Assessing the Socioeconomic Impact of Archipelago National Park
Akintobi, Olanrewaju (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061122467
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061122467
Tiivistelmä
This study examines the socioeconomic impact of Archipelago National Park on nearby communities, with a focus on spatial and temporal variation in average income, tourism employment, agricultural employment, and workforce population. The objective of the study is to assess spatial differences in average income, tourism related employment, and agricultural employment between communities located within 10 km and 20 km of the park, analyze how proximity to the park influences workforce size and sectoral composition, evaluate the extent to which the park’s management plan aligns with observed economic outcomes, and examine temporal changes in average income, tourism employment, agriculture and workforce population between 2015 and 2025.
A quantitative research approach was employed, using postal code level secondary data from Statistics Finland for the years 2015 and 2025. GIS based spatial methods and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data across 10 km and 20 km buffer zones surrounding the park. Additionally, the park’s management plan was reviewed to assess alignment with local economic objectives.
The findings indicate that the 10km zone had higher tourism employment and a larger overall workforce, but lower average income compared to the 20 km zone. Tourism-related employment grew significantly between 2015 and 2025, particularly in the inner buffer zone. In contrast, agricultural employment declined sharply in both zones, by over 68% in the 10 km zone and over 82% in the 20 km zone, reflecting a structural shift away from traditional rural livelihoods. Despite income growth in both zones, the workforce population decreased, most notably in the outer buffer, suggesting possible rural depopulation or shift away from farming.
The study concludes that while Archipelago National Park contributes to job creation, particularly in tourism, economic benefits are unevenly distributed. Conservation strategies should be paired with inclusive policies aimed at improving job quality, supporting agriculture, and promoting sustainable local development.
Keywords: Archipelago National Park, Socioeconomic Impact, Tourism Employment, Agriculture
A quantitative research approach was employed, using postal code level secondary data from Statistics Finland for the years 2015 and 2025. GIS based spatial methods and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data across 10 km and 20 km buffer zones surrounding the park. Additionally, the park’s management plan was reviewed to assess alignment with local economic objectives.
The findings indicate that the 10km zone had higher tourism employment and a larger overall workforce, but lower average income compared to the 20 km zone. Tourism-related employment grew significantly between 2015 and 2025, particularly in the inner buffer zone. In contrast, agricultural employment declined sharply in both zones, by over 68% in the 10 km zone and over 82% in the 20 km zone, reflecting a structural shift away from traditional rural livelihoods. Despite income growth in both zones, the workforce population decreased, most notably in the outer buffer, suggesting possible rural depopulation or shift away from farming.
The study concludes that while Archipelago National Park contributes to job creation, particularly in tourism, economic benefits are unevenly distributed. Conservation strategies should be paired with inclusive policies aimed at improving job quality, supporting agriculture, and promoting sustainable local development.
Keywords: Archipelago National Park, Socioeconomic Impact, Tourism Employment, Agriculture