Source image: www.grida.no/resources/1860
The Icelandic Left Greens have established about 80 monitoring sites in protected areas to observe the impacts of tourists on the Wildlife and Environment.
Iceland is particularly known for it’s beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Prior to the pandemic, the dramatic landscapes were one of the sole reasons travelers went to Iceland. Tourism contributed approximately 8.6% to the Country’s GDP in 2017. As the growing number of tourists increases, concerns have been raised about the negative impacts that humans may have on these natural environments.
The concept of ecotourism is centered around sustainability. Natural resources should be used in such a way that it is not degraded and can be enjoyed by future generations. Revenue can be gained for the locals, as well as reinvested into the conservation of these Natural resources.
Since 2018, the Left Greens have invested heavily into ecotourism infrastructure to support the rapidly growing tourism sector. As borders are opening slowly, vaccinated tourists are allowed to return to Iceland again. They are being met with improved infrastructure.
“What effect does tourist traffic have on nature and wildlife? The more we know, the better we can respond if needed. Nature is our lifeblood and we must treat it in a sustainable way.”
– Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources on Facebook
To ensure sustainability of such ventures, the Left Green movement of Iceland, under the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, have created teams to monitor around eighty wildlife sites. This includes 32 additional sites being marked for future research. Initial data and methodologies were collected and created in 2019, however monitoring officially began in the summer of 2020. The Ministry recruited specialists from the Natural History Museum and the Icelandic Institute of Natural History and Protected areas to assist in this research.
These specialists were tasked to observe how tourists impacted the ecology of protected sites. According to the Icelandic Institute of Natural History, there will be a particular focus on the impacts on habitats, geological monuments, plants, birds and mammals. In turn, policy makers can then decide what more work needs to be done, to ensure greater Sustainability of the Ecotourism sector. The project annually receives roughly 100 million Icelandic Króna (ISK) or around 810,000 USD.
“It is a challenge to keep nature conservation and tourism in hand, but it should be possible. By monitoring the impact of tourists, we receive information on the state and development of matters and are better equipped to respond if necessary. That way we take better care of our livelihood.”
– Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson in recent post on Frettabladid
However, some critics believe that still not enough is being done to create revenue from the masses of tourists that degrade the environment over time. Some believe that higher taxes should be applied to tourists entering the country, as well as tolls on roads being installed along routes to these tourist attractions. While these may be valid points, the research project is the first step into understanding how the tourism sector can minimize it’s negative impacts. This will ensure the longevity of the tourism industry.