Policy Monitor – European Heritage Hub

Endringer i 8 verneforskrifter på Svalbard (Amendments to 8 protection regulations in Svalbard)

9 February 2024

This legislative document is a crucial update to the existing regulations surrounding the protection and preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the Svalbard archipelago, located in the Arctic region of Norway. The purpose of this legislation is to regulate and manage tourism activities in Svalbard, which are causing damage to its unique flora, fauna, and historical sites. Among the main themes of the legislation, the need for increased protection of natural and cultural resources is emphasised, with the adoption of preventive measures to reduce the impact of tourism

Fastsettelse av forskrifter om vern av 27 skogområder i fylkene Vestland, Agder, Vestfold og Telemark, Viken, Innlandet, Trøndelag, Nordland og Troms og Finnmark (Adoption of regulations on the protection of 27 forest areas in the counties of Vestland, Agder, Vestfold and Telemark, Viken, Innlandet, Trøndelag, Nordland and Troms and Finnmark)

20 December 2023

This legislation outlines the protection of 27 forest areas in various regions of Norway, with the aim of preserving their unique natural values. The legislation provides a framework for the management and conservation of these areas in accordance with the Nature Diversity Act, ensuring the long-term sustainability and preservation of important habitats and ecosystems. The legislation’s key themes include the need for an inclusive conservation process that takes into account the interests of stakeholders while achieving the goal of protecting the natural environment. It highlights the delicate balance between conservation

Fastsettelse av forskrift om vern av Østmarka nasjonalpark, og fastsettelse av forskrift om vern av Østmarka friluftslivsområde (Adoption of regulations on the protection of Østmarka National Park, and adoption of regulations on the protection of Østmarka outdoor recreation area)

10 November 2023

This legislation discusses the establishment and protection of the Østmarka National Park and Østmarka Recreation Area. It outlines the natural, cultural and historical values of the area and justifies why those values are worth conserving through the establishment of these protected areas. It also details the methods used to conduct research regarding the impact of the proposed protected areas on society and how the findings will be used to manage the park in the future. The document discusses the balance between preservation and recreation for the benefit of local residents

Fastsettelse av forskrifter om vern av 42 skogområder i fylkene Møre og Romsdal, Vestland, Rogaland, Agder, Vestfold og Telemark, Viken, Innlandet og Nordland (Adoption of regulations on the protection of 42 forest areas in the counties of Møre og Romsdal, Vestland, Rogaland, Agder, Vestfold and Telemark, Viken, Innlandet and Nordland)

20 June 2023

This legislation is a comprehensive framework for protected area management in Norway. It provides clear guidelines for the establishment and management of protected areas in the country, taking into consideration the need to balance conservation and sustainable use. Its key features include an inclusive process involving stakeholders at all levels, the clear delineation of the boundary of protected areas, and the consideration of socio-economic and cultural impacts of conservation in adjacent areas. The legislation stresses the importance of bringing together the perspectives of different actors, from private landowners to local

Bokloven (The Book Act)

16 June 2023

This legislation, introduced by the Norwegian government, aims to increase the accessibility and diversity of literature published across the country. Its main objective is to promote a healthy reading culture in Norway, while safeguarding the interests of authors, translators, and visual artists. The legislation seeks to create an environment that facilitates the production and distribution of quality literature in the country’s various languages and dialects. The legislation strives to protect minority languages such as Kvensk, Romani, and Romanes, by ensuring their literature has equal access and visibility, which will help

Kultur bygger samfunn. Regional plan for kultur 2023–2035 (Culture builds society. Regional plan for culture 2023–2035)

15 March 2023

The “Regional Plan for Culture 2023–2035” is Vestland County’s strategic framework for advancing the cultural sector over the next twelve years. The plan emphasizes four key themes: positioning Vestland as a leading region for culture, sports, and outdoor activities; promoting sustainability; enhancing democracy, participation, and diversity; and fostering value creation within the cultural sphere. These themes aim to guide the development of a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape that contributes significantly to societal progress. The plan encompasses a broad definition of the cultural field, including both voluntary and professional arts

Fastsettelse av forskrifter om vern av 54 skogområder i fylkene Møre og Romsdal, Vestland, Rogaland, Agder, Vestfold og Telemark, Viken, Innlandet, Trøndelag, Nordland og Troms og Finnmark (Adoption of regulations on the protection of 54 forest areas in the counties of Møre og Romsdal, Vestland, Rogaland, Agder, Vestfold and Telemark, Viken, Innlandet, Trøndelag, Nordland and Troms and Finnmark)

16 December 2022

This legislation focuses on the protection and conservation of 54 forest areas in Norway. Its purpose is to preserve a representative selection of Norwegian nature for future generations and to meet national and international conservation goals and obligations. The legislation proposes the preservation of publicly owned forests and voluntary protection of privately owned ones. The legislation lays down strict regulations on any activities that can alter the natural environment such as the construction of temporary or permanent structures. Any proposed development in these protected areas must go through a review

Fastsettelse av forskrift om fredning av Henningsvær kulturmiljø, Vågan kommune, Nordland fylke (Adoption of regulations on the protection of Henningsvær cultural environment, Vågan municipality, Nordland county)

14 October 2022

This legislation sets out the preservation measures for the Henningsvær cultural environment in Vågan municipality, Norway. Its purpose is to safeguard the historical identity of the area, which represents the significant periods of development in the town. The legislation permits development that complies with the area’s current regulations and provides an option for obtaining a waiver for different measures. The preservation regulations are interpreted with respect to the responsibility to allow for development in the region. The rule will enable a longer-term sustainable framework for conservation and progress. Four landowners

Kongelig resolusjon om oppnevning av et utvalg som skal utrede naturrisiko (Royal Decree on the appointment of a committee to investigate nature risk)

22 June 2022

This legislation aims to research and assess the risks of natural disasters to Norway’s economy and financial stability. It appoints a committee that will explore the concept of natural risk and how it is perceived and managed by relevant stakeholders in various industries. The committee will evaluate the connection between natural risks and economic activities and recommend the best practices to address these risks. The committee will not propose any specific actions or changes to policies that directly affect the loss of ecological diversity and ecosystems. It will provide an

Forskrift om Van Mijenfjorden nasjonalpark på Svalbard (Regulations on Van Mijenfjorden National Park in Svalbard)

18 June 2021

This legislation addresses the protection and management of heritage sites, emphasising the importance of preserving cultural and natural heritage for future generations. It highlights the need for sustainable practices to safeguard these sites from potential threats and degradation. The document outlines specific regulations and guidelines to ensure the conservation of heritage properties, promoting responsible stewardship and community engagement. Furthermore, the legislation underscores the significance of heritage preservation in fostering a sense of identity, pride, and connection to the past. It emphasises the role of heritage sites in promoting tourism, education,

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