Policy Monitor – European Heritage Hub

Motion for a Parliamentary Resolution on the maintenance of professional knowledge of traditional and ancient crafts

1 January 2024

The motion for a parliamentary resolution seeks to ensure the preservation of professional knowledge of traditional and ancient crafts in Iceland. The resolution instructs the Minister of Education and Children, in collaboration with other relevant ministers, to develop and implement a plan for this purpose by the end of 2024. The explanation highlights the risk of losing valuable craft knowledge due to its reliance on a few individuals, stressing the importance of integrating such knowledge into the education system. The motion also emphasizes Iceland’s responsibility to preserve this intangible cultural

Motion for a Parliamentary Resolution on a tourism policy and action plan until 2030

1 January 2024

The “Motion for a Parliamentary Resolution on Tourism Policy and Action Plan to 2030” outlines Iceland’s strategy for developing a sustainable and competitive tourism sector. The plan emphasizes balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being, ensuring tourism benefits the entire country. It includes a detailed action plan with defined, cost-estimated, and time-framed measures, which will be updated every two years. The initiative focuses on enhancing visitor experiences, respecting carrying capacities, and fostering professional, high-quality, and safe tourism services.

Act on the Icelandic Institute for Nature Conservation and Heritage

1 January 2024

The Bill for an Act on the Icelandic Institute for Nature Conservation and Heritage establishes a new agency responsible for nature conservation, cultural heritage, and protected areas, including national parks. This agency consolidates functions previously managed by the Environment Agency of Iceland, the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland, Vatnajökull National Park, and Þingvellir National Park. The Act promotes efficient regional management and protection, aiming for streamlined administration, enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, and improved public services starting January 1, 2025.

Motion for a Parliamentary Resolution on the financing of the preservation, rescue and restoration of the ship and boat heritage

1 January 2023

The Act on Cultural Heritage of Iceland outlines the financing mechanisms for the preservation, rescue, and restoration of ship and boat heritage. The main sources of funding and support are: Antiquities Fund, Building Preservation Fund, Treasury Contributions, Fee Collection, Emergency Protection. These mechanisms collectively ensure that there are structured and sustainable financial resources available for preserving Iceland’s ship and boat heritage, among other cultural assets.

Nature Conservation Act

1 November 2015

The Nature Conservation Act aims to preserve Iceland’s natural diversity, including biological, geological, and landscape diversity, ensuring sustainable development and resilience against environmental changes. It establishes objectives for protecting ecosystems, species, geological formations, and landscapes, promoting sustainable use of natural resources. The act mandates public access to nature and education about natural heritage, ensuring that human activities do not harm the environment. It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of governmental bodies in managing conservation efforts and implementing the law.

National Cultural Policy

1 March 2013

The Icelandic cultural policy document outlines a comprehensive strategy aimed at preserving and promoting Icelandic culture both domestically and internationally. It emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage, creativity, and the arts as fundamental to national identity and societal well-being. The policy includes measures to support cultural institutions, enhance education in the arts, and ensure access to cultural activities for all citizens. It also highlights the role of digital technology in making cultural content more accessible and promoting innovation. Furthermore, the policy seeks to foster international cultural exchange and cooperation, thereby

Act on Cultural Heritage

1 June 2012

The “Act on Cultural Heritage” aims to safeguard Icelandic cultural heritage for future generations by protecting artefacts, landscapes, and structures of historical significance. The Act defines national monuments, treasures, and antiquities, and sets regulations for their preservation and research. It establishes the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland, responsible for the implementation of heritage conservation, and details the roles of various committees and councils in advising and assisting the Agency. The Act includes provisions for fines and penalties for non-compliance and outlines the procedures for managing and protecting cultural heritage, including

The Museum Act

1 September 2011

The Museum Act establishes the framework for organizing museum activities to preserve Iceland’s cultural and natural heritage and ensure public access and understanding. It applies to state-owned and recognized museums, excluding libraries and archives. The act defines the roles of various types of museums, including main, recognized, and responsible museums, and outlines their responsibilities in collection, preservation, and public engagement. It also creates a Museum Fund to support museum operations and projects, with the Minister and Museum Council overseeing the implementation and regulation of museum activities.

Act on the Return of Cultural Property to Other Countries

1 June 2001

The Act on the Return of Cultural Property to Other Countries ensures the return of illegally transported cultural property to its country of origin. Cultural assets include artefacts considered national treasures, items from public heritage institutions, and religious artefacts. The Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland is responsible for implementing the Act, assessing the value of artefacts, and handling their return, in cooperation with relevant authorities and institutions. The Act prohibits the import of cultural artefacts that violate European Economic Area regulations or the legislation of the originating country and establishes

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Motion for a Parliamentary Resolution on the maintenance of professional knowledge of traditional and ancient crafts

Motion for a Parliamentary Resolution on a tourism policy and action plan until 2030

Act on the Icelandic Institute for Nature Conservation and Heritage

Motion for a Parliamentary Resolution on the financing of the preservation, rescue and restoration of the ship and boat heritage

Nature Conservation Act

National Cultural Policy

Act on Cultural Heritage

The Museum Act

Act on the Return of Cultural Property to Other Countries

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