Presentation at Lublin Kongress on the session of sustainable development: The neighborhood of people, the neighborhood of nature. The use of natural values of Polesie in the sustainable development of the region

1. Tourism as tool for sustainable
development of Polesia region
Aivar Ruukel
Lublin
24.September 2019

2. Nature tourism accounts for 20% of all international travel
Adventure travelEcotourism

3. Seek for non-traditional, new destinations
Interested in authentic experiences
Interaction with locals
Natural, untouched landscapes
Safety and sustainability are important
They have passion for nature

4. Soomaa
Photo: Mati Kose

5. Soomaa

6. Polesia
Largest wetland wilderness in Europe
source: fzs.org

7. Largest wetland wilderness in Estonia

8. Ca 70 000 visitors

9. Domestic tourism
Neighboring countries
Global ecotourists and adventure travellers

10. Local people have adopted their lifestyle to fifth season

11. Flood season as an attractive tourist season

12. Living heritage of building and using one-log-boats
#haabjas2unesco

13. Source: Sergey Matokh

14. Estonian Amazon European Amazon
source: planetabelarus.by

15. Ecotourism as a tool
Delivers high quality of jobs
Supports conservation of natural and cultural heritage
Contributes to the overall image of the country
Connects local offer to global market
Photo: Karl Adami

16. Thank you!