various topics arrived in Ustrzyki Górne. After the hustle with us during the hike and also gave an and bustle in the train and at the stations of informative and dynamic lecture on the Berlin and Kraków, this tiny town in the middle historical and political context of the of the national park was a real relief. Ustrzyki region. He was also an invaluable help to Górne has no more than 150 inhabitants guide us to places in the Bieszczady region and is surrounded by intact nature. After the undiscovered by tourists. In Sanok, we visited long journey, the sound of silence impressed the open-air museum, demonstrating the whole group. the wooden architecture and local culture. At the Solina Lake we paddled around in To get acquainted with the region, we decided a kayak, and in Bóbrka we enjoyed the to walk and discover the natural treasures of traditional Polish hospitality and practised this fascinating area. During an 8-hour hike, the local flower-making tradition. we enjoyed the steep hills and Despite their different travelling background, the fabulous the participants of the trip were all enthusiastic forests before about the “kingdom of wilderness,” the reaching the most Polish culture, and the hospitality of the local Photo:Ryszard Nater renowned treasure people. We, members of the organisation team, of Bieszczady: were also much impressed by the helpfulness the poloninas. and openness we experienced in PAN Park From those Bieszczady. With the experiences of this year, meadows, the we are very enthusiastic to discover another views were PAN Park next year! incredible, inspiring us to by Mathanja Walinga take as many the Netherlands In Bieszczady green hills welcomed us as far our eyes reached ...

115 PAN PARKS COURIER AUTUMN 2005 Our Partners

PAN Parks PAN Parks People

Zoltán Kun Executive Director Oulanka National Park PAN Parks Foundation, PF 264, 9002 Gyôr, Hungary Paanajärvi National Park Tel: +36 96 433 925 Fax: +36 96 519 786 Fulufjället National Park Mobile: +36 30 916 7795 e-mail: [email protected]

Vladivoj Vancura Conservation Manager PAN Parks Foundation, PF 264, 9002 Gyôr, Hungary Tel: +421 44 522 3436 Bieszczady National Park Fax: +421 44 522 1214 Mobile: +421 907 816 067 PAN Parks Foundation e-mail: [email protected] Retezat National Park Edit Borza Central Balkan National Park Communications Manager PAN Parks Foundation, PF 264, 9002 Gyôr, Hungary Tel: +36 1 436 9144 Fax: +36 1 436 9143 e-mail: [email protected] Name of area: Fulufjället National Park Name of area: Oulanka National Park Country: Sweden Country: Finland Area (ha): 38 483 Area (ha): 27 500 Ildikó Losonci Number of visitors per year: 40 000 Number of visitors per year: 150 000 Finance and Office Supervisor www.dalarna.se/fulufjallet www.metsa.fi/natural/nationalparks/oulanka PAN Parks Foundation PF 264, 9002 Gyôr, Hungary Name of area: Bieszczady National Park Name of area: Central Balkan National Park Tel: +36 96 433 925 Country: Poland Country: Bulgaria Area (ha): 29 200 Area (ha): 71 669 Fax: +36 96 519 786 Number of visitors per year: 250 000 Number of visitors per year: 25 000 Mobile: +36 30 538 0414 www.mos.gov.pl/kzpn/ind_gb.htm www.centralbalkannationalpark.org Koenraad Beyaert Name of area: Retezat National Park Name of area: Paanajärvi National Park Business Development Manager Country: Country: Russia Dorpsstraat 11 Area (ha): 38 047 Area (ha): 104 473 Number of visitors per year: 8 000 Number of visitors per year: 10 000 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium www.panparks.org/Network/OurParks/Retezat parks.karelia.ru/paanajarvi/ Tel: +32 9 222 73 35 Mobile: +32 498 905 963 Other co-operating national parks e-mail: [email protected] These areas are working for PAN Parks Abruzzo National Park, Italy (2007) Sue Clark verification. In brackets are the expected Majella National Park, Italy (2005) Marketing Advisor dates of verification. Rila National Park, Bulgaria (2005) Molecaten, Molecaten 1, Slovensky raj National Park, Slovakia (2007) 8051PN Hattem, the Netherlands Tel: +31 73 611 1024 Triglav National Park , Slovenia (2006) Fax: +31 73 611 1025 International business partners e-mail: [email protected] PAN Parks Accommodation BV, Fulufjällsbyn, Sweden - Gerben Weening, Mylene van der Donk [email protected], www.panparksaccommodation.com Marketing Assistant SNP Natuurreizen, the Netherlands - Gert Nieuwboer, [email protected], www.snp.nl Molecaten, Molecaten 1, Trailfinders, the Netherlands - Hans Hoff, [email protected], www.trailfinders.nl 8051 PN Hattem, the Netherlands James van Leuven Fotografie, the Netherlands - James van Leuven, Tel: +31 76 513 9073 [email protected], www.jamesvanleuven.nl Mobile: +31 6 4188 6633 VCK Travel, the Netherlands - Marlies Grent, [email protected], www.vck.nl e-mail: [email protected]

AUTUMN 2005 PAN PARKS COURIER 15 Photocolumn

Juvenile Adder Although snakes usually generate fear, there is no need to be scared of the Juvenile Adder: it is a shy and non- aggressive species. The Adder is the only venomous species in the Retezat herpetofauna. It can be easily identified by the dark zigzag line passing along the back and the dark “V” mark on the head. Its colour varies among whitish, pale yellow, grayish, brownish, or reddish according to sex and ages.

Calin Hodor Retezat National Park

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