Strengthens the focus on Norwegian regional parks

Today we are delighted to announce that Norwegian Parks is included in the state budget! Nærøyfjorden The World Heritage Park celebrates with cake, and we were lucky enough to have a visit from Olav, who joined the celebration!

Here you can find the press release from Norwegian Parks:

The government's budget proposal strengthens the focus on Norwegian regional parks 

In the proposed state budget, the government will provide 5 million kroner for the development of Valdres Nature and Culture Park, Nærøyfjorden World Heritage Park, Telemark Canal Regional Park and six other regional parks through the Norwegian Parks organization.

The Norwegian regional parks contribute to local value creation based on natural and cultural values. They do this by building place brands and developing sustainable local products and experiences. For example, Valdres Nature and Culture Park has over several years created awareness and pride for the local population through the development of local products and a distinctive place brand. 

- We are pleased that the government will secure the parks' investments, so that we can contribute to broad and sustainable value creation, the development of local products and experiences - and not least to safeguarding the landscape, cultural heritage and local identity, says Eivind Brenna, chairman of the board of Norske Parker.

The Norwegian regional parks trigger volunteerism and social value creation through long-term partnerships and participation based on their own visions and values. There are 9 regional parks in Norway, which include 35 municipalities and several hundred small and large partners. In Europe, there are approximately 900 parks of this type.  

- The parks work across and in the spaces between where sector authorities often fall short. This is done on the basis of solid collaboration platforms and with extensive use of partnerships with local businesses and organizations, says Eivind Brenna.

The support from the state budget will strengthen local commitment to preserving and developing the distinctive landscapes and identity areas that the regional parks represent. The organization Norske Parker and the regional parks will now have increased capacity to meet national goals for preserving landscape and cultural heritage, as well as value creation based on nature and culture.

For more information, contact:

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Norske Parker Head of Secretariat of Norske Parker

Eivind S. Brenna Kristian Bjørnstad

Tel: 95 22 56 96 Tel: 45489514