To: provisionally interested participants Dear Sir / Madam, The North Karelian Coastal Council based in Chupa community is organizing a conference on 28-29 March 2008 Towards Sustainable Tourism Development at the North-Karelian Coast It is planned to discuss local community opinions and experts ideas on sustainable tourism development in the area, on the role of local communities and regional and district administration. As you might have heard there is already a number of new developing locallybased initiatives largely related to such sustainable ecotourism as diving and wildlife watch. As part of the project (supported by LightHouse Foundation and WWF Russia) the Chupa community and North Karelian Coastal Council are looking forward to develop not only national and internal Russian tourism, but also consider openly the ideas of transboundary tourism development especially if directly in related to local community and rural development. We are aware that you already have some history of relationships with the Russian partners in community projects and in tourism development, and therefore we are very much interested to offer you the opportunity to attend and to share your experience with the Conference participants. It is expected the besides the community and districts participants there will be a number of high-level representatives from the Government of Karelia as well as the experts from other successful projects and fields of expertise that is likely beneficial for the sustainable tourism development along North Karelia coast. Please find attached the Programme, Registration Form and map of the area. After you indicate your interest in participation we will be able to provide more information and support. It is planned that simultaneous interpreting will be available (Russian-> English and English-> Russian) during the whole period of the Conference. Main e-mail address for the Conference Secretariat is VSpiridonov@wwf.ru, and support in initial communication and negotiations with participants will be done by a private consultant Lena Lebedeva-Hooft LLebedeva-Hooft@rambler.ru and some other staff of WWF Russia. You are welcome prior to registration with requests about other issues related to the Conference. Looking forward to see you at the Conference in Chupa, Galina A. Languyeva, Head of North Karelia Basin Council Chupa Settlement, Republic of Karelia Russia Chupa_international_letter1 Page 1 of 5
Towards Sustainable Tourism Development at the North-Karelian Coast Conference Programme (provisional, final programme by 20 February 2008) Date, time Presentation Author (s)/ Comments 27 th March (Thursday) Arrival of participants 28 th March (Friday) 9:00-9:30 Opening and welcome from the Head of North Karelia Basin Council and representatives of Chupa, Malinova Varakka and Plotiny local community administrations 9:30-10:00 Tourism development at the North Karelia coasts and overall tourism potential at the Karelian and Galina A. Languyeva + Vasily Spiridonov, WWF Russia Murmansk region White Sea coasts 10:00-10:45 Tourism development potential in Karelia Representative from the Ministry of Economic Development, Republic of Karelia 10:45-11:00 Coffee break 11:00-11:30 Tourism development potential in Loukhi district of Karelia 11:30-12:45 Presentations from tourism companies operating at the North Karelia coasts. 12:45-13:00 Mussel farming and fisheries in relation to tourism development 13:00-14:00 Lunch 14:00-15:30 Opinion from abroad: potential of cross-border and transboundary cooperation in development of sustainable and nature-friendly tourism 15:30-16:00 Discussion: opportunities of transboundary cooperation Presentation from administration of Loukhi district administration To be organized by Vasily Spiridonov, WWF Russia Guests from Finland, Norway and Sweden 16:00-16:15 Coffee break Tourism and improvement of the local education opportunities Discussion: impact from tourism to local economic, social and cultural development Natural Park Project North Karelia Coast : state of affairs and latest versions on the boundaries, zoning and management regimes. Discussion. 18:30-19:00 Visit to M.Korguev museum for the guests Invited expert (Russian) 19:00-20:00 Dinner Chupa_international_letter1 Page 2 of 5
29 th March (Saturday) 9:00-9:30 Local challenges in rural ecotourism development Presentation from administration of Loukhi district administration 9:30-10:00 Standards, logistics and financial matters of rural Invited expert tourism development 10:00-10:30 Ecological Standards in Tourism and Ecotourism Standards To be organized by Vasily Spiridonov, WWF Russia 10:30-12:45 Discussion: what do we all want from tourism development along North Karelian coast 12:45-13:00 Final overview and closing remarks Alexander B. Tseitlin, Director of the Moscow State Univ. Biological Station 13:00-14:00 Lunch 14:00-18:30 Visiting tourism infrastructure facilities in Chupa settlement, in Chkalovsky settlement (diving center Nereis ), in Nilma Bay village (diving center Polar Circle ) 30 th March (Sunday) Departures of participants Chupa_international_letter1 Page 3 of 5
Towards Sustainable Tourism Development at the North-Karelian Coast Participant Registration Form please return by 15 th February by fax or e-mail Name (full name and title): Organisation / community: Position: Address: Country: Zipcode: Phone: Fax: E-mail: I herewith confirm that I am willing to participate in the Conference in Chupa on 28-29 March and I am willing (please check the box) to make a short presentation on our community/company just to take part in discussions and explore new opportunities learn / share views on potential cooperation (please add) There is no registration fee at the Conference and the local costs will be largely met by organizers (except for some local charges for meals and your own accommodation). The organizers will not be able however to cover travel expenses of participants. Please check the box accordingly in case: you require visa support from organizers you have special diet requirements you are interested to see more of the area (and additional programme shall be organized) other (please specify) Please indicate your provisional means of transport and arrival and departure time / date Arrival: Departure: Any other requirements: Please return this form by fax: +7 (495) 727 09 38 for attn. of Vasily Spiridonov or by e-mail: VSpiridonov@wwf.ru or/and LLebedeva-Hooft@rambler.ru by 15 th February 2008 Chupa_international_letter1 Page 4 of 5
Map of Chupa settlement Access to Chupa: (1) by car from Murmansk via Kandalaksha (ca. 6 hours) (2) Straight from Finland (nearest airport is Kuusamo) via Suopera international crossing to Karelia, RF (3) By train from Moscow or Saint-Petersburg to Chupa We will help you define the best travel arrangements depending on your home country and nearest and fastest transport hub. Chupa_international_letter1 Page 5 of 5