Extraordinary nature and fascinating history
Svalbard is an archipelago located north of the Norwegian continent. It is a place of extraordinary nature and fascinating history. Surrounded by glaciers and fjords, it is one of the most inaccessible places on Earth Earth. Despite the harsh climatic conditions, life here pulsates at an extraordinary pace. Svalbard is also a haven for wildlife, including reindeer, polar bears and seabirds.
Svalbard's population is mainly concentrated in Longyearbyen, the largest city in the archipelago, where the only university in the Arctic is located. Svalbard attracts travelers looking for adventure and the opportunity to observe unique Arctic fauna and flora. It also attracts scientific researchers from around the world who are fascinated by the unique dynamics of this region. However, Svalbard is also a place where global challenges such as climate change and conflicts over natural resources become particularly visible. This situation requires joint action for conservation and sustainability development of this unique ecosystem.
Changes to environmental regulations in Svalbard
The aim of the changes is to protect larger areas of wilderness and reduce the burden on nature.
– Norway has a duty to care for Svalbard's wildlife, and climate change and increased activity are currently putting enormous pressure on the natural environment. We are now tightening regulations to better care for sensitive nature and endangered wildlife, says Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
Proposals to amend Svalbard's Environment Act to tighten rules on polar bears, ban the use of drones at selected bird cliffs and change the provision on infringement fees should be referred to the Storting.
The new rules will apply from January 1, 2025.
Here are the most important changes:
- Prohibition on disembarkation on protected areas except 43 designated areas. The disembarkation ban will apply to people participating in tourist activities and not to individual travelers or permanent residents.
- Provision regarding maximum of 200 passengers on board is extended to also apply to protected areas in the west of Svalbard.
- Ban on the use of drones in protected areas.
- Permanent ban on movement on sea ice from March 1 in selected fjords. Exceptions have been made to allow people to get into their cottages.
- Speed limit up to a maximum of 5 knots at a distance of 500 m from land outside selected bird cliffs in the period from April 1 to August 31.
- Requirements for distances and speed limits from walrus hideouts. When operating a motorized boat at sea, you must maintain a distance of at least 150 meters from walrus nests (except for essential access to ports, buildings, etc.) and must not maintain a speed of more than 5 knots within 300 meters of walrus nests.
- Ice breaking is prohibited, except for maintaining open waterways to the ports of Longyearbyen and Barentsburg, securing supplies to Ny-Ålesund, and carrying out essential Coast Guard duties.
- In many situations, you must apply for a permit to stay in tents and camps.
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Source: regjeringen, Photo: pixabay
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