Iceland

1. Overview

Iceland's policy on biological diversity 2026–2030* sets out the country's commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022 under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity [§3]. The policy is structured around six guiding principles,** each containing numbered national commitments*** that define specific objectives for 2030 — twenty in total, mapped across the 23 GBF Targets [§25].

*Iceland titles its NBSAP "Iceland's policy on biological diversity 2026–2030." It is a white paper (hvítbók), not an action plan; a separate action plan is scheduled for autumn 2026 [§23].

**Iceland's NBSAP is organised around six guiding principles, each containing numbered subjects (objectives). These do not map one-to-one to GBF Goals or Targets.

***Termed "subjects" (viðfangsefni) in Iceland's policy; each states a national objective for 2030.

The six guiding principles address: (A) governance and institutional architecture, (B) protection and restoration of ecosystems and species, (C) sustainable land use and resource utilisation, (D) invasive alien species, pollution and climate change, (E) societal engagement including business and public health, and (F) knowledge, research, education and monitoring [§3]. Of the twenty national commitments, two are measurable commitments with quantitative thresholds — 30% area-based protection and 30% degraded ecosystem restoration by 2030 — while the remaining eighteen are directional aspirations that specify intent without quantitative thresholds [§4].

The policy explicitly states that it "does not set out an action plan" [§23]. A funded, time-bound action plan with "clear accountability" is deferred to autumn 2026 [§104]. The document contains no budget allocations, cost estimates, or finance mobilisation targets [§39].

Iceland's NBSAP is a strategic white paper that sets direction across twenty national commitments but defers all funded actions, indicators, and implementation timelines to a forthcoming action plan. Its two quantified pledges — 30% protection and 30% restoration by 2030 — anchor a policy that otherwise operates through directional aspirations, with a marine protection gap from 2% to 30% as its most demanding commitment.

Sources:

• §3 — Summary
• §4 — Summary > The Policy
• §23 — 2.4 Presentation and approval process
• §25 — 3. Guiding principles and objectives
• §39 — 3.1 Guiding Principle A > A4 – Secure and prudent financing
• §104 — 5. Appendix I – Responses to comments

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2. Ecological Context

Iceland's biodiversity reflects geographic isolation and recent glaciation — "few species of organisms but rapid evolution of diversity within species" [§13]. While species diversity is low by international standards, many populations are large, distinctive and adapted to unique conditions, with considerable within-species genetic and ecological variation [§50]. Unique livestock breeds unchanged since the settlement period and native cultivated plant varieties carry "considerable value, not least of a cultural nature" [§50].

Over 1,100 years of settlement has "left deep marks on the country's biodiversity and its ecosystems" [§13]. Nearly all pre-settlement birch forest has been destroyed, with natural birch woodland cover now at approximately 1.5% [§46]. An estimated 70% of wetland in the Icelandic lowlands has been drained for agricultural purposes [§46]. A "large proportion of Icelandic terrestrial ecosystems are in a degraded state and that degradation is still ongoing in many places" [§46].

Marine ecosystems are "abundant and diverse," shaped by Iceland's position at the boundary of warm and cold marine areas and dramatic seabed topography [§57]. Kelp forests and seaweed beds serve as biologically rich nursery grounds [§57]. Freshwater ecosystems are "diverse and in many ways unique," though hydropower development and wetland drainage have affected freshwater wildlife [§57].

The NBSAP identifies climate change as a compounding pressure. Ocean acidification and altered species distributions are already "clearly noticeable" [§13]. The policy flags an "imminent risk" that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) "may collapse in this or the next century," which "could have far-reaching effects on biodiversity in Iceland" [§76]. Iceland's island ecosystems are described as "particularly susceptible" to invasive alien species, with "an ever-increasing number of alien species arriving in the country" [§69].

The NBSAP frames the economic stakes directly: "the economy and business life are entirely dependent on the health of ecosystems" [§13]. Fisheries, agriculture, aquaculture and tourism form the foundation of Icelandic welfare, with communities throughout the country having built prosperity on marine resources [§57].

Sources:

• §13 — 1.1 Background and context
• §46 — 3.2 Guiding Principle B > B2 – Ecosystem restoration
• §50 — 3.2 Guiding Principle B > B3 – Species and genetic diversity
• §57 — 3.3 Guiding Principle C > C2 – Marine and freshwater resources
• §69 — 3.4 Guiding Principle D > D1 – Invasive alien organisms
• §76 — 3.4 Guiding Principle D > D3 – Climate change

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3. National Commitments and GBF Alignment

Iceland's twenty national commitments are organised under six guiding principles. The following groups them by thematic function.

Governance and institutional framework (A1–A4)

A1 — Formal, efficient and integrated governance commits to strengthening the legal and administrative framework for biodiversity and ensuring implementation "on a scientific basis and through integration with other related issues" [§28]. The policy proposes establishing a biodiversity council (lífríkisráð), modelled on the existing climate council, and a cross-ministry consultative group with municipal participation [§28]. Maps to GBF Targets 14 and 20. Measurability: Directional aspiration — specifies institutional intent but no quantitative threshold.

A2 — International and scientific support commits to active participation in international biodiversity cooperation, including strengthening CBD engagement and following up on IPBES membership [§32]. Maps to GBF Target 20. Measurability: Directional aspiration.

A3 — Clear role for municipalities proposes that municipalities formulate biodiversity policy "integrated with policy-making on environmental matters alongside the revision of planning schemes," with possible legislative amendment [§36]. Maps to GBF Target 14. Measurability: Directional aspiration.

A4 — Secure and prudent financing commits to establishing biodiversity "as a key issue in the fiscal plan" and proposes a dedicated biodiversity fund, but sets no funding target [§40]. Maps to GBF Target 19. Measurability: Directional aspiration.

Protection and restoration (B1–B3)

B1 — Area-based protection commits to designating 30% of land, freshwater and marine areas as protected areas with effective management by 2030 [§44]. The terrestrial target is described as "within reach," but marine protection stands at barely 2%, with only 0.07% confirmed by international agreements [§42]. The policy pursues both marine protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), drawing on a 2024 government working group report [§42]. Maps to GBF Target 3. Measurability: Measurable commitment — quantitative threshold (30%), defined domain, deadline (2030).

B2 — Ecosystem restoration commits to commencing restoration of at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030 [§47]. Priority areas include heathlands, grasslands, wetlands and birch woodlands, following the priorities of Land og líf (Land and Life) [§47]. Freshwater, coastal and marine restoration is acknowledged as less developed [§47]. Maps to GBF Target 2. Measurability: Measurable commitment — quantitative threshold (30%), defined action, deadline (2030).

B3 — Species, populations and genetic diversity commits to ensuring "good conservation status" and "sustainable utilisation" by 2030, including maintaining genetic diversity in wild species and domestic breeds per the Agricultural Genetics Committee plan 2024–2028 [§51]. The NBSAP commits to assessing Iceland's position on the Nagoya Protocol and the Cartagena Protocol [§51]. Maps to GBF Targets 4, 9 and 13. Measurability: Directional aspiration — threshold is qualitative.

Sustainable use (C1–C4)

C1 — Planning and development commits to integrating the ecosystem approach into all decision-making on land use and planning by 2030 [§56]. Instruments include the National Planning Strategy 2024–2038, strengthened environmental impact assessment, and a governance instrument for marine spatial planning across Iceland's exclusive economic zone [§56]. Maps to GBF Targets 1 and 14. Measurability: Directional aspiration.

C2 — Marine and freshwater resources commits to all fishing, aquaculture and freshwater resource use being conducted "in harmony with biological diversity" by 2030 [§59]. Commitments include completing aquaculture regulation revision, formulating kelp and seaweed utilisation policy, and strengthening freshwater stock management [§59]. Maps to GBF Targets 5 and 9. Measurability: Directional aspiration.

C3 — Land resources commits to sustainable utilisation of vegetation and soil resources by 2030, including wetland and natural woodland conservation, biodiversity-informed grazing management, and criteria for commercial afforestation [§62] [§63]. Maps to GBF Target 10. Measurability: Directional aspiration.

C4 — Energy, water and materials commits to sustainability in energy, water and material extraction, including a clear policy on wind farm site selection "with a view to protecting areas considered important for biological diversity, particularly important bird areas" [§66]. Maps to GBF Target 14. Measurability: Directional aspiration.

Pressures (D1–D3)

D1 — Invasive alien species commits to establishing a clear legal and administrative framework by 2030, including systematic invasiveness assessment and regular publication of species lists [§70]. The policy acknowledges that the invasive alien species policy area "does not have a strong position in the governance system" [§70]. Maps to GBF Target 6. Measurability: Directional aspiration.

D2 — Pollution commits to substantially reducing the risk of pollution harming biodiversity by 2030, with emphasis on plastic pollution through waste prevention, sewage improvements and environmental clean-up [§74] [§75]. Maps to GBF Target 7. Measurability: Directional aspiration.

D3 — Climate change commits to all climate actions being planned for the benefit of biodiversity, prioritising nature-based solutions and ensuring that the energy transition, carbon markets, and adaptation measures "take full account of Iceland's biodiversity targets" [§78]. Maps to GBF Target 8. Measurability: Directional aspiration.

Societal engagement (E1–E4)

E1 — Business sector commits to systematic assessment of business impacts on biodiversity "in Iceland as well as in an international context" [§82]. Maps to GBF Target 15. E2 — Circular economy calls for changing consumption habits and developing guidelines on biodiversity's role in life cycle assessment [§85]. Maps to GBF Target 16. E3 — Ecosystem services commits to assessing and accounting for ecosystem services, acknowledging no systematic assessment has been undertaken [§87]. Maps to GBF Target 11. E4 — Public health commits to integrating biodiversity with health policy, including enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities [§90]. All four are directional aspirations.

Knowledge and education (F1–F3)

F1 — Knowledge base, research and monitoring commits to increasing knowledge through interdisciplinary research and making data "systematically preserved, updated and made accessible" [§93]. The policy identifies a human capital constraint: "few people have specialist expertise in biodiversity matters in Iceland" and recruiting university-educated professionals is "a considerable challenge" [§93]. Maps to GBF Targets 20 and 21. F2 — Education and F3 — Public education and participation commit to curriculum strengthening, citizen science, and countering "information disorder" on nature-related matters [§97] [§100]. Maps to GBF Targets 21, 22 and 23. All three are directional aspirations.

Sources:

• §28 — 3.1 Guiding Principle A > A1 objectives
• §32 — 3.1 Guiding Principle A > A2 objectives
• §36 — 3.1 Guiding Principle A > A3 objectives
• §40 — 3.1 Guiding Principle A > A4 objectives
• §42 — 3.2 Guiding Principle B – introduction
• §44 — 3.2 Guiding Principle B > B1 objectives
• §47 — 3.2 Guiding Principle B > B2 objectives
• §51 — 3.2 Guiding Principle B > B3 objectives
• §56 — 3.3 Guiding Principle C > C1 objectives
• §59 — 3.3 Guiding Principle C > C2 objectives
• §62–63 — 3.3 Guiding Principle C > C3 objectives
• §66 — 3.3 Guiding Principle C > C4 objectives
• §70 — 3.4 Guiding Principle D > D1 objectives
• §74–75 — 3.4 Guiding Principle D > D2 objectives
• §78 — 3.4 Guiding Principle D > D3 objectives
• §82 — 3.5 Guiding Principle E > E1 objectives
• §85 — 3.5 Guiding Principle E > E2 objectives
• §87 — 3.5 Guiding Principle E > E3 objectives
• §90 — 3.5 Guiding Principle E > E4 objectives
• §93 — 3.6 Guiding Principle F > F1 objectives
• §97 — 3.6 Guiding Principle F > F2 objectives
• §100 — 3.6 Guiding Principle F > F3 objectives

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4. Delivery Architecture

Legislation and regulatory framework

The NBSAP identifies multiple areas where legal frameworks require strengthening or creation: invasive alien species regulation, genetic resources and biosafety (including assessment of Nagoya and Cartagena Protocol positions), marine protected area governance, aquaculture regulation, and the legal status of marine mammals [§70] [§51] [§44] [§59]. Environmental impact assessment is to be strengthened with a clearer biodiversity component, looking to international models [§56].

Flagship programmes and strategies

Land og líf (Land and Life), the land restoration and national forestry plan to 2031, is the primary implementation vehicle for terrestrial ecosystem restoration, with an accompanying action plan to 2026. The agency Land og skógur (Land and Forest), operational since 2024, carries out commitments in cooperation with research institutions and the Environment Agency [§19].

The Climate Action Plan 2024 contains 150 actions towards emissions reduction, with biodiversity addressed in the land use chapter. Climate-Resilient Iceland (2023) integrates biodiversity preparedness into every chapter. The Scientific Committee on Climate Change fourth report (2023) addresses biodiversity across nearly every chapter [§19].

The National Planning Strategy 2024–2038 covers highlands, rural areas, urban areas, and marine and coastal zones, with biodiversity-relevant actions including rural planning guidelines, wind energy siting, landscape classification, and coastal area planning [§19]. The Water Management Plan 2022–2027, Agricultural Policy to 2040, Food Policy to 2040, and Regional Development Plan 2022–2036 each incorporate biodiversity provisions [§19].

Institutional arrangements

The Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate is the principal responsible party [§29]. Biodiversity responsibilities are distributed across ministries and agencies: the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries for marine resources and agriculture; the Ministry of Infrastructure for municipal affairs; the Planning Agency for spatial planning; and the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education for research [§29]. The policy acknowledges that responsibility for some cross-cutting areas — ecosystem services and the business sector's role — "is not firmly established within the Government Offices" [§88] [§82].

Subnational arrangements

Municipalities hold statutory responsibilities touching on biodiversity including planning, development permits, waste management, sewerage, wildlife management, and education [§35]. Regional natural history institutions (náttúrustofanna), run by municipalities with state funding, "possess important local knowledge" [§35].

Sources:

• §19 — 1.3.2 New policies, plans and reports within the country
• §29 — 3.1 Guiding Principle A > Responsible parties
• §35 — 3.1 Guiding Principle A > A3 – Municipalities
• §51 — 3.2 Guiding Principle B > B3 objectives
• §56 — 3.3 Guiding Principle C > C1 objectives
• §82 — 3.5 Guiding Principle E > E1 responsibilities
• §88 — 3.5 Guiding Principle E > E3 responsibilities

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4a. Climate–biodiversity integration: parallel governance and shared instruments

Iceland explicitly models its biodiversity governance on its climate governance architecture. The proposed biodiversity council (lífríkisráð) is designed as a parallel to the existing climate council (loftslagsráð), tasked with providing "support, advice and accountability through professional guidance" [§28]. The cross-ministry consultative group for biodiversity follow-up is described as operating "in a comparable manner to what is in place for climate matters" [§28].

This structural parallelism extends to policy instruments. The Climate Action Plan 2024, Climate-Resilient Iceland (2023), and the Scientific Committee's Fourth Report all integrate biodiversity content [§19]. The NBSAP commits to ensuring that the regulatory frameworks for the energy transition, climate accounting, carbon markets, carbon sequestration, and adaptation measures "take full account of Iceland's biodiversity targets and do not lead to negative effects on the country's wildlife" [§78].

The NBSAP prioritises nature-based solutions as the primary intersection point, including "land reclamation, restoration of ecosystems on land, in freshwater and on shores, and blue-green stormwater solutions in urban areas" [§78]. Ecosystem protection and restoration is framed as "both a mitigation measure and an adaptation measure" [§4].

The AMOC risk identified in the NBSAP — an "imminent risk" of collapse "in this or the next century" with "far-reaching effects on biodiversity in Iceland" [§76] — underscores why Iceland treats climate and biodiversity as operationally inseparable. Ocean acidification effects on calcifying organisms and larval survival are identified as already observable consequences [§76].

Sources:

• §4 — Summary > The Policy
• §19 — 1.3.2 New policies, plans and reports
• §28 — 3.1 Guiding Principle A > A1 objectives
• §76 — 3.4 Guiding Principle D > D3 – Climate change
• §78 — 3.4 Guiding Principle D > D3 – Connection to GBF targets

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5. Monitoring and Accountability

The Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate is responsible for implementation oversight [§29]. The proposed biodiversity council and cross-ministry consultative group would provide advisory accountability and cross-governmental coordination, but neither body exists at the time of publication [§28].

The policy commits to "defining key monitoring indicators that serve as measures of condition and the success of actions in favour of biodiversity" and to harmonising these with international measures, "particularly in the implementation of the GBF agreement" [§93]. No indicators are defined in the current document. Specific monitoring commitments include regular red list publication, systematic monitoring of vulnerable ecosystems and species, and assessment of restoration results "with clear indicators" [§52] [§91] [§47].

Research and monitoring responsibilities are distributed across the Icelandic Institute of Natural History (Náttúrufræðistofnun), Land og skógur, the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (Hafrannsóknastofnun), the Environment Agency (Náttúruverndarstofnun), and several universities [§94]. The policy calls for harmonising data handling across institutions and strengthening registration in both Icelandic and international databases [§93].

The action plan deferred to autumn 2026 is described as "a necessary step to follow up on the objectives of the policy and ensure its effective implementation" [§23]. No reporting cycle or adaptive management timeline is specified in the current document.

The policy was developed through consultation with approximately 250 individuals from public administration, science, education, civil society, businesses and industry [§22]. Consultation formats included agency meetings, online sessions covering terrestrial, marine/freshwater, and education topics, meetings with municipalities and civil society organisations, and input through the government consultation portal [§22].

Sources:

• §22 — 2.3 Consultation
• §23 — 2.4 Presentation and approval process
• §28 — 3.1 Guiding Principle A > A1 objectives
• §29 — 3.1 Guiding Principle A > Responsible parties
• §47 — 3.2 Guiding Principle B > B2 objectives
• §52 — 3.2 Guiding Principle B > Species conservation objectives
• §91 — 3.6 Guiding Principle F – introduction
• §93 — 3.6 Guiding Principle F > F1 objectives
• §94 — 3.6 Guiding Principle F > Responsible parties

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6. Finance and Resource Mobilisation

Iceland's NBSAP contains no budget allocations, cost estimates, or quantified funding commitments. The finance content sets out a principled framework for how financing should be organised without attaching figures.

The policy commits to ensuring that biodiversity is "firmly established" as a key issue in the government's fiscal plan (fjárlagaáætlun) [§39]. Proposed instruments include a dedicated fund for biological diversity to support entrepreneurs and innovation, grants and incentive schemes, and payments to landowners "where actions in favour of biological diversity on private land restrict other uses" [§39]. The NBSAP also commits to examining "how subsidies for projects that entail clear negative effects on biological diversity can be reduced" [§39]. During consultation, commenters criticised the emphasis on positive subsidies without analysis of negative subsidies, citing unsustainable grazing and forestry with alien species as examples; the policy response confirmed that harmful subsidy assessment would accompany implementation [§106].

GBF Target 19 (finance mobilisation) does not receive substantive treatment. The policy references GBF Goal D's call for $700 billion annually [§15] and states that Iceland should "contribute funding to support projects in favour of biological diversity abroad through the channels of development cooperation" [§39], but sets no national mobilisation target. The forthcoming action plan is expected to present "funded, time-bound actions and clear accountability" [§104].

Sources:

• §15 — 1.2 Agreement of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
• §39 — 3.1 Guiding Principle A > A4 – Secure and prudent financing
• §104 — 5. Appendix I – Action plan response
• §106 — 5. Appendix I – Negative incentives response

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7. GBF Target Coverage

Target 1: Spatial planning — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to integrating the ecosystem approach into all decision-making on land use and planning by 2030, including marine spatial planning across Iceland's exclusive economic zone. The National Planning Strategy 2024–2038, Land og líf plan to 2031, Water Management Plan 2022–2027, and Regional Development Plan 2022–2036 are identified as contributing instruments. Environmental impact assessment is to be strengthened with a clearer biodiversity component.

Target 2: Ecosystem restoration — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to commencing restoration of at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. Priority terrestrial areas include heathlands, wetlands and birch woodlands — 70% of lowland wetlands have been drained, and birch woodland covers approximately 1.5%. Land og líf is the primary implementation vehicle, delivered through Land og skógur. Marine and coastal restoration is acknowledged as less developed and requiring further scoping. Restoration results are to be assessed "with clear indicators."

Target 3: Protected areas (30×30) — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to 30% protection of land, freshwater and marine areas by 2030 with effective management. Terrestrial protection is described as "within reach." Marine protected area coverage is barely 2%, with only 0.07% confirmed by international agreements. The policy pursues both traditional protected areas and OECMs, referencing a 2024 government working group report on marine protected areas. The Environment Agency manages designated areas; the Icelandic Institute of Natural History nominates areas and assesses conservation value.

Target 4: Species recovery — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to good conservation status and sustainable utilisation of species by 2030. Eight vascular plant species, four bird species, and one mammal are classified as critically endangered per IUCN criteria. The policy calls for regular red list publication, organised management of harvested species, and revision of the legal framework on wild bird and mammal protection — including clarifying the legal status of marine mammals. The Agricultural Genetics Committee plan 2024–2028 covers livestock breeds and crop variety conservation.

Target 5: Sustainable harvest — Addressed

All fishing, aquaculture and freshwater resource use is to be conducted in harmony with biodiversity by 2030. The policy references Iceland's existing fisheries management system and calls for minimising negative side-effects including from bottom-contact fishing gear and bycatch. Risks of open-sea cage aquaculture are identified, including genetic introgression with wild salmon stocks. A kelp and seaweed utilisation strategy is to be developed.

Target 6: Invasive alien species — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to establishing a clear legal and administrative framework by 2030, including systematic invasiveness assessment and regular publication of species lists. The policy acknowledges that the invasive alien species policy area does not currently hold a position in the governance system and that responsibility and task division are unclear. Iceland's island ecosystems are identified as particularly vulnerable.

Target 7: Pollution reduction — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to substantially reducing the risk of pollution harming biodiversity by 2030. Chemical, plastic, light and noise pollution are all addressed. Plastic pollution receives particular emphasis through waste prevention, sewage system improvements, and environmental clean-up. The polluter pays principle is to be strengthened.

Target 8: Climate and biodiversity — Addressed

All climate actions are to be planned for the benefit of biodiversity by 2030. The NBSAP flags an imminent risk of AMOC collapse with far-reaching effects on Icelandic biodiversity and identifies ocean acidification effects on calcifying organisms. Nature-based solutions are prioritised. Three intersecting national plans are referenced: the Climate Action Plan 2024, Climate-Resilient Iceland (2023), and the Scientific Committee's Fourth Report (2023). The energy transition, carbon markets, and adaptation frameworks must "take full account of Iceland's biodiversity targets."

Target 9: Wild species use — Mentioned

The NBSAP does not establish a distinct commitment aligned to Target 9. The policy's own GBF cross-reference table maps content from Guiding Principles B3 and C2 to this target. Substantive coverage of sustainable use of wild species is captured under Targets 4 and 5.

Target 10: Agriculture / forestry — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to sustainable utilisation of vegetation and soil resources by 2030. Four intersecting policies are referenced: the Agricultural Policy to 2040, Food Policy to 2040, Land og líf plan to 2031, and regulations on sustainable land use. Commitments include biodiversity-informed grazing management, wetland and natural woodland conservation, and procedures for commercial afforestation that "take full account of biological diversity." Consultation responses raised concerns about subsidies for unsustainable grazing and forestry with alien species.

Target 11: Ecosystem services (NbS) — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to assessing ecosystem services and accounting for their importance. It acknowledges that no systematic assessment has been undertaken, no methodology has been chosen, and administrative responsibility is undefined. The UN SEEA framework is referenced. Nature-based solutions — land reclamation, ecosystem restoration, and blue-green urban stormwater solutions — are prioritised under the climate–biodiversity integration commitment.

Target 12: Urban biodiversity — Mentioned

The NBSAP does not contain a dedicated section on urban biodiversity. Blue-green stormwater solutions in urban areas are identified as a priority nature-based solution under climate change. The National Planning Strategy 2024–2038 covers urban areas. The proportion of green spaces in urban areas is noted as an existing indicator in Iceland.

Target 13: Genetic resources / ABS — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to creating a clearer regulatory framework for genetic resource conservation and utilisation, and to assessing Iceland's position on the Nagoya Protocol. Iceland has not ratified the Nagoya Protocol, and no general legal framework on genetic resource utilisation exists. The Agricultural Genetics Committee plan 2024–2028 covers livestock and crop variety conservation. The Environment and Energy Agency grants permits for hot spring microorganism utilisation.

Target 14: Mainstreaming — Addressed

Mainstreaming is the central organising principle of the NBSAP. The policy calls for integrating the ecosystem approach into all land use decision-making and evaluating development plans for ecosystem impacts alongside economic viability. At least six recently adopted national policies incorporate biodiversity considerations: the Climate Action Plan 2024, National Planning Strategy 2024–2038, Agricultural Policy to 2040, Food Policy to 2040, Regional Development Plan 2022–2036, and Water Management Plan 2022–2027.

Target 15: Business disclosure — Addressed

The NBSAP commits to the business sector systematically assessing the impacts of its activities on biodiversity "in Iceland as well as in an international context." Environmental certification processes are identified as channels for managing disclosure. No mandatory reporting threshold or timeline is specified.

Target 16: Sustainable consumption — Addressed

The NBSAP notes that Icelanders are "among the nations with one of the largest ecological footprints per capita." The policy calls for changing consumption habits, choosing environmentally friendlier products, and developing guidelines on biodiversity's role in life cycle assessment and ecological footprint calculations. The approach is framed through circular economy policy.

Target 17: Biosafety — Addressed

Iceland has an existing legal framework on genetically modified organisms. The NBSAP commits to assessing the status of this framework and assessing Iceland's position on the Cartagena Protocol. Neither accession nor ratification is committed.

Target 18: Harmful subsidies — Mentioned

The NBSAP does not contain a dedicated harmful subsidy commitment in the main policy text. In the consultation response appendix, the policy confirms that an assessment of whether activities harmful to biodiversity are being subsidised will be conducted alongside implementation of positive incentives. Consultation commenters cited subsidies for unsustainable grazing and forestry with alien species as specific concerns.

Target 19: Finance mobilisation — Mentioned

The NBSAP does not set a national finance mobilisation target. The policy references GBF Goal D's call for $700 billion annually and commits to contributing through development cooperation channels. Domestically, several sections reference funding needs, but the action plan with funded, time-bound actions is deferred to autumn 2026.

Target 20: Capacity and technology — Addressed

The NBSAP identifies a human capital constraint: "few people have specialist expertise in biodiversity matters in Iceland" and recruitment of university-educated professionals is "a considerable challenge." The policy calls for strengthening research infrastructure, public funding through dedicated programmes at the Icelandic Centre for Research (Rannís), and assistance in obtaining international grants. Iceland recently upgraded from IPBES observer to full member.

Target 21: Data and information — Addressed

The NBSAP identifies data gaps on genetic diversity, ecosystem services, and industry-specific biodiversity impacts. The policy commits to compiling, mapping, and regularly updating databases for all major ecosystems and to harmonising data handling across institutions. An update to the 2016 habitat type map is underway.

Target 22: Inclusive participation — Mentioned

Iceland does not have indigenous communities in the GBF sense. The policy states that people "of all ages and all genders" should be encouraged to participate "regardless of class or status." The consultation process included open meetings and the government portal. No specific mechanisms for targeted inclusion of marginalised groups are identified.

Target 23: Gender equality — Mentioned

Gender is referenced once, in passing, within the broader public mobilisation discussion. The NBSAP does not contain a gender-responsive approach to biodiversity implementation.