Soomaa Presentation at EDEN - European Destinations of Excellence

European Destination of Excellence "Tourism and protected areas" Estonian destination of Excellence award S O O M A A Land of Bogs National Park International Jury Meeting May 26th 2009 The Flower Pavillion Pirita tee 26, Tallinn

Soomaa – Land of Peat-Bogs

Where is Soomaa?

- Values of Soomaa - STDS - Products & Services

Nature values – reasons why to visit Soomaa:

Large untouched mires, among them the largest raised bog in Estonia – Kuresoo;

Naturally meandering rivers;

Regular floods on rivers;

Floodplain and swamp forests;

Floodplain meadows;

Vascular plants orchids, wild cladiolus, Siberian Iris;

Eagles, woodpeckers, owls, great snipe and corn crake.

Elk, wild boar, beaver and all large carnivores;

Large untouched bogs

Naturally meandering rivers

Regular floods Five Seasons – More Reasons

Fifth Season

Floodplain Meadows

Soomaa is RAMSAR and Importand Bird Area

Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage list

Home for big carnivores

Soomaa - Capital of Estonian Wilderness

Sustainable Tourism Strategy Vision Vision Soomaa NP that belongs to the network of European wilderness areas is the most popular wilderness tourism destination of the Baltic’s. Its tourism products base on wilderness experience, uniqueness of Soomaa, cultural heritage and quality service that are offered by the local tourism entrepreneurs and stakeholders.

1.Ecological aim – tourism supports the nature conservation objectives of the Soomaa NP 2.Economical aim – tourism supports local livelihood with creation of jobs and entrepreneurships 3.Social aim – tourism supports the welfare of local community and preservation of local way of life 4.Tourism development aim – Soomaa tourism products and services have strong quality and the tourism entrepreneurs are competitive and sustainable.