Soomaa, Lahemaa & Matsalu National Parks are sustainable destinations

This autumn, the sustainable tourism certificates for Soomaa, Lahemaa, and Matsalu National Parks were renewed. These certificates are part of the EUROPARC Federation’s sustainable tourism programme, confirming that tourism in these areas is developed according to nature-friendly and participatory principles. For Matsalu, this was the third time applying; for Lahemaa and Soomaa, the second.

Nele Sõber, project manager at the Estonian Environmental Board, highlighted the parks’ recent progress: “All three national parks and their surrounding areas have made significant strides toward excellence in nature-based tourism. It’s encouraging to see the vitality of stakeholders, the active involvement of tourism entrepreneurs, and the development of regional destination marketing organizations."

Applying for recognition is not merely a formality - it reflects also change. “We do not just focus on methodology and participatory processes; what matters are the concrete changes and positive impacts in tourism management within protected areas,” Sõber emphasized.

The certification process evaluates the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, stakeholder engagement, socio-economic impacts, and strategic planning. “The tourism strategy that a national park region must jointly develop is not just a document - it is a collaborative platform that brings together the protected area’s manager, entrepreneurs, the community, and local organizations, whether destination marketers or LEADER action groups. Through cooperation, sustainable, locally rooted, and value-driven visitor experiences are created. While the role of the protected area manager is to create the conditions, entrepreneurs provide the experiences, and marketing organizations help make them visible. Local communities and organizations have played a key role in maintaining the high standards of the national parks,” Sõber explained.

The recognition process was led by the Environmental Board in collaboration with the national park networks: Terra Maritima NGO in Matsalu, Green Riverland Partnership in Soomaa, and Arenduskoda NGO in Lahemaa. Representatives from all three regions are united by active cooperation, drawing on the experiences of protected areas in other EU countries and various joint projects. The recognition ceremony will take place on November 19 at the European Parliament.

• The EUROPARC Federation has over 400 members from more than 40 European countries, including protected area administrations, nature conservation organizations, and NGOs. The Environmental Board has been a member since 1991. 
• The Federation’s sustainable tourism principles help ensure high-quality tourism services in and around protected areas. The recognition enhances the international reputation of the destination and helps attract environmentally conscious visitors.
• Currently, more than 100 protected areas from 17 countries have joined the sustainable tourism network. 
• The Environmental Board also acknowledges entrepreneurs operating in Lahemaa, Soomaa, and Matsalu National Parks who stand out for their environmentally responsible practices. To date, 28 tourism businesses have received this recognition.