Nature protection and biodiversity - Outlook 2020 (Iceland)

SOER 2010 Common environmental theme (Deprecated)

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SOER Common environmental theme from Iceland

Topic: Nature and biodiversity

Published: 26 Nov 2010 Modified: 11 May 2020

The Icelandic government approved a strategy on Biological Diversity in August 2008 (1). The strategy paper lists 27 steps (actions) to achieve ten goals. Five threats to Biological diversity in Iceland are also listed in the strategy paper: 1) Climate Change, 2) Non-sustainable resource management, 3) Ecosystem and habitat degradation 4) Pollution and 5) Invasive alien species

The ten goals are:

1. Increased scientific research, registering and mapping of natural history. Data collected and stored in accessible databases.

2. Monitoring plans and programmes, and information systems, for biodiversity.

3. The targets of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) are to be incorporated in the Nature Conservation Strategy (2009-2013).

4. Marine Protected areas designated to ensure long-term maintenance of sustainable ecosystem services, ecosystems and populations.

5. Laws and regulations on import, distribution and cultivation of species with the potential to impose threats to biodiversity (invasive alien species) will be revised.

6. Reclamation and restoration of habitats and ecosystems degraded by land use and construction. The goal is to protect Biodiversity and promote sustainable land use and ecosystem services.

7. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety under CBD will be legally ratified and an implementation plan prepared.

8. Conservation of genetic (and cultural) resources in agriculture.

9. Increased Information Services and education on Biodiversity.

10. International Indicators introduced and adjusted to national indicators and conditions.

To each strategy goal there are one or more action steps listed and some of these have a time frame.

A new nature conservation strategy 2009-2013 was adopted by Althingi in February 2010. Its main focus is on protection of species, habitats and ecosystems in line with international agreements.

In the strategy, 13 areas are planned for designation in the strategy period. One because of geology. Another is enlargement of Þjórsárver, a Ramsar wetland area. Others are for protection of habitats, plants and invertebrates.

References

(1) Biodiversity. Report in Icelandic. http://www.umhverfisraduneyti.is/media/PDF_skrar/liffjolbreytni.pdf