Good Practice - Project
Lake Lappajärvi – Europe’s largest crater lake
A feasibility study was launched in order to set the foundations for turning an ancient crater lake into a driver for local development.
General information
RDP Priority
- P6. Social inclusion and local development
RDP Focus Area
- 6B: Local development
RDP Measure
- M07: Basic services & village renewal
Summary
Lappajärvi is a lake in South Ostrobothnia, Finland. It is formed from a 23 km wide meteorite impact crater, which is estimated to be 76 million years old. It is Europe’s largest crater lake and is well-known among geologists and crater researchers. However it is not known among tourists and general public.
The Finnish rural development programme helped finance a feasibility study aiming to prepare an application for Unesco Geopark-status. The study also includes preparations for the creation of a geo and nature information centre to serve tourists and explain the uniqueness of the lake. In addition the project aims to develop a business model for a Nordic/European planetary information centre.
Results
As a result of this feasibility study it is expected that the improved tourist services will attract at least 10.000 visitors per annum.
One of the early results of this project is that it contributes to local level understanding of the value of Lappajärvi as a unique natural asset.
Promoter
Järviseutu-seura ry
Funding
Total budget 51 667 (EUR)
EAFRD 19 530 (EUR)
National/Regional 26 970 (EUR)
Private 5 167 (EUR)
Keywords
Ressources
gp_fi_crater_lake_lappajarvi_web_final_0.pdf
(PDF – 730.65 Ko)
Mr Teemu Öhman