Faroese nature group opposes church construction near Sandá

The Faroese Nature and Environment Association (FNU) has stated that no building, including a church, should be constructed near Sandá, according to the second part of the radio series Oyggjar undir trýsti broadcast by Kringvarp Føroya.

Jón Kragesteen, chair of FNU, said the association has no specific interest in the Sandá area over other protected sites but stressed that no structure should be built there. He noted the area was previously designated as a protected site in a single instance, a decision the local council has not respected.

Birita Wardum, Tórshavn’s city architect, acknowledged public concern for the area’s nature, which includes cliffs, heather, and birdlife. She warned that without clear protected status, political authorities would struggle to reverse prior planning decisions.

Marius Müller, head of the Environment Department, confirmed Sandá and Hoydølum are the only two formally protected areas in Tórshavn. He emphasized the need to preserve natural sites along the river, given the area’s dense development.

The discussion was part of a broader examination of how Tórshavn Municipality balances development with nature conservation, citing projects like the new harbor facilities at Glyvursnes and the Havnarvegur road through Hoyvíkshagi.