In Part I, the manager of the protected area and stakeholders prepare a joint regional tourism strategy and action plan for five years. The strategy and action plan are submitted to the EUROPARC Federation.

A member of the evaluation committee reviews the activities planned on-site and, in the case of a positive result, prepares a recommendation to award the certificate. The final decision is made by the EUROPARC Council. It has become a tradition to formally hand over certificates in the European Parliament at the end of the year. 

Nele Sõber on võtmas vastu kaitsealade sertifikaati
EUROPARC Federation executive director Carol Ritchie awarding Matsalu National Park tourism area. Nele Sõber

In Estonia, the certificate has been awarded under Part I to three national park regions:

  • The Matsalu region was first recognised in Estonia in 2015. 

    • Action Plan for the Matsalu Tourism Region 2021–2025+: PDF (4.21 MB).

    • MTÜ Terra Maritima is the partner in applying for the certificate and implementing the tourism strategy.

    • The certificate was renewed in 2020 and will be renewed for the third time in 2024.

  • The certificate was awarded to the Lahemaa region in 2019. 

    • Sustainable Development Strategy of the Lahemaa Tourism Region 2019–2030+: PDF (45,2 MB)

    • MTÜ Arenduskoda is the partner in applying for the certificate and implementing the tourism strategy.

    • The renewal of the certificate will begin in 2024.

  • The Soomaa region was recognised in 2020. 

    • Sustainable Development Strategy of the Soomaa Tourism Region 2020–2025+: PDF ( 2,74 MB)

    • MTÜ Rohelise Jõemaa Koostöökogu and MTÜ Tipu Looduskool are the partners in applying for the certificate and implementing the tourism strategy.

    • The renewal of the certificate will begin in 2024.