What is a national park?
A national park is a nature reserve that was established to preserve and protect natural diversity, landscapes and cultural heritage. National parks also offer opportunities for recreation, nature tourism and environmental education. In Finland, the Metsähallitus is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of national parks.
What is the purpose of a national park?
The primary purpose of national parks is to protect natural diversity. This means that the park areas aim to preserve different ecosystems, such as forests, swamps, waterways and fells. National parks are also important in the protection of endangered species. In addition, they offer people the opportunity to enjoy nature and learn about it.
History of national parks in Finland
Finland’s first national parks were established in 1938. These included Pallas-Yllästunturi and Pyhätunturi national parks. Today, there are more than 40 national parks in Finland, which cover a total of more than 10,000 square kilometers. The establishment and expansion of national parks has been an important part of Finland’s nature conservation policy.
Importance of national parks
National parks are significant in many different ways. They offer:
- Nature protection: National parks protect valuable habitat types and species.
- Recreation: The parks offer opportunities for outdoor activities, camping, picking berries and fishing.
- Tourism: National parks are popular tourist destinations that bring income to local communities.
- Education and research: Parks serve as learning environments and research sites.
How to visit the national park?
When visiting a national park, it is important to follow the park’s rules and instructions. This helps preserve the nature of the area and ensures that future generations can also enjoy it. General instructions include:
- Keep the dogs on a leash.
- Don’t leave trash in nature.
- Use marked routes and fire places.
- Respect plants and animals.
More information
If you want to learn more about Finland’s national parks, you can visit Metsähallitus’ website here. There you can find information about the parks’ locations, services and current events.
