Nature protection and biodiversity - Why care? (Iceland)

Nature Conservation and Protection against the loss of Biodiversity

The purpose of the Act of Nature Conservation is to direct the interaction of man with his environment so that it harms neither the biosphere nor the geosphere, nor pollutes the air, sea or water. The Act is intended to ensure, to the extent possible, that Icelandic nature can develop according to its own laws and ensure conservation of its exceptional or historical aspects. The Act shall facilitate the nation's access to and knowledge of Icelandic nature and cultural heritage and encourage the conservation and utilisation of resources based on sustainable development.

Nature conservation and actions for protection against loss of biodiversity in Iceland covers protection of species, ecosystems and habitats and it also covers protection of diverse landscape, i.a. natural phenomena, geological formations that are unique, of outstanding beauty or scientific interest and extended wilderness (1).

Birds are a significant part of the visible Icelandic fauna. The number of nesting species are around 75. For some of the species, the national population size may be so large that the Icelandic population is a significant part of the European or even the world total population. Iceland is thus an important breeding ground world‑wide for some bird species. For 16 species the Icelandic population is 30 % or more of the total European population. Thus, Iceland is responsible for actions to achieve favorable conservation status to protect these species and their habitats (2).

Ecosystem services

According to surveys conducted by the Icelandic Tourist board, the vast majority, or over 70 % of foreign tourists come to experience the Icelandic nature. Number of foreign visitors were about 300 000 in 2000 and around 500 000 in 2008 and 2009. The share of tourism in Iceland´s total export revenue was 16.9 % in 2008 (3).

The economically most important country-specific benefits of ecosystem services is the exploitation of the marine biota. In 2009, the total catch in Icelandic waters was close to 1.1 million tonnes of fish products worth of ISK 115 billion in export value and this weighs considerably in the nation’s foreign currency earnings (42 % of merchandise exports, roughly 28 % of total exports in 2007). The fishing industry is still fundamental for the whole economy and the country’s regional development. Future establishment and extension of marine protection areas is under disscussion (4).

The productive rivers and lakes are an important amenity for recreational activities. Salmon and trout fisheries have been of high economic value in Iceland since the initial settlement. The economic importance of salmon and trout fishing rights varies depending on region, but contributes as much as 50 % of the total income for residents in productive salmon areas.

References

(1) Welfare for the Future. Framework for sustainable development in Icelandic society. Priorities 2006-2009. Report in English. http://eng.umhverfisraduneyti.is/media/PDF_skrar/080224VelferdtilFramtidark2006-2009EnskaEndanleg.pdf

(2) State of the Environment. Report in Icelandic. http://www.umhverfisraduneyti.is/media/PDF_skrar/umhverfiogaudlindir2009.pdf

(3) Tourism in numbers, feb 2010. Report in Icelandic. http://www.ferdamalastofa.is/upload/files/Ferdatjonusta_i_tolum_febr2010%281%29.pdf

(4) Comittee report on marine protection areas. Report in Icelandic. http://www.sjavarutvegsraduneyti.is/media/Skyrslur/fridunskyrsla_2005.pdf