Announcement of allocation – autumn 2024

Svalbard’s environmental protection fund allocates up to NOK 10 million in the autumn of 2024

 

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 2024

When processing applications and allocating the Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund shall prioritize projects that within the framework of the Svalbard Environment Act Section 98:

    • contributes to tourism in Svalbard being in line with the environmental goals for Svalbard and is channeled to the areas around the larger local communities in the Isfjorden area.
    • increases knowledge about the environmental impact on the natural environment and cultural heritage as a result climate change and human activity on Svalbard
    • protects cultural heritage
    • contributes to the prevention and reduction of pollution, waste and marine litter
    • contributes to a circular economy

The fund’s guidelines for allocation

The fund’s guidelines for the allocation of funds can be found here: Guidelines for allocation.

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

 

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 2024