Background
In Slitere national park, a sustainable tourism-management plan was implemented to reconcile tourism and nature conservation, generating long term socioeconomic benefits for the park.
The local community was deeply involved in the project. The Latvian Country Tourism Association, the European Centre for Ecological and Agricultural Tourism, the park administration and the community jointly developed nature-based products like routes, a plant finder, information signs and guides. Hiking, cycling and boating activities were introduced and preference was giving to less environmentally sensitive areas.
This led to an increase in visitor income and a 33% increase in knowledge on Natura 2000. The number of companies providing travel services also rose from 23 to 48 after the project, ensuring additional work places.
