The Icelandic government approved the formation of a cross-political committee to examine the establishment of a national park in the central highlands, RÚV reports. All parties currently in parliament will be have representatives in the committee, as will the Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources and the Prime Minister’s Office. In addition, municipalities will be asked to nominate two representatives for the committee.
The central highlands of Iceland are mostly uninhabitable and are one of the largest land areas in Europe without permanent inhabitants.
The committee is expected to define the boundaries of the national park in the highlands as well as dividing the area into territories. The committee will also discuss possible entry points and service centres, regional and operational divisions for the park. It is also tasked with identifying opportunities for regional development and industry that could be provided by the park’s formation.
The committee will work in consultation with nature conservation organizations, outdoor recreation organizations, and organizations in tourism, agriculture, and energy.
