*1.1. Mobility Problems in the Literature*

Mobility, according to the definition proposed by Szołtysek (2011), can be defined as the tendency to change one's place of residence or place of work. Therefore, mobility is associated with the crossing of an area and with various forms of mobility treated as the result of certain conditions and processes, without the possibility to influence their outcome (Kruszyna 2010). Rural and peripheral areas suffer from accessibility and mobility problems that challenge their livability and development potential (Vitale Brovarone 2022). The problem of transport accessibility concerns especially seniors (Ahern and Hine 2012; Plazini´c and Jovi´c 2018). In order to address these challenges, the spatial, social, cultural and economic components of accessibility need to be recognized and addressed with comprehensive actions that involve actors from different sectors at different scales (Atasoy et al. 2015; Clotteau 2014). Researchers point to numerous mobility problems, constantly looking for answers to the question—why do some regions decline and others develop (Li et al. 2019)? Scientists point to different causes, which was widely discussed at scientific conferences, such as the Conference CIVITAS FORUM (2018), where scientists blamed, among other things, the lack of cooperation in transport planning. Mobility as a Service (MaaS) multidisciplinary concept (Esztergár-Kiss and Kerényi 2019) was developed on the basis of various studies. Another concept is inclusive transport (Jeekel 2019). Also in the European Union, work to improve mobility was consolidated and the European Mobility Management Platform was created (European Platform on Mobility Management-EPOMM 2013). In addition, the third priority of the Interreg Baltic Sea Program (https://www.interregeurope.eu/ accessed on 30 August 2022) is dedicated to sustainable transport, and changes are made in individual regions of the European Union in line with the principles of sustainable transport or smart mobility (Gross-Fengels and Fromhold-Eisebith 2018).

From a tourist's perspective, developed public transport and road infrastructure are becoming increasingly important in rural areas. In fact, from a tourist's perspective, transport infrastructure is a major determinant of a region's accessibility. One of the most important points is the extent to which land-use and transport systems make it possible to visit tourist destinations by means of transport (Geurs and van Wee 2004). Multimodal planning establishes communities where walking, cycling and public transport are possible. This provides various benefits to tourists. Current trends include increasing demand for non-car travel options in rural areas, safety concerns and growing tourism industries (Litman 2019) The expected changes in the mobility of tourists take into account the principles of sustainable tourism (Scuttari and Isetti 2019).

MARA aims to validate the actual mobility needs of residents and tourists with the current mobility offers. The project aims to increase the capacity of regional and local transport actors to address multifaceted mobility needs by improving the existing services, as well as developing and testing innovative sustainable mobility solutions for remote areas. Finally, the project will integrate its improved or new mobility approaches in remote areas into regional spatial and mobility development plans. The territory of the MARA project includes a part of the Republic of Karelia (Russia). The focus area includes three rural settlements located on the Zaonezhsky peninsula, which is a part of the Medvezh'egorsk municipal district, located north of the regional capital Petrozavodsk.

Rural mobility in the Baltic Sea region faces several common challenges.
