Faroese nature needs dedicated impact assessment law

The Faroese Nature Conservation Act of 2024 aims to let nature “be nature,” but a dedicated law on environmental impact assessments is still missing, according to Sigga Jacobsen, head of the Environment Agency.

Speaking on the KVF radio series Oyggjar undir trýsti, Jacobsen noted that while the act recognizes nature’s intrinsic value and its role in supporting biodiversity, culture, health, and well-being, the Faroe Islands lack a standalone law requiring systematic impact assessments for development projects.

Such requirements currently exist only in sector-specific legislation, such as the electricity, carbon, marine environment, and Suðuroy Tunnel laws. Jacobsen warned that without a comprehensive framework, the Faroes risk losing natural areas without understanding the consequences.

“Other countries have a single, independent law on impact assessments, providing an overview of projects that demand significant and strategic evaluations,” she said. “We see a great need for a dedicated law in the Faroes because we are losing nature and don’t know what we’re losing—nothing is documented.”

Jacobsen acknowledged that development continues without proper assessments, meaning the full environmental cost remains unknown. She emphasized that undocumented lands are being lost, with no planning based on nature or environmental considerations.