Annoncement of allocation autumn 2026

Svalbard’s environmental protection fund allocates up to NOK 8 million in the autumn of 2026

Purpose
Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund’s purpose is to ensure that Svalbard’s distinctive wilderness character and the unique cultural heritage is preserved as the basis of experience, knowledge and wealth creation. Visitors to Svalbard pay an environmental fee, and the revenue from the fee goes to Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund. The Fund also gets income from fees for hunting and fishing cards and fees and fines under the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act.

What can fund be used for?
The fund’s resources can only be used for initiatives in Svalbard with the purpose of protecting the natural environment and cultural heritage, and to projects with training and information purposes, cf. § 2 of the Statute of the Fund and regulations for grants from the Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund.

Main priorities in 2026

The fund’s funds are to be used for measures on Svalbard that aim to protect the environment which

described in Section 98 of the Svalbard Environment Act.

In the priorities, emphasis must be placed on measures that have the most relevant environmental effect.

The fund’s guidelines for allocation

a) Co-financing/ own contribution

Applicants are expected to contribute with co-financing of the project with a minimum of 30%. Full funding will only be granted when special reasons justify it.

b) Environmental certifications

Support for environmental certifications is, as a rule, limited to maximum of 50% of eligible external costs. The maximum grant amount is NOK 250, 000. As a general rule, support is only provided for first-time certification.

c) Information and outreach projects

Support for information and outreach projects is only provided where the project is considered to have particular value in communicating, safeguarding, or preserving environmental or cultural heritage on Svalbard. Funding is primarily granted for information gathering and production costs.

Applicants
Individuals, companies, NGOs and public organizations can apply for support from the Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund. Applicants are encouraged to contact the secretariat if they need guidance in the application process.

Application
Applications must be submitted through the online application centre. Applicants must create a profile in the application centre to access the application form. Remember that all permits and attachments must be submitted together with the application. The application system is only available in Norwegian, but English guidelines are available. It is possible to submit applications and attachments in English. For further information about the application process, please contact the secretariat.

Application form opens August 1th

Application deadline: 15. September 2026