Resource information
The aim pursued by this Act is the protection of nature as a whole, in such a way that land, sea, freshwater and air are not wasted or polluted. Taking into special account the exceptional and historical aspects of Icelandic nature, the Act shall enhance the nation’s access to and familiarity with the natural environment (art. 1).Once the Act has defined the aims pursued, articles 2 to 8 provide for the institutional framework which shall be in charge of the implementation of these provisions. It shall include the Ministry of the Environment (art. 2), local nature conservation committees (art. 3), the Nature Conservation Convention (art. 4) and the Nature Conservation Council (arts. 5-8). Further, article 11 recognizes the public’s right of access to nature: “everyone is entitled to free passage through, and stay in, areas lying outside the property of registered farms for legitimate purpose.” As regards private lands, walkers may pass through them as long as they are not cultivated or fenced. Otherwise, the permission of the owner is required. Article 12 regards the public right to gather wild berries in uncultivated areas. Article 17 deals with mining. Article 22 authorizes the Nature Conservation Council to declare the protection of unusual natural phenomena, such as waterfalls, volcanic sites, caves, rock formations. It can also declare the protection of scientifically or culturally important plants or animals (art. 23), entire areas of particular interest (art. 24), national parks (art. 25).
Implemented by: Regulations on Nature Conservation, No. 205 of 1973. (1973-05-21)
