Ávarp Guðlaugs Þórs Þórðarsonar umhverfis-, orku- og loftslagsráðherra á málþingi um Snæfellsnes og UNESCO Man and Biosphere svæði - Ávarpið er á ensku

Dear guests,

Unfortunately, I could not join you in person at this interesting conference, but I am happy to have the opportunity to say a few words on the occasion.

First, I would like to say that I envy all of you for being at the magnificent Snæfellsnes Peninsula. What a place to visit! Apart from sharing your experience on the matter at hand, the concept of UNESCO´S Mand and Biosphere, I sure do hope that you will get the chance to go out and explore the natural wonders of the Peninsula.

They are, of course, one of the main reasons for this event, and this journey that the people of Snæfellsnes are taking towards becoming, hopefully, Iceland´s first Man and Biosphere area.

This concept, Man and Biosphere, is an interesting one. Focusing on the connection between people and their environment. Aiming to strengthen societies, by emphasizing a sustainable use of resources provided by the surrounding ecosystems. But at the same time, conserving and reinforcing those ecosystems. And that nature conservation is an essential part of the MAB concept, because it´s the ecosystems that provide the resources that the societies rely on to thrive.

This is, on a wider scale, what ambitious and positive people all over the world are trying to achieve in its quest for a bright, sustainable future. If we can assist and take further steps in that direction here in Iceland, by establishing the first MAB area, then we will do our best to reach that goal.

As a matter of fact, the society here at Snæfellsnes is already contributing to this goal.

Almost two decades ago, the five municipalities in Snæfellsnes started the process of obtaining the Earth Check environmental certification, one of the Major Global Sustainable Certificates. The process took several years, required planning changes on the municipal level, and several other adaptions. In 2008 Snæfellsnes became the first EarthCheck Sustainable Destination in Europe. Ten years later, in 2018, Snæfellsnes achieved EarthCheck´s Platinum Certification, a milestone that marked a decade of measuring and managing their greenhouse gas emissions, energy, waste and water consumption, and social impact.

The municipalities have established a registration system that gives a much better overview of resource use. In schools, children have easier access to information about climate change, environmental issues, and social activities than before the certification.

Snæfellsnes has also contributed by establishing protected areas. Established in 2001, Snæfellsjökull National Park, one of Iceland´s three national parks, has been a strong foundation for environmental awareness of the inhabitants at Snæfellsnes. The national park is the peninsula´s biggest tourist attraction and has been a partner in the EarthCheck process from the beginning.

The initiative, and the support from the local people were the main driving force of the establishment of Snæfellsjökull national park.

In addition to Snæfellsnes National Park there are three other nature conservation areas: Búðahraun lava field nature reserve, the coastal area nature reserve at Arnarstapi and Hellnar, and Bárðarlaug pool natural monument.

It is not rocket science that support and care from the locals are crucial when it comes to nature conservation. If the support is not there, and the feeling of ownership is absent, then nature conservation will be a clash between groups.

And that clash is, in my opinion, unnecessary. Because I think that all of us care for the environment. We may have different ideas on how to provide that care, but I sincerely believe that this feeling of care for nature lies with all of us.

In addition to these environmental actions taken by the municipalities at Snæfellsnes, UNESCO´s Man and Biosphere process is next. It is an exciting step to take, that fits well with what has already been achieved at Snæfellsnes.

The Ministry for the Environment, energy and climate provided the financial support for the preparation which has been ongoing for more than three years. The preparation has been done carefully, and in cooperation with all the municipalities, and from what I hear there is a sincere interest among all of them towards this project. The work has been led by Snæfellsnes Regional Park and a specifically appointed working group, and I would like to thank them for their work.

With that said, I wish you all a great day at this conference, that I´m sure will lead to more local excitement for a possible first Man and Biosphere area in Iceland.

Thank you.