The formation of a new National Park in the Central Highlands is one step closer to realization after the government announced the formation of a commission to make suggestions on the boundaries of such a National Park.
According to a press release from the Ministry of the Environment the commission, which will include representatives of all political parties in parliament, will work closely with a working group which represents all major interest groups and NGOs who have a vested interest in the Central Highlands to prepare legislation for the proposed national park.
Read more: More than a fifth of Iceland is now included in protected areas and nature monuments
The commission will need to make suggestions on major service points and visitor centers inside the national park as well as major traffic arteries in the park.
The formation of a national park in the central highlands has been on the agenda for years. An important milestone was reached when Vatnajökull National Park was established in 2008. The park was expanded last year when Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon was added to the park. A new national park in the central highlands would incorporate Vatnajökull National park, as well as several other protected sites and national parks. The park could cover as much as 40% of the total land area of Iceland.
Landvernd, the largest environmental and conservation NGO has led calls for the formation of a national park in the Central Highlands. The current Minister of the Environment, Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson is the former CEO of Landvernd.
The formation of a new National Park in the Central Highlands is one step closer to realization after the government announced the formation of a commission to make suggestions on the boundaries of such a National Park.
According to a press release from the Ministry of the Environment the commission, which will include representatives of all political parties in parliament, will work closely with a working group which represents all major interest groups and NGOs who have a vested interest in the Central Highlands to prepare legislation for the proposed national park.
Read more: More than a fifth of Iceland is now included in protected areas and nature monuments
The commission will need to make suggestions on major service points and visitor centers inside the national park as well as major traffic arteries in the park.
The formation of a national park in the central highlands has been on the agenda for years. An important milestone was reached when Vatnajökull National Park was established in 2008. The park was expanded last year when Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon was added to the park. A new national park in the central highlands would incorporate Vatnajökull National park, as well as several other protected sites and national parks. The park could cover as much as 40% of the total land area of Iceland.
Landvernd, the largest environmental and conservation NGO has led calls for the formation of a national park in the Central Highlands. The current Minister of the Environment, Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson is the former CEO of Landvernd.
