Björk and renowned writer and environmentalist Andri Snær Magnason hosted a press conference at Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavik, on behalf of Gætum Garðsins ("Protect the Park") highlighting the need for urgent action to protect Iceland's Highlands from environmental destruction.
Launched in March of last year, Gætum Garðsins is a coalition aiming to raise awareness for the conservation of Iceland's Highlands, which forms the largest area of untouched wilderness in Europe.
The Highlands are a big draw for nature lovers all over the world, with data from the Icelandic Tourist Board showing that around 80% of foreign visitors come to Iceland primarily to experience the country's wilderness, and about half come specifically for the central highlands. Tourism is now Iceland's largest revenue-generating sector.
The area, which currently only has limited protection, is currently under threat of extensive development, as outlined by the Icelandic government's Master Plan for conservation of nature and utilisation of energy. Specifically, the Government has plans to pave roads, erect power lines and build power plants right through the center of Iceland, which would drastically alter the landscape and slice the highlands in half.
