Case Study
EUROPARC delivered via LEADER best practice and a 20‑partner community network
Contact name
Katrin Suursoo
Institution name
NGO Arenduskoda
Region & country
Lahemaa National Park tourism area, Estonia
Summary
We achieved the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism certification for the first time in 2019 by structuring the Charter around international LEADER cooperation and a strong local network. Thereafter we consistently delivered the tourism strategy through four cooperation projects and multiple NGO initiatives. In the new period, we are implementing the updated strategy with GREENPARK and an expanded 14‑partner network that brings best practices and practical capacity to Lahemaa National Park.
Background of the project
We already had an active, cross‑sector cooperation model, LEADER funding, and a published sustainable tourism strategy (2019–2024). Our approach was to leverage those assets—Protected Area authority, NGOs, Destination Marketing Organisation (DMOs), Local Action Groups (LAGs), municipalities, and businesses—into a coordinated ECST process and a funded delivery pipeline.
1. Continue multi‑level cooperation and implement the new‑period strategy with clear actions, indicators, and roles.
2. Secure ongoing learning and best‑practice exchange to meet strategic goals.
3. Use the GREENPARK follow‑up to finance coordination and exchanges, and expand the partner circle to strengthen delivery capacity.
Solution and actions taken
A best‑practice delivery model: four LEADER cooperation projects plus NGO‑led initiatives (Visit Lahemaa and others) to finance and coordinate the strategy; formalised roles among Environmental Board, Arenduskoda, Visit Lahemaa, and RMK; and GREENPARK to sustain implementation with an enlarged international network.
To reach the solution, we implemented four cooperation projects (2017–2021, 2019–2022, a transition project, and 2025–2027 GREENPARK), funding study visits, trainings, joint marketing, guide courses, monitoring, and Charter actions. We organised forums and events, and supported business certification. We aligned stakeholders via Action Plans, and expanded the network to 20 partners across seven countries.
Other institutions or parties involved
Environmental Board (PA authority), RMK, Visit Lahemaa, NGO Arenduskoda (lead/LAG), local municipalities, tourism businesses, conservation NGOs, schools, community groups, and 19 partners within the LEADER network (Arenduskoda is the 20th).
Results
We are implementing Lahemaa’s new‑period tourism strategy with GREENPARK support: actions and indicators are active, roles are coordinated, business engagement is strong, and international exchanges continue to feed best practices into delivery.
Challenges
A one‑year pause between project cycles overlapped with the renewal‑preparation window, creating a temporary budget gap; we used EUROPARC’s allowed one‑year extension and mobilised volunteers to bridge essential preparatory tasks.
Lessons learned
LEADER cooperation combined with a committed network offers a replicable best-practice model for Charter delivery. Bringing in new partners adds skills and speeds up adoption of good practices. Clear roles, measurable indicators, and continuity projects like GREENPARK ensure resilience across cycles. We don’t aim to be “the best”; we aim to get better by learning from others and building partnerships that genuinely connect & create shared values.