The Ministry for the Environment has announced that Vatnajökull National Park – already the largest national park in Europe – is going to get even bigger.
According to a statement on the ministry’s website, Langisjór lake, Eldgjá canyon and the surrounding area will now be included in the park. These areas, locally renowned for their unspoiled beauty, were originally under the authority of the Skaftárhreppur region of south Iceland.
This expansion is a part of the government’s Natural Protection Plan for 2009 to 2013, part of which will expand the national park to 420 square kilometres.
New areas in the surrounding region will be added to the national park before the end of this plan is through. In so doing, these areas will be brought into a protected area which cannot be developed by private or public interests.
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!
