International recognition places the region among world-class nature tourism destinations.
Local businesses hope the status will lead to an increase in visitors.
Image: Ismo Pekkarinen / AOP
The Saimaa region has received UNESCO Global Geopark status, the UN cultural and scientific body announced on Thursday.
The status is recognition that the Saimaa Geopark has met strict criteria, including a requirement that the region be home to a geological heritage of international significance. UNESCO status is a very important international recognition for the region and its actors. Geopark meets the tough international criteria. We are now equal with other major nature tourism destinations in the world. The status process has been challenging and long, said chair of Saimaa Geopark