Other protected or regulated nature and wildlife areas
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Coastal Areas – Protected and Sensitive Zones
Coastal Areas – Protected and Sensitive Zones
Greenland’s coastal regions include both strictly protected zones and sensitive unregulated areas, where access and activity levels are managed differently.
Certain coastal regions, such as Inglefield Bredning in Northwest Greenland and the coastal stretch between Scoresbysund and Tasiilaq in East Greenland, are not currently regulated under any specific executive order.
Both regions are, however, recognised as areas with highly sensitive and endangered narwhales and other important marine mammals.
Although not formally included in the official “Recommended guidelines for sailing in East Greenland in areas with highly sensitive and endangered narwhales”, Inglefield Bredning should be treated with the same level of caution and respect as the East Greenland areas covered by that guidance.
The following coastal and sea areas are designated as strictly protected areas, where access, navigation, and all non-scientific activities are prohibited under Greenlandic conservation law:
Melville Bay
North East Water
Jøkel Bay
Dove Bay
Petermann Fjord
Young Sound
and parts of the Scorebysund area located within the National Park boundaries — specifically including sections of Northwest Fjord.
These coastal areas are completely off-limits for recreational and commercial purposes, including cruise operations, tourism, sports, and expedition activities.
Navigation, anchoring, or landing from vessels within these zones is prohibited.
Only scientific activities may be granted special dispensation by the Department of Nature and Environment, in accordance with § 6 of Law LTL No. 29 of 2003 on the Protection of Nature, and the Home Rule Executive Order on the Melville Bay Nature Reserve.
For a detailed overview of these protected maritime territories and their boundaries, please consult the Nature Map.
For the East Greenland coastal area between Scoresbysund and Tasiilaq, all maritime activities should follow the official “Recommended guidelines for sailing in East Greenland in areas with highly sensitive and endangered narwhales”, which provide best practices to avoid unnecessary disturbance to wildlife.
For Inglefield Bredning, visitors and expedition planners are strongly advised to apply the same precautionary principles, minimising disturbance to narwhals, seals, and other marine mammals.
In addition, both regions are culturally and traditionally significant for local hunting communities.
Cruise traffic and expedition activities can easily disrupt hunting grounds, disturb wildlife, or interfere with traditional practices that hold deep cultural and economic importance.
It is therefore essential to plan routes, schedules, and landings carefully, in dialogue with local authorities and community representatives.
For cultural, traditional, and environmental reasons, it is strongly recommended to minimise vessel traffic, noise, and landings near fjords or bays known to host narwhals, seals, or active hunting sites.
Visitors should always seek local guidance and avoid any activity that may disturb wildlife or local livelihoods.
Even though these areas are not officially regulated, their protection and respect are equally important to maintaining Greenland’s natural and cultural heritage.
UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ilulissat Icefjord
UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ilulissat Icefjord
The Ilulissat Icefjord is one of Greenland’s most remarkable and scientifically significant natural areas.
It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004 as the first Greenlandic site of outstanding universal value, recognised for its exceptional natural beauty and for providing a key record of climate history and glaciology.
The area is protected under Executive Order No. 10 of 15 June 2007 on the Conservation of Ilulissat Icefjord, which sets strict rules for permitted activities, land use, and protection measures.
Ilulissat Icefjord has been a nationally protected area since 2003, and its protection status ensures that human activity does not disturb its natural or cultural values.
The conservation area is divided into three subzones, each with specific protection and management conditions:
Subzone A – the land area near Sermermiut, which contains archaeological remains and is the most accessible to visitors.
Subzone B – the inner marine section of the Icefjord, covering the actively calving glacier front.
Subzone C – the outer marine section, extending toward Disko Bay and the open sea.
The World Heritage Site boundary coincides with the protected area defined in the Executive Order.
In addition, Avannaata Kommunia has established a buffer zone surrounding the World Heritage Site in its municipal plan.
This buffer zone adds an additional layer of protection and regulates tourism, infrastructure, and other activities that may indirectly impact the Icefjord.
More details on the boundaries, management plan, and visitor rules are available through:
Executive Order No. 10 of 15 June 2007,
the Avannaata Kommunia municipal plan, and
the UNESCO World Heritage Centre database for Ilulissat Icefjord.
The purpose of the conservation regime is to:
preserve the natural processes of the glacier and fjord system,
protect the archaeological and cultural heritage of the Sermermiut area,
maintain the aesthetic and scientific value of the landscape, and
manage tourism and local use in a sustainable way
Visitors and expedition organisers must comply with all local and national regulations when entering or operating near the protected area.
This includes:
staying within designated paths and observation areas near Sermermiut,
avoiding any disturbance to archaeological sites or wildlife,
and following all instructions issued by Avannaata Kommunia, the Government of Greenland, or the UNESCO World Heritage Office.
Motorised transport, drone operations, or landings from vessels are only allowed where explicitly permitted.
Research and monitoring activities require prior authorisation.
Ramsar Sites – Internationally Protected Wetlands
Ramsar Sites – Internationally Protected Wetlands
Greenland is party to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, an international agreement that aims to conserve wetlands and their biodiversity, particularly habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife.
The implementation of this convention in Greenland is managed by the Department of Nature, Environment and Justice (NIPNAN) under the Self-Government Executive Order No. 12 of 1 June 2016 on the protection of internationally designated wetlands and certain species of waterbirds.
The Ramsar protection framework ensures the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands that are critical for maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.
Ramsar sites in Greenland include lakes, fjords, deltas, estuaries, and coastal marshes that serve as breeding, resting, or feeding grounds for numerous migratory bird species.
These areas are part of Greenland’s contribution to the global Ramsar network, which recognises wetlands of exceptional international importance for both nature and humanity.
Access to Ramsar sites is generally allowed, but activities within them are subject to seasonal and operational restrictions to protect wildlife and habitats.
Key restrictions include:
Motor vehicle use is prohibited between 15 April and 30 September, unless a specific exemption has been granted.
Vessel speed must not exceed 10 knots from 1 July to 30 September in sensitive zones.
Low-altitude flights below 500 meters above ground level are restricted during the same seasonal window to prevent disturbance of nesting birds.
Additionally:
Construction, land modification, agriculture, and certain fishing practices are heavily regulated or entirely prohibited.
All planned research or expedition activities in Ramsar zones must be coordinated with the Department of Nature to ensure compliance with protection rules.
Ramsar wetlands in Greenland are vital habitats for species such as:
Pink-footed geese (Anser brachyrhynchus)
Barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis)
Common eiders (Somateria mollissima)
Red-throated divers (Gavia stellata)
Various Arctic shorebirds and seabirds
These species depend on Greenland’s wetlands for breeding, feeding, and resting during migration.
For detailed maps and regulations, consult:
The official Nature Map of Greenland, which identifies all Ramsar zones and their protection boundaries
See Ramsar Sites maps at page 26
Ramsar sites represent Greenland’s commitment to international wetland protection — safeguarding both local ecosystems and the global network of migratory species.
Cultural Heritage Protection
Cultural Heritage Protection
Greenland’s cultural heritage is protected under national legislation aimed at preserving archaeological sites, historical remains, and cultural monuments that represent the country’s rich history and identity.
These areas and objects are recognised as nationally valuable and are safeguarded under the Act on Cultural Heritage and its related executive orders, administered by the Greenlands National Museum & Archives.
Visitors and expedition applicants must ensure that their planned routes and activities do not disturb, damage, or otherwise affect any archaeological or historical sites — including old settlements, graves, ruins, cairns, and traditional hunting structures.
It is strictly prohibited to remove, move, or alter any cultural or historical artefacts.
If any artefacts or previously unknown remains are discovered during an expedition, the location must be reported immediately to the relevant authorities.
To identify known cultural heritage areas and protected archaeological sites, applicants are encouraged to consult:
the official Cultural Heritage Map via Nunagis Greenland Portal, which provides spatial data on registered cultural sites; and
the forthcoming Cultural Heritage Guidelines and reference documents (to be made available on this website)
Be sure to review the referenced documents, as some cultural heritage areas are designated off-limits, while others require admission only with an NKA-approved guide in accordance with preservation regulations.
Even if an area does not appear marked on maps, applicants must exercise caution in any place where cultural or historical remains may exist.
Disturbance of archaeological material is a criminal offence under Greenlandic law.
Cultural heritage sites are a vital part of Greenland’s history — they tell the story of past communities and must be treated with the utmost respect and care.