Photo: Paavo HamunenPAN Parks, the only European-wide organisation focusing on the protection of wilderness areas, occupies a unique position from a conservation perspective in its attempt to redefine and develop a concept of wilderness conservation in Europe, one of the most highly developed areas in the world. PAN Parks applies a truly integrated approach combining wilderness protection and sustainable tourism development.
 
PAN Parks provides effective third-party certification system under WCPA (World Commission on Protected Areas) Framework for Management Effectiveness. PAN Parks sets an important benchmark for high standards in protected area management.
 
The certification is based on verification carried out by independent experts, in accord with PAN Parks quality standards. There are five PAN Parks principles; covering relevant wilderness protection, social, economic and cultural aspects. These ensure high standards of management for both conservation and sustainable development. Principles allow for objective verification and transparency. The verification procedure includes three elements: verification of the protected area, its Sustainable Tourism Strategy and the local business partners.