Svalbard enforces stricter tourist rules to protect nature

Since 1 January this year, stricter regulations on tourist activity have been in place on the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic. The authorities in Oslo aim to lessen the strain on local nature in light of growing interest in this unique region and accelerating climate changes.

The new regulations, among other things, prohibit approaching polar bears closer than 300 metres, and from March to the end of June, when their activity is heightened, the distance is 500 metres. There is also a ban on the use of drones near bird nests during the breeding season from April to the end of August, and in protected areas, this ban is in place throughout the year. Landing on the islands is only permitted in 43 marked locations on the maps.

Ships visiting protected areas in the eastern and western parts of the archipelago cannot carry more than 200 passengers. Breaking and crushing the ice cover will be penalised; the right to such actions is reserved only for the Coast Guard and units providing access to the ports in Longyearbyen and Barentsburg.

Organised groups of tourists must obtain a permit for camping, even if they plan to stay only for one night, while individual tourists need a permit if they intend to stay in one place for more than a week.

The Norwegian government explains that the restrictions are in response to the steadily increasing tourist traffic on the archipelago. The Minister of Climate and Environment, Tore O. Sandvik, emphasised that the rate of climate change in Svalbard is up to seven times faster than the global average. "We have seen growing pressure from tourism that impacts nature, cultural heritage, and wildlife. At the same time, climate change is unfolding here and now. To preserve Svalbard's wilderness, we are updating the regulatory framework to address these challenges," said the Norwegian minister.