One of the most popular destinations in South Iceland, Skógafoss waterfall, has been added to the red list of protected natural sites under severe stress and threat. The Icelandic Environment Agency finds that the area around the waterfall is unable to cope with the growing numbers of visitors who hike up to the waterfall to enjoy its beauty.
Vegetation being destroyed
Walking paths around the waterfall have repeatedly turned into mud, as they were not designed for the amount of traffic the waterfall has seen in the past few years. The Environment Agency has tried to fight the development by closing some paths temporarily and expanding and strengthening others, but the stress placed on the vegetation around the waterfall by hikers who walk outside designated paths has continued.
Read more: Skógafoss waterfall fenced off to protect grass from tourists
By placing the waterfall on the agency's red list means action to protect the site will receive priority status.
Some sites remain under threat, others are improving
According to the Environment Agency a few areas which had been listed as under threat are recovering. These include the waterfall Dynjandi and Surtarbrandsgil canyon in the Westfjords.
New walking paths and a visitor center at Surtabrandsgil have made it possible for these sites to welcome larger number of visitors without placing too much stress on delicate vegetation and natural formations.
Dettifoss waterfall in North Iceland has also been added to the watch list of sites which need to be monitored closely.
One of the most popular destinations in South Iceland, Skógafoss waterfall, has been added to the red list of protected natural sites under severe stress and threat. The Icelandic Environment Agency finds that the area around the waterfall is unable to cope with the growing numbers of visitors who hike up to the waterfall to enjoy its beauty.
Vegetation being destroyed
Walking paths around the waterfall have repeatedly turned into mud, as they were not designed for the amount of traffic the waterfall has seen in the past few years. The Environment Agency has tried to fight the development by closing some paths temporarily and expanding and strengthening others, but the stress placed on the vegetation around the waterfall by hikers who walk outside designated paths has continued.
Read more: Skógafoss waterfall fenced off to protect grass from tourists
By placing the waterfall on the agency's red list means action to protect the site will receive priority status.
Some sites remain under threat, others are improving
According to the Environment Agency a few areas which had been listed as under threat are recovering. These include the waterfall Dynjandi and Surtarbrandsgil canyon in the Westfjords.
New walking paths and a visitor center at Surtabrandsgil have made it possible for these sites to welcome larger number of visitors without placing too much stress on delicate vegetation and natural formations.
Dettifoss waterfall in North Iceland has also been added to the watch list of sites which need to be monitored closely.
