Draft Rules Set Out for Mapping Iceland Wilderness

2026-03-24 - 12:33

A proposed regulation aimed at standardising how uninhabited wilderness areas are defined in Iceland has been published for consultation. The draft, introduced by the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate, is available on the government’s consultation portal. What's the Story? Draft regulation published by Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate on mapping uninhabited wilderness areas Based on the Nature Conservation Act; introduces standard criteria including impact of structures and mitigation zones Consultation open until 23 April; mapping to be carried out by Icelandic Institute of Natural History A map showing the topography of Þingvellir. Photo: Adam Fagen. Flickr (Creative Commons) Consultation now open The draft is based on the Nature Conservation Act and seeks to establish consistent criteria for identifying and mapping wilderness areas. Authorities say the proposal is intended to address inconsistencies in how such areas have previously been defined. The regulation outlines that mapping will consider factors including the effects of infrastructure and land use on ecosystems, natural processes, and human experience. It also introduces mitigation zones around structures, with their extent determined by visibility and environmental impact. The Icelandic Institute of Natural History is expected to oversee mapping, data management, and publication of the resulting maps. These are intended to support planning, environmental assessments, and conservation policy, as also reported in Iceland Review. Minister Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson said: “By implementing clear and harmonised criteria for mapping uninhabited wilderness, we are strengthening the foundation of nature conservation in Iceland. With a harmonised methodology for uninhabited wilderness, we ensure better and more responsible decision-making in land planning and utilisation, underpin policy-making on a professional basis and strengthen the status of undisturbed areas where nature can develop without significant human impact.” The consultation period is open until 23 April.