Large areas of the Svalbard archipelago are protected. . Already in 1932 the first two flora protection areas were established. In 2005 there were six national parks, 21 nature reserves (including the 15 special bird reserves) and one protected geotope.
In addition, several of the protected areas were extended as of January 1, 2004 due to the extension of Norwegian territorial waters from 4 to 12 nautical miles.
Currently, protected areas amount to a total of 39.000 km2 on land and 76.000 km2 at sea. National parks are open to outdoor recreational activities that do not require the use of motor vehicles. In special cases, for example for scientific reasons, the Governor's office may allow the use of snowmobiles, airplanes or helicopters.
According to the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act, any trace of human activity dating from 1945 or earlier is protected as part of the cultural heritage.