Land use - Outlook 2020 (Norway)

The main land use challenges in Norway towards 2020 are the protection of the agricultural land and the effects of oversized herds of domesticated reindeer on mountain ecosystems. Other land use related challenges are securing coastal and mountain areas against development, securing greenery in urban areas and containing scrub encroachment of the outfields caused by abandonment of past agricultural practices.

The population is expected to increase to somewhere between 5 and 5.5 million in 2020. The trend towards urbanization is likely to continue. This increases the pressure on land, especially around larger settlements, where we also find the most productive agricultural areas. The government therefore considers implementing stronger legislation for protection of agricultural land. Such legislation may, on the other hand, increase pressure on green areas inside the settlements.

Oversized herds of domesticated reindeer are a challenge in vulnerable mountain ecosystems (LMD 2007). The problem is known and well documented, but still difficult to solve because it is closely linked to indigenous peoples' rights.Global warming will reduce the area of alpine and arctic ecosystems as the tree line will reach higher altitudes.

A growing population, more leisure time, urban living and better household economy also increases the demand for holiday facilities in rural areas. This may lead to more development of cabins and summer houses as second homes. The demand for electricity and all-year vehicle access to such facilities can lead to additional development and changes in coastal and mountain areas.

The growing stock in Norwegian forests has increased substantially due to replanting and low cutting rates. The government is now stimulating the use of wood products in order to stabilize the stock and increase the function of the forest as a carbon storage pool. Substantial scrub encroachment and even natural reforestation is taking place in mountains and coastal heath previously kept open by grazing animals, causing changes to landscape and biodiversity.