ECOLOGICAL JOURNEY THROUGH ICELAND
Icelandic nature is fragile, as are Iceland’s tiny communities and economy in comparison. As tourism in Iceland is developing rapidly, it is very important to promote sustainable travel. Eco-friendliness is therefore a serious issue, but it does not mean that we should sacrifice fun and joie de vivre when travelling.
JOIN US INTO A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Integrating sustainable development into our travel plans and other life activities is key to the global and local well-being of ecosystems, cultures and communities. That’s why we’ve put together environmental and tourism information to help you plan your trip to Iceland. It includes a carbon footprint calculator, ten green travel tips and more.
Icelanders pay a lot of attention to the environment, climate change and sustainable development in general. Iceland has set ambitious goals and action plans to combat climate change , targeting a 55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2040. The tourism industry strives to maintain high sustainability and quality standards.
Vakinn is the official certificate of quality and environmental friendliness of Icelandic tourism, administered by the Icelandic Tourism Council. The Vakinn logo helps you find companies that work ethically, professionally and sustainably.
FIND COMPANIES CERTIFIED BY VAKINN
CLIMATE CHANGE FACES THREATS TO WILDLIFE AND COMMUNITIES
List of endangered birds of the Icelandic Atlantic
Climate change is having a significant and direct impact on Iceland’s nature and community. Many species of seabirds and marine life face rapidly changing environments and are even threatened with extinction. For example, Iceland’s trademark bird, the Atlantic cul-de-sac, is now listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Birds. Climate change also poses a threat to small coastal villages in the East and West Fjords. More frequent and intense rainfall and the melting of permafrost in the steep mountains surrounding the fjords result in an increased risk of landslides.
COMPENSATE YOUR CO2 TRACK ON-SITE
Travel always involves some carbon emissions from transportation, accommodation and other activities. Therefore, the most sustainable way to travel is to offset your unavoidable emissions. By supporting local carbon capture projects, you will also benefit Icelandic nature and society.
Below is a calculator to help you determine your travel carbon footprint and links to local carbon capture projects you can support to offset travel-related emissions. We also encourage you to take the Icelandic Vow and thereby agree to be a responsible tourist.