Nature protection and biodiversity - National Responses (Norway)

The Norwegian government has initiated the development of a Nature index for Norway. New methodology calculating the condition of different types of nature are being developed and tested in Mid-Norway. The nature index is built on principles from the Natural Capital Index. However, new aspects are included in the nature index (NI) such as the integration of uncertainty and the use of expert judgements and data within the same index. Marine ecosystems are alsoincluded. Data on species gathered through the water frame directive, marine commercial fish stocks and forestry are among data used in the NI. Thematic indexes on major habitats, species groups and the effect of major human pressures on biodiversity is being produced.

The NI for Norway was published in September 2010. It will be an essential tool to monitor the overall trend in nature over time. Furthermore, it will also be a basis for the comparison of the condition of different natural habitats and districts, and can be used for setting management goals. It should also be a tool for international comparison and indicates the need for mapping and monitoring of biodiversity.

Protection of habitats

Protection of habitats is essential for ensuring biological diversity. Some threatened and vulnerable species and their habitats are strictly protected under the Nature Diversity Act. About 16 per cent (50 861 km2) of the Norwegian mainland is protected as national parks, nature reserves, or other conservation areas. The figure for Svalbard is 65 per cent (39 800 km2). Most of the protected area occurs in the alpine zone.

• Read more about protected areas

48 species of vascular plants, 8 moss species and 11 species of invertebrates are permanently protected throughout the country by Royal Decree pursuant to the Nature Diversity Act. The Wildlife Act basically protects all amphibian, reptilian, birds and mammal species, but opens for hunting, with hunting regulations for selected species. The Act relating to salmonids and freshwater fish and the 1983 Act relating to seawater fisheries have protection regulations for species and habitats, and regulates for catches.

• Read more about protected species in Norway

All sectors in Norway are now urged to integrate environmental considerations into their own tasks. The municipalities have for example surveyed key habitats in forests and biological diversity within their boundaries. To safeguard species, it is not enough to protect them against harvesting and collection: what is most important is to protect the environments they live in. This means that land use is a very important factor and that special attention must be paid to important habitats in connection with land-use planning.