Located about 655 kilometers (407 miles) from Northern Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean, it comprises 18 major islands and a total of 779 islands, islets, and skerries. Situated roughly halfway between Iceland and Norway, they are nearest to Scotland’s Northern Isles and the Outer Hebrides. Spanning an area of 1,399 km² (540 mi²), the islands feature numerous small lakes and rivers but no large water bodies and boast a coastline stretching 1,117 kilometers (694 miles). Lítla Dímun stands out as the sole significant uninhabited island.

Characterized by their rugged, rocky terrain and low peaks, the islands predominantly consist of cliffs along their coastlines. Geologically, the Faroe Islands are composed of a six-kilometer-thick sequence of mostly basaltic lava, dating back to the Paleogene period of the great North Atlantic Igneous Province. This volcanic activity occurred around 60 million years ago with the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean when the region now known as the Faroe Islands was still connected to Greenland.

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

Approximately one-third of Gibraltar’s land area, including the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, is dedicated to protected regions that are key to the territory’s ecological diversity. These areas support a variety of native plant species and are critical habitats for migratory birds.

Marine conservation is also a significant focus, with Gibraltar’s waters included in marine protected areas (MPAs) that ensure the sustainability of marine life and local fisheries. These MPAs contribute to the protection of the Mediterranean’s biodiversity and play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Threats to Biodiversity

In Gibraltar, the risk of species extinction remains low and stable, reflecting effective conservation efforts across its limited landmass. The Red List Index (RLI), maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has indicated this stability since 2011, underscoring the success of Gibraltar’s environmental policies. Notably, a significant portion of Gibraltar’s territory is designated as protected areas, including the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, which is vital for maintaining the habitat of its native and migratory species.

Urban development and tourism also present continuous conservation challenges. Gibraltar has no significant agriculture, thus avoiding issues related to intensive farming and pesticide use. However, the territory remains vigilant in managing its urban footprint to prevent undue ecological impact, ensuring the continued protection of its natural heritage and maintaining a high Species Protection Index (SPI) score.

Capacity and Governance

Gibraltar has taken significant strides in enhancing its capacity for biodiversity conservation with the development of advanced digital systems to monitor and protect its unique environment. This initiative includes the creation of a comprehensive biodiversity database that consolidates information across multiple local research institutions and environmental organizations. This system plays a critical role in fostering effective management and collaboration, ensuring that Gibraltar remains at the forefront of environmental conservation.

The strategic focus on protecting Gibraltar’s diverse ecosystems is not just a local priority but is crucial for broader conservation efforts given its position at the gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its small size, Gibraltar’s government allocates substantial resources towards environmental conservation. However, the exact figures for these expenditures are not always detailed publicly, similar to issues faced by larger nations.

Future Trends

Gibraltar has developed a comprehensive National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) that mirrors global best practices in its forward-thinking approach to conservation. This plan is designed to safeguard Gibraltar’s unique biodiversity by addressing the primary causes of biodiversity loss, reducing direct pressures on the environment, protecting its diverse ecosystems, and enhancing the socioeconomic benefits derived from maintaining a healthy biodiversity. Central to this strategy is the integration of traditional knowledge into conservation efforts, ensuring that all segments of the community are represented and can benefit equitably.

Biodiversity

The Faroe Islands, nestled in the North Atlantic, host a unique biodiversity shaped by their harsh marine environment. Renowned for their rich avian populations, the islands are crucial breeding grounds for numerous seabirds like the Atlantic puffin and northern gannet. The surrounding cold, nutrient-rich waters support diverse marine life, including fish species vital to the local economy and various marine mammals such as seals and whales.

Terrestrial biodiversity is more limited, with flora predominantly consisting of mosses and grasses and few native mammals, except for introduced species like the mountain hare.