The Ely center supports companies, villages and communities located in sparsely populated areas.
The Ely center has granted a total of around 3.4 million euros in grants for the development of nature, food, fishing and hunting tourism in sparsely populated areas (HAMA).
A total of 35 projects throughout Finland received a grant from the Ely Center. On average, approximately 96,600 euros in grants were awarded to the project.
In South Karelia, a virtual route is being made to the tourist gems of sparsely populated areas. LAB University of Applied Sciences receives a grant of 108,000 euros from the ely center for a project called Virtual guide to the beaches of Saimaa.
Southeastern Finland University of Applied Sciences will receive a good 103,000 euros for the project to produce local food products.
The purpose of the project is to increase the opportunities for rural areas to increase tourism income by supporting the product development of local food souvenirs.
The project is carried out in cooperation with food processors in the sparsely populated countryside of the Saimaa region and Kymenlaakso, as well as tourism and catering companies in the region.