Protecting and respecting the nature
Responsible tourism is about choices and actions
As it turned out in the previous lesson, responsibility is the sum of many things. it is a value that is taken into account in choices and making choices. What is your way to act in responsible way? Have you been taking choices thinking about the ecological, economical, cultural, social or ethical responsibility?
I invite you to explore my story through this video:
Nature has given us so much – now it´s time to protect nature
Finnish nature is unique and authentic. Finns still have very strong connection to nature and many of our traditions are connected to nature. We utilize wild food such as berries and mushrooms as part of our gastronomy and understand the welfare effects of nature. Finland is the most densely forested country in the EU and number ten worldwide.
The travel industry can affect environmental sustainability by making long-term choices in energy production. Another tool for travel destinations and regions is the so-called load capacity classification, which calculates how much strain the region can bear and how many travellers can be accommodated. Included factors are e.g. the supply of clean water, waste management, energy sources, the soil’s suitability for construction and impact on the local nature and ecosystems. Accommodation capacity is an effective tool for limiting the number of
visitors.
Everyman´s rights requires also understaning of responsibilities
” All people whether residing in Finland or just visiting have the right to enjoy nature anywhere in the Finnish countryside regardless of land ownership. The legal concept of “Everyman’s Right” in Finland extends immense freedom to roam but comes with some serious responsibilities. Primary of all is a mutual respect for nature, people and property. The outdoor enthusiast’s golden rule requires a desire to preserve and protect the unspoiled beauty and wonder of nature for future generations to enjoy.”
You can find plenty of useful information about how to respect nature here: Naturalparks websites
In nature we need to respect also other visitors
There are no entrance fees to visit Finland’s national parks and other state-owned nature reserves. They are free to visit 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
Open wilderness huts, most campfire sites as well as lean-to shelters in these areas are free to use as well. While free of charge, they are in shared use and you have to be considerate to other users of these facilities.
However, if you wish a rent an entire hut for your party or make sure you have a bed to sleep in a shared-use hut, rental huts and reservable huts are an excellent choice. They are available in some national parks for a fee. You can make a booking and pay online.
Some national parks also have group campsites, which have to booked in advance.
There is no fee to use trails or to collect mushrooms or berries for your own use.
(Source of information: https://www.nationalparks.fi)
You also should read Principles of Sustainable Tourism by Metsähallitus (Forestry Office of Finland)
Outdoor etiquette
Outdoor etiquette has been published to remind us about the responsibilities while visiting nature sites:
1. Respect nature – leave no trace in it. Keep your pets on a leash.
2. Mainly use marked trails and follow the rules for different modes of travel. Check the areas and times in which access is possibly restricted at your destination.
3. Camp only where it is allowed. Do not wash the dishes or yourself directly in a water body. Follow the rules of wilderness huts.
4. Light your campfire only where it is allowed and use a camping stove where possible. Do not light a fire when a forest or grass fire warning is in effect.
5. Do not litter. Take your rubbish back to an appropriate waste disposal point.
(Source of information: https://www.nationalparks.fi/hikinginfinland/visitorguidelines)
Climate change
Climate change is a global issue, and its deceleration is one of the goals of environmentally sustainable tourism. At the current rate, our global average temperatures are expected to rise by up to 5 °C during the 21st century. The international agreement on climate action aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in time for 2030 and ultimately get rid of fossil fuels altogether: some scenarios picture a carbon neutral society being a reality as soon as in the 2050s. The Finnish government has set a goal to make Finland carbon neutral by 2035
Researchers confirm that climate change is our biggest challenge for the future.
Climate change and emissions are also a major challenge for tourism. To gain an understanding of where emissions come from and how we can reduce emissions, I recommend considering the following facts:
- the emissions of the average Finn are now about 10,000 kg / person / year
- the first step is to reduce emissions – then compansate if wanted and needed
- Finland has promised to be a carbon-neutral state by 2035
- In order to achieve that goal, the emissions of Finns can no longer exceed 2000 kg / person / year
Please, test youself.
Is your lifestyle good or bad for the environment? After this short test, you will get tips tailored for you. They will help you save time and money and improve your quality of life. And our planet will thank you!
Lifestyletest ( to measure your emissions)