Protected areas, nature conservation areas

Prior to the entry into force of the Environmental Code, the County Administrative Board or the municipality was able to dispose of nature conservation areas under the Nature Conservation Act. The form of protection was weaker than the nature reserve and was not allowed to hinder ongoing land use, such as forestry. Most nature conservation areas were set up to protect the landscape, especially in coastal areas, or to maintain the management of mowing meadows and pastures. Some municipalities have used the form of protection to protect popular outdoor areas. Since the entry into force of the Environmental Code, the possibility of creating new nature conservation areas has ceased. But already formed nature conservation areas are still in existence and according to the Environmental Code are now to be considered as nature reserves.