Baltic Wings - nature tourism for sustainable rural economic development

In the European context the Central Baltic region has great natural resources with relatively untouched wildlife areas, but is still rather unknown to nature tourists. The project aims to increase visits to already known sites for birdwatching and other nature activites as well as to develop new sites in order to extend the now short tourism season.

To achieve these goals, co-operation across national borders with focus on developing high-standard attractions and services is needed. Facilities need to be upgraded and accessibility for all visitors, including those physically disadvantaged, must be improved. Birding infrastructure, such as birding platforms, trails, hides and nature information centres/info points suitable for national as well as international tourism is needed and will be built within the project. By working together, we can offer nature lovers from all over the world a wide variety of natural landscapes, biotopes and special and rare species. Joint migratory routes for birds connects the countries in the region and will be a special theme in the project. Together it is possible to make targeted international marketing activities. By involving local partners that can develop tourism services, new job opportunities in rural areas will be created. Local guides are important for the fulfilment of the project aims.Guide education is an important part of the project.

The connection between small-scale farming and high nature values such as rich biodiversity and beautiful open landscapes will be emphasised to create awareness of the value of nature protection. The development of first class wildlife and bird sites will also be beneficial to the local public with free access to installations. This will also be of great educational value to schools for nature studies.