Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson signed a decree protecting Geysir in Haukadalur on the 17th of June for Iceland’s national day, Vísir reports. It is one of the best-known geysirs in the world, which has led the name itself to be adopted by many of the world’s languages from Icelandic to describe the same geological phenomenon, in addition to a form of crystalized silicon dioxide often found near geysirs and hot springs, which is called geyserite.
There are numerous hot springs on the now protected land, as well as gesyirs and boiling mud pots. Geysir and Strokkur are the best-known in the area, with others including Blesi, Sóði, Litli Geysir, Litli Strokkur, Vigdísarhver, Háahver, Sísjóðandi, and Óþeirrishola.
“There are few other things as appropriate to do on National Day than to officially protect Geysir and its surroundings,” says Guðmundur Ingi. “The area around Geysir and Strokkur is probably one of the very best-known natural wonders of the country, as well as an integral part of Iceland’s image as a land of nature, history, and culture. As the area around Geysir is one of the best-known in the world, I consider this to be a world event, and that Icelanders can be proud to take part in this decision to protect the area for current and future generations, everywhere in the world.”
With yesterday’s signing Geysir within the borders of Laugar is protected as a natural wonder. The goal is to promote the conservation of special geological formations, hot springs, microorganisms, and vegetation in the area, which are unique on both a local and world scale. The decree helps to ensure that the area is used for outdoor recreation and tourism in the future, and that it is prepared to accommodate the number of visitors it receives each year. It also contributes to recovery after natural disasters that have disturbed the area, and to bringing the area back to normal as much as possible.
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