Lapland
In My Heart

Arctic Tourism Is Growing. It Would Be Nice if You Tried to Follow WWF's Principles


Ten principles

Arctic tourism has been a main consideration for The WWF International Arctic Programme. In this program a group of people working in Arctic tourism, government, research, conservation and communities from all over the Arctic came together to discuss pressing issues concerning tourism and conservation.

The whole program will benefit you and your Lapland travel in so many ways.

Dog sledding and ecotourism

This forum led to the first arctic specific guidelines for tourism, the Ten Principles for tourism in the Arctic. These principles have been specified to address tour operator and visitor conduct.

The Ten Principles in Short
  1. Make tourism and conservation compatible
  2. Support the preservation of wilderness and biodiversity
  3. Use natural resources in a sustainable way
  4. Minimise consumption, waste and pollution
  5. Respect local cultures
  6. Respect historic and scientific sites
  7. Arctic communities should benefit from tourism
  8. Trained staff are the key to responsible tourism
  9. Make your trip an opportunity to learn about the arctic
  10. Follow safety rules
Here you can read the WWF principles for Arctic tourism in full text.

When using nature you will profit from following the mountain code.

Right of public acces

In Lapland you are free to roam roam almost everywhere. Read about your rights (and duties, of course).

Tourism and conservation

As you can imagine, the Arctic attracts many people who wish to experience its fantastic wildlife, its untouched landscapes and various cultures. So far the number of tourists travelling to the North is still relatively small, some areas are experience mass tourism in a fragile environments.

The WWF International Arctic Programme sees tourism as one way to support the protection of the arctic environment. Tourism activities can be conducted responsibly so that visitors learn to appreciate and respect arctic nature and cultures, as well as provide an additional income to local communities and traditional lifestyles.

Where the Reindeer Roam