ECOTOURISM IN THE FENNOSCANDIAN GREEN BELT: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, CHARACTERISTICS (THE CASE OF THE MURMANSK REGION)

Abstract

The potential of ecological tourism as one of the drivers for the development of the Green Belt of Fennoscandia (GBF) was assessed, taking the Murmansk Region as the example. The main factors contributing to and impeding the development of ecotourism in the Murmansk part of GBF were determined. To create an effective network of tourist facilities, a framework is needed permitting to make notable tourist products and at the same time maximize the effect from funds and efforts aimed at resolving issues that hinder the development of ecotourism. Protected areas with a high ecotourism potential can become the stepping stones in this framework. Only four existing protected areas are characterized by high appeal for ecotourists, robustness given that protection regulations are fulfilled, and have no restrictions on recreation. Ecotourism development there is not only possible, but also advisable. They are the nature park Rybachy and Sredny Peninsulas, Kutsa Nature Reserve (Zakaznik), Pasvik Stat Nature Reserve and Waterfall on the Shuonijoki River Nature Monument. Three promising areas for the development of tourism and recreation in the Murmansk part of GBF have been identified, and the characteristic features of each of them are described.