World Heritage Site Ilulissat Icefjord

Dispensation from the Executive Order no 10 of 15 June 2007 on the protection of Ilulissat Icefjord is granted by the Greenland Government, more specifically by the Section of Nature, which lies under the Ministry of Domestic Affairs, Nature and Environment. Dispensations can be granted after a hearing of the Icefjord Office / Qaasuitsup Kommunia.

Download map over the protected area click HERE

Applications for dispensation must be send to Naja Holm, Head of Section, Section og Nature nhlm@nanoq.gl at least one month prior to the start of the planned activity. Get application form HERE

Principles for dispensation

Dispensation will generally only be given to projects or arrangements that clearly can document a purpose that will:

1. Further research in an international level
2. Serve Greenlandic interests at a national and/or local level

Furthermore, dispensation will only be granted to activities that:

• Do not pollute, destroy or in other ways damage the nature, cultural heritage or recreational values of the area
• Do not obstruct the access of the public to the area
• Are not permanent

Applications to dispensation will normally not be granted to:

• Projects that need landing outside of the approved landing sites
• Projects that need transportation with motorised vehicles on the ground

Conditions for dispensation

If dispensation is granted it will be assessed if particular supervision is required. In case of supervision is required the applicant must pay for all the costs that are attached to it. Ilulissat Icefjord office / Qaasuitsup Kommunia identify the supervision and the extent of it.

Dispensations regarding research, filming et cetera it is required that a copy of the produced material will be sent to Ilulissat Icefjord office / Qaasuitsup Kommunia. Sending must take place before 12 months after the completion of the project or arrangement.

Applications of dispensation to temporary installation of scientific equipment, documentation equipment and other objects in the protected area, it is required that the application includes an explanation of how and when the equipment will be removed from the area and a photo documentation that the removal has taken place. The documentation must be sent to Ilulissat Icefjord office / Qaasuitsup Kommunia.

Violation of the duty to report back or other conditions in the dispensation will result in the rejection of eventual new applications to dispensation.

For more information on the protecetion of the Ilulissat Icefjord, download the Executive Order and Management Plan HERE