Tilskudd fra Svalbards miljøvernfond

Svalbards miljøvernfond (Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund) is an economic instrument for environmental protection work on Svalbard. The fund is established by the Ministry of Climate and Environment in accordance with the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act and receives income primarily from environmental fees for visitors. Each year, the fund allocates resources to environmental protection projects following applications from private and public enterprises, private individuals, and organizations. The funds are used for maintenance, restoration of cultural heritage, information and training initiatives, and projects aimed at investigating or restoring environmental conditions. The fund also seeks to contribute to a gradual shift toward environmentally friendly social and business development on Svalbard. Collectively, the fund's resources must help ensure that Svalbard's distinctive wilderness nature and cultural heritage are preserved as a basis for experience, knowledge, and value creation. The fund's resources can only be used for initiatives on Svalbard. The Governor of Svalbard serves as secretariat for the fund, and decisions on grants are made by a board appointed by the Ministry of Climate and Environment.