The Greens believe that Evo has room for both a science park and a camping area. The Centre believes that stopping the national park project will create better opportunities for the development of the area.
The future of the Evo National Park project in Lammi continues to divide the governing parties. The Greens do not want to bury the plan for a national science park, but the Centre Party is happy to put the project on hold.
– Evola would have space for both a science park and a camping area. If a compromise is not reached during this term of government, work will continue next term, Soinikoski promises.
Hunting and fishing in dispute
Extensive consultations and studies support the establishment of a science national park, says Mirka Soinikoski. She stresses that each national park has its own law, which takes account of the specific characteristics of the area concerned. Soinikoski therefore believes that a solution for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities could also be found in the Evo area.
– Evo has been left behind on the map of Finland in terms of area development and camping area use, says Kemppi.
Too few accommodation options
The key bottleneck in the development of the Evo area is the low and outdated accommodation capacity, says Hilkka Kemppi. With the increase in accommodation capacity, other services in the area and their supply would improve.
He needs a broad operating model for the region, which would find a place for all operators. The agreement would take into account the tourism needs of the government, provinces, municipalities and the region. In addition, hunting clubs operating in the Evo area, forest management professionals and landowners would be included.
In Kempi’s opinion, this kind of activity would not be possible in a national park.
– The land use of the national park is limited, and it is not possible to increase the accommodation capacity to the extent that is currently in the plans of the Forest Act.
A strong brand from Evo
Now, according to Hilkka Kemp, the discussion around Evo has initiated the goal of promoting better development and utilization of camping areas in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
– Evo has become one example of a camping area. I see huge opportunities in it, not only for the region itself, but also for Hämeenlinna, but also for the wider provinces, the people of the region and all southern Finns. Maybe also for international visitors.
He hopes that the Evo brand will be strengthened. Kemppi wants game management, fishing and forest management, as well as operators in the tourism industry, to participate in the discussion. Forestry training at Evo should also continue.
The largest protected forest area in southern Finland
The Green Party’s Mirka Soinikoski reminds that according to a survey conducted by Yle Taloustuikkumas, 80 percent of Finns support the increase of protected areas. Only three percent of Southern Finland’s forests are protected. This is why Evo is an important target in Soinikoski’s opinion.
– As a National Science Park, Evo would form the largest equal protected forest area in Southern Finland, which provides habitats for decaying wood and the endangered species that live on it. Nature conservation, science and camping could go hand in hand with Evo.