PAN Parks WWF’s sustainable tourism certification programme in Europe’s national parks Website:

Protection interest in the 90’s (Europe) 1.Human populations are relatively stable and affluent; 2.Declining pressures on land in many areas because of agricultural surpluses and reduced military activity; 3.High level of public support for conservation; and 4.Climate of international cooperation.

Some facts Tourism puts pressure on protected areas Governments have become more interested in protected areas Some 10-20,000 areas protected (Europe) Most are too small to allow free roaming animals European Charter for Sustainable Protection in Protected Areas (France), IUCN support

PAN Parks seeks to develop: A recognizable network of well-managed, protected natural areas – welcome visitors Partnership authorities/local pop./commercial/nature conservation org. Balance between nature conservation/local development/tourism and recreation Increase the number of well-supervised natural areas in Europe.

Some facts PAN Parks build on the principles of Yellowstone National Park in the States 100 areas qualify on size alone, mostly in Eastern Europe where budgets are low Tourism benefits from development, investors build accommodation, return on investment PAN Parks quality trademark

PAN Parks candidates Abruzzu NP – Italy ( visitors) Bieszczady NP – Poland ( ) Fulufjallets NR – Sweden ( ) Mercantour NP – France ( ) Oulanka NP – Finland ( ) Slovensky raj NP – Slovak Rep. ( ) Triglav NP – Slovenia ( )

Assessment, verification & certification Six steps are required 1.Application form 2.PAN park evaluation 3.PAN helps with a plan 4.PAN visits and inspects 5.PAN gives the PAN Foundation their opinion 6.PAN awards certificate or recommends changes

About PAN Parks Started as a concept in 1997 Still in its piloting stage More acceptance in less developed countries in Europe, the wealthier countries are questioning the benefits Difficult to assess its benefits until it has proven itself in the future