Department for Nature Management

The department's main responsibility is to develop policies to safeguard biodiversity on land and in freshwater, and to ensure holistic and sustainable management of nature through use, conservation and recreation. The department is also responsible for the management of predatory animals.

The department consists of the following sections

  • Department Secretariat

    The section is responsible for the Department for Nature Management's work on the national budget, financial management, grant management, reporting, closing of accounts in connection with the central government accounts, personnel management and activity planning. In addition, the section provides leadership support and coordinates administrative matters on behalf of the Department for Nature Management. It also coordinates the management of the Norwegian Environment Agency, the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre and the county environmental affairs departments on behalf of the Ministry.

  • Section for the Management of Species

    The section works on the management of predatory animals, genetically modified organisms, trade in endangered species, environmental crime and on safeguarding biodiversity in the cultural landscape and open lowlands.

  • Section for Nature Management and Outdoor Recreation

    The section works to safeguard the biodiversity of mountains, wetlands and forests. It is also responsible for the Ministry's work related to outdoor recreation, use of motorised vehicles on uncultivated land, the Marka area around Oslo and nature visitor centres.

  • Section for Economics and Environmental Policies

    Links between economic development and the environment, OECD-cooperation, environmental taxes, national and international regulations (EØS and UNECE) on environmental impact assessment, nature diversity policy, the Nature Diversity Act, land conversion for energy or other purposes.

  • Section for Water Management

    The section works to safeguard biodiversity in freshwater, and is responsible for water management, wild salmon and invasive species.