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North Karelian Biosphere Reserve, Finland

North Karelia Biosphere Reserve encompasses an incredibly rich blend of nature. It is home to approx. 2000 lakes let alone the massive stretch of forest covering approx. 70% of the region.

Designation date: 2005

Networks

Regional network:  EuroMAB

Ecosystem-based network: 

  

    Description

    Map

    Surface : 440,745 ha

    • Core area(s): N/A
    • Buffer zone(s): N/A
    • Transition zone(s): N/A

    Location: N/A

    Administrative Authorities

    Steering Committee of the North Karelia Biosphere Reserve

    Timo J. Hokkanen
    P.O. Box 69, 80101 Joensuu
    Finland

    Tel.: +358 400884769
    E-mail: timo.hokkanen@ely-keskus.fi

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    Ecological Characteristics

    Magnificent landscapes such as “KOLI national Park; a national treasure that lies on the oldest bedrock in the world, is also found within the Biosphere Reserve. Besides nature, the BR also consists a distinctive rich Karelian culture solely experienced within the region.

    North Karelia region consists of a massive stretch of forest land which covers approximately 70 % of the region. It is also home to approximaterly 2,200 lakes. Lake Pielinen, one of the lakes within the Biosphere Reserve, is the fourth largest in Finland.

     

     

     

    Socio-Economic Characteristics

    North Karelia biosphere reserve consists  - officially - Lieksa city, Ilomantsi municipality and Joensuu city Tuupovaara district. Biosphere reserve activities occur in the whole North Karelian province. Major activities around the region (both commercial and private) rely on or involve nature and natural resources.

    The Biosphere Reserve’s sustainable development model combines a regional network of sustainablity projects, an interdisciplinary research and extensive local-oriented co-operation.

     

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    Last updated: May 2019