Background The World Tourism Organization has repeatedly since 1992 emphasised that nature and protected areas are a major influence on the choice of a holiday destination. In Europe, a growing number of travellers claim that the natural environment was the main motivation for their journey. The Natura 2000 network, however, is not widely recognised by tourists who are unaware of its purpose and do not always behave appropriately in its sites. As a result, natural values are threatened: the tourism industry must introduce effective strategies for development. The need for the protection of nature values under growing tourism pressure is especially great in the Baltic countries (and in Eastern Europe as a whole) as this region develops economically. Nature and environment protection policy and implementation are comparatively new and adequate conservation measures are not always adopted. Objectives The overall objective of the POLPROP-NATURA project was to demonstrate a sustainable tourism-management model for a Natura 2000 site. This model aimed to ensure the introduction and implementation of sustainability principles for achieving the development of tourism and nature conservation. The project will create five tourism products for the area and produce a marketing strategy for each product. Furthermore, the project will develop a methodology to monitor tourism in the areas. Such monitoring data will serve as a stimulus for new business initiatives, projects and support instruments to tourism. Finally the project would also carry out a campaign to raise awareness of Natura 2000 among local stakeholders and the general public in Europe. Results The POLPROP-NATURA project produced an environment and tourism policy document on sustainable tourism for biodiversity in Latvia. This proposal was based on the innovative approach to sustainable tourism taken by the project at the Slītere national park, a Natura 2000 site, and on the experience of other national parks in the Baltic region. The policy document will be used by the Latvian government as a basis for policy on tourism development in protected nature areas. Another key outcome of the project was the development of a sustainable tourism management model of a Natura 2000 site based on five new sustainable nature tourism products and their marketing (including a Slītere national park guide, five outdoor info stands, a ‘plant finder’ featuring common but attractive species instead of exposing rare and sensitive species). The sustainable tourism management model also aims to save resources and improve cost-efficiency. It achieves these aims by: Promoting hiking, cycling and boating. Providing all promotional materials (touring route description sheets, the plant finder, the park tourism guide etc.) not only in print but also in electronic format. Developing a touring route marking method that is low on cost and simple. Directing visitors to less sensitive zones in the park by developing attractions and routes in areas where the environmental capacity allows for it. The tourism management model can be used by management authorities of other Natura 2000 sites in Europe. A starter guide to developing sustainable tourism in protected areas was produced by EUROPARC Federation (which represents approximately 430 members - protected areas, governmental departments, NGO's and businesses in 35 countries). The guide contains examples of best practice in Europe. Increased awareness of Natura 2000 was achieved through a comprehensive communication campaign that included the distribution of the guide on sustainable nature-based tourism products in the 14 national parks (all Natura 2000 sites) in the Baltic countries, as well as a manual on best practices on integration of tourism and nature protection in Europe. A nature tourism in the Baltic conference attracted a wide range tourism and environmental specialists from around Europe. Overall, the project contributed greatly to the initiation of stakeholder dialogue and the exchange of experiences internationally. From a socio-economic point of view, the qualitative economic benefits were monitored in the park as a demonstration site during the project. The sustainable tourism model will continue to generate long-term economic benefits through the development and improvement of products and services, attracting visitors to the park in line with its environmental capacity. The application of the sustainable tourism model to other nature protected areas will generate economic benefits in Latvia in the long term. Specific economic results were: Increase in visitor numbers and their length of stay. Increase in the amount of money spent by visitors – in 2011 visitors spent around 700 – 800 thousand lats in the park territory. High demand fort he new tourism products. The development of new businesses and the extension of the existing ones. Tourist accommodation provides, guides (including nature guides), catering services (cafes, farms offering tasting of produce and meals on request), producers of traditional smoked fish, equipment rental companies, craftsmen, artisans all benefitted. The number of companies that offered services/products to visitors increased from 23 before the project to 48. The creation of new jobs.The project also led to Improved cooperation among stakeholders – interviews, regular site visits and participation in local initiative groups initiated long-term relationships. Local conflicts between the national park administration and local community regarding economic activities in the area were solved and dialogue was established. The project activities helped raise awareness in the local community of the value of nature conservation and encouraged changes to behaviour. Businesses and other stakeholders have gained new experience, knowledge and motivation to develop environment friendly tourism practices. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).