New year, new rules: Norway curbs svalbard tourism impact

Since January 1 of this year, stricter regulations on tourist traffic have been in effect on the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic. The authorities in Oslo aim to reduce the burden on local nature in light of growing interest in this unique region and accelerating climate change.

The new regulations introduce, among other things, a ban on approaching polar bears closer than 300 metres, and from March to the end of June, when their activity is increased, the distance is 500 metres. A ban on the use of drones near bird nests has also been introduced during the breeding season from April to the end of August, and in protected areas, this ban is in place all year round. Landing on the islands is possible only in 43 marked places 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 penalized - the right to such actions is reserved only for the Coast Guard and units providing access to the ports in Longyearbyen and Barentsburg.

Organized 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, emphasized 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.