Another cooperation project of national parks has been launched

Lahemaa National Park hosted the International Kick-Off Event – LEADER Cooperation Project “GREENPARK” has begun!

From August 4–8, 2025, Lahemaa National Park region hosted the kick-off event of the international LEADER cooperation project “GREENPARK,” welcoming guests from Latvia, Slovenia, and Croatia. The project aims to strengthen rural entrepreneurship through collaboration between national parks and protected areas, with a focus on promoting sustainable tourism. The goal is to enhance local entrepreneurs’ knowledge and competitiveness through international exchange. In Estonia, the target areas are Lahemaa and Matsalu National Parks and their surrounding regions. Key activities include renewing the EUROPARC sustainable tourism certificate and advising other project partners on how to apply for it. Local contacts from the Environmental Board in both Lahemaa and Matsalu are also involved. The main partners of the project are LEADER action groups.

The five-day program combined official presentations and workshops with direct nature experiences and cultural activities. At the opening meeting in the Viinistu Art Hotel conference hall, partners introduced their regions and shared experiences, discussing the creation of a rural entrepreneurship mentoring program and the role of the EUROPARC certificate in improving tourism quality. Participants visited both well-known and hidden gems in Lahemaa—such as the Oandu Visitor Centre, Moe Manor, Võhma Community House, Ancient Art Studio, and Lahemaa Heritage Centre. They also explored several businesses awarded the EUROPARC certificate, including Lobi Museum, Vergi Harbour and Wirkes Restaurant, Kuusiku Nature Farm, and Wanderlust. Guests took part in craft workshops led by local artisans and listened to stories about heritage and sustainable tourism entrepreneurship. Hikes along the Majakivi–Pikanõmme nature trail and a boat trip to Mohni Island offered rare views and a blend of nature and culture.

Throughout the event, guests were warmly welcomed by local communities. Folk dancers from Võhma greeted visitors, local kitchens offered delightful culinary surprises, and heartfelt stories highlighted how villages preserve traditions and promote sustainable tourism—making the kick-off event both meaningful and memorable.

International partners showed interest in how the Environmental Board collaborates with tourism businesses—what is done, how it’s organized, and how protected area visits, monitoring, and impact assessments are managed. 

The lead partner of the project is NGO Arenduskoda (Lahemaa region). Other Estonian partners include NGO Kodukant Läänemaa (Matsalu region), NGO Ida-Harju Cooperation Chamber, and NGO Saarte Cooperation Network. Latvia is represented by four partners: Partnership for Rural and the Sea, North Kurzeme Business Association, Cesis District Rural Partnership, and Partnership of Rezekne District. Slovenia is represented by LAG Between Snežnik and Nanos and LAG Bogastvo Podeželja. Croatia is represented by LAG Mura–Drava and LAG Međimurski doli i bregi. Potential partners from Greece (KENAKAP) and Northern Portugal (ATAHCA) are still pending budget confirmation. The initial total project budget is €667,313.

Between 2025 and 2027, six international activities will be carried out. Following the kick-off event in Estonia, summer schools will focus on developing sustainable entrepreneurship, discussing economic sustainability and regional cooperation, expanding joint marketing opportunities, and promoting green economy and innovation in rural areas.

In addition to international meetings, each partner region will carry out local activities:

• NGO Arenduskoda will monitor and update Lahemaa’s tourism strategy, organize expert evaluations, coordinate sustainable tourism certification, and offer reuse workshops and study trips for local and visiting entrepreneurs.
• NGO Kodukant Läänemaa will renew Matsalu’s tourism strategy and provide training on applying sustainable principles.
• NGO Ida-Harju Cooperation Chamber will focus on networking and collaboration events for entrepreneurs.
• NGO Saarte Cooperation Network will support tourism and entrepreneurship through regional study trips and projects.
• Croatian partners will assist Mura–Drava Regional Park in joining the EUROPARC network and organize study visits to certified areas.
• Slovenian partners will develop protected area visitor programs, host environmental summer schools, and offer workshops for entrepreneurs.

As a result of the project, rural entrepreneurs will see significant improvements in sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness. At least 70 sustainable tourism businesses will gain new knowledge and motivation for international cooperation, leading to new services, ideas, and future project plans. A cross-border rural entrepreneurship mentor information system will also be created.

Next steps will take partners to Croatia, Portugal, Latvia, Greece, and Slovenia to deepen knowledge in green economy, joint marketing, and sustainable business models. The final event in Slovenia will summarize the work and set a clear direction for the future. The Lahemaa kick-off proved that true cooperation is born from meeting, sharing experiences, and common goals—this is the foundation on which “GREENPARK” will grow the vitality of people, businesses, and places.