In a drastic and alarming coverage shift, the Norwegian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Power and the Surroundings has proposed opening all of Norway’s rivers to hydropower tasks, a transfer that threatens fragile ecosystems, wildlife, and indigenous lands.
These protected rivers embody roughly 390 waterways that had been beforehand deemed too worthwhile to take advantage of, rivers lengthy safeguarded beneath the “Safety Plan for Watercourses” to protect their ecological and cultural significance.
This transfer stands in stark distinction to Norway’s worldwide commitments, together with the Kunming-Montreal World Biodiversity Framework, which requires no less than 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas to be protected and restored by 2030. It additionally undermines the nation’s picture as a world chief in sustainability.
At a time when nations around the globe are combating to protect what little untouched nature stays, Norway is poised to show its again by itself wild rivers, a number of the final free-flowing waterways in Europe.
Why This Issues
Hydropower is commonly portrayed as a “inexperienced” power supply, however its environmental toll is devastating. Rivers drained to a trickle, fish populations decimated, and full ecosystems disrupted.
Norway already has 1,781 hydropower vegetation, and influence research present that these current vegetation are doing subsequent to nothing to make sure that migrating fish go by way of unhurt. Salmon and trout, species important to Norway’s pure heritage and indigenous livelihoods, are routinely trapped behind dams, chopped up in generators, stranded in dried-out riverbeds, and blocked from their pure migration routes. European eels, red-listed as critically endangered, are different frequent victims of hydropower vegetation.
In 2024, Nature & Surroundings reported on a “Fish Migration Survey” that discovered greater than two thirds of Norwegian hydropower vegetation have by no means investigated whether or not fish are harmed of their amenities. On prime of that, “solely 6.5 % have determined to put in gear [that prevents damage to migratory fish].”
Different experiences from the Norwegian Broadcasting Firm provide perception into the darkish facet of “inexperienced” Norwegian hydropower. It’s not simply the fish in danger, both. Birds, mammals, and bugs that depend on these waterways for survival additionally face displacement and hunger.
As soon as a river is modified, it’s modified perpetually. Damming a river disrupts its pure move, sediment transport, and aquatic ecosystems. Fish populations decline as a consequence of migration limitations, and the lack of pure water fluctuations harms biodiversity. Even when a dam had been eliminated, habitats and species that relied on the unique river dynamics might already be too degraded or misplaced to get better.
That is why the influence of hydropower is arguably everlasting. As soon as these pristine rivers are altered, they could by no means absolutely get better, and the 390 rivers threatened by this proposed opening symbolize a number of the final untouched pure habitats within the nation.
Norway can not proceed to model itself as an environmental chief whereas systematically dismantling its personal conservation legal guidelines.
The Norwegian individuals, particularly those that cherish the outside, have lengthy fought to maintain these rivers wild. Kayakers, anglers, hikers, and conservationists from around the globe acknowledge Norway as a sanctuary for unspoiled nature.
So this choice is greater than only a coverage change. It’s a betrayal of the very landscapes that outline Norway’s id. It’s a direct assault on the individuals who have trusted these waterways for generations.
CREDIT: Halvor Heggem
What Norwegian Rivers are at Danger?
Over the previous a long time, Norway has labored to guard its most useful and distinctive river ecosystems, together with:
- Sjoa – Considered one of Europe’s most well-known whitewater rivers, the Sjoa is a crucial hub for outside tourism. Rafters have been paddling this river because the late Eighties.
- Rauma – A pristine salmon river recognized for its clear waters and breathtaking surroundings. The world-famous Troll Wall (Trollveggen) is positioned on the southwestern shore of this river.
- Gaula – Routinely named among the many greatest Atlantic salmon fishing rivers within the nation, the Gaula helps each nature and native economies, and is the biggest river in Central Norway.
- Vefsna – the biologically wealthy Vefsna has its headwaters in Børgefjell Nationwide Park. It’s house to a number of uncommon aquatic species and is a vital a part of the ecosystem.
- Øystesevassdraget – this river has extraordinarily excessive conservation worth, and has lengthy been protected for its distinctive pure atmosphere.
If this proposal passes, these iconic rivers, and plenty of others, might lose their authorized safety, opening them up for improvement.
How Did This Occur?
This radical proposal was launched with out prior session, public debate, or environmental influence evaluation. It was added to laws initially meant to enhance flood and landslide preparedness. As a substitute of serving to nature, it now threatens it.
The proposal has already obtained majority help in Parliament, backed by the Progress Social gathering, the Conservative Social gathering, the Christian Democratic Social gathering, the Labour Social gathering, and the Centre Social gathering. Except we cease it, the legislation will go subsequent week.
What Can You Do?
We can not enable this to occur with out a battle. The time to behave is now. On behalf of the river neighborhood of Voss, which has labored tirelessly to guard simply considered one of Norway’s few remaining untouched rivers, we name on you—the worldwide outside neighborhood, environmental organizations, and all who love wild nature—to face with us.
The Norges Naturvernforbund (Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature) has created a petition, linked under, to protest the allowance of hydropower in protected waterways. Readers are inspired to signal, share, and help!
Different actions we will take:
Unfold the phrase: Share this message with fellow outside lovers, media shops, and conservation teams.
Write to Norwegian lawmakers: Demand that they reject this proposal and uphold Norway’s commitments to environmental safety.
Help native and worldwide conservation efforts: Be a part of organizations combating to guard Norway’s rivers and biodiversity.
Make your voice heard: Whether or not you’re a paddler, angler, photographer, or nature lover, your phrases and actions could make a distinction.
These rivers should not simply Norway’s. They’re a part of our shared world pure heritage. As soon as they’re gone, they may by no means return. Stand with us. Battle for the rivers. Defend Norway’s wild waters.
Signed,
Ina Marie Bollingberg, Joe Rea-Dickins, and the whitewater neighborhood of Voss, Norway (who selected to settle right here, largely, because of the protected nature of the area’s rivers)
