Excursion to Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The GRÓ LRT fellows went on a one-day excursion to Snæfellsnes Peninsula last week. The focus of this excursion was on the relationship between humans and their natural environment; delving into integration of conservation and wise use of natural resources while meeting the needs of local communities. Also on the excursion were our Erasmus+ guests from the National University of Lesotho (NUL).
The excursion started with a visit to Hítardalur where the fellows observed various restoration initiatives led by the Soil Conservation Service of Iceland (SCSI). Iðunn Hauksdóttir, the District Consultant at SCSI, provided insights into the degradation history of the area, as well as information regarding past and ongoing measures implemented to restore the valley.
Next, the group met with Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir, the Manager at Snæfellsnes Regional Park, established in 2014. This Park serves as a collaborative platform for the communities residing in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It embraces the wealth of local assets, including nature, culture, and other valuable resources within the area, with the goal of fostering sustainable development for the benefit of society, the economy, and the preservation of nature.
The fellows and guests also visited the Visitor Centre of the Snæfelljökull National Park which encompasses the westernmost tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. There, Hákon Ásgeirsson, the Park Manager, talked about the parks natural and cultural heritage, and the efforts of the park management team to protect the area while also improving visitor’s access within the park.
Other activities of the day included visits to Breiðuvík wetland restoration area, sightseeing around Arnarstapi and Ólafsvík fishing villages, and a photo stop in Grundarfjörður to admire Mount Kirkjufell, renowned as the most photographed mountain on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
GRÓ LRT fellows, staff and NUL guests with Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir