Environment Protection Act (No. 9 of 2011).

This Act is the consolidated version of Greenland’s Environmental Protection Law (Inatsisartutlov nr. 9 of 22 November 2011, as amended). Its overall purpose is to safeguard nature and the environment, ensuring that social and economic development takes place sustainably, while protecting human health and conserving animal and plant life. The Act applies to Greenland’s land territory and land-based marine pollution. It regulates activities that may cause pollution—whether through emissions to air, water, soil, or ice, or through noise, vibrations, waste, hazardous substances, or animal husbandry—while excluding matters covered by mineral resource legislation. A guiding principle is the use of the “best available techniques” to prevent and combat pollution, minimize waste, and encourage recycling.
The law sets out the powers and responsibilities of both central and local environmental authorities. Naalakkersuisut (the Government of Greenland) is the central authority, empowered to issue detailed regulations on pollution control, hazardous substances, waste management, water quality, product safety, and compliance with international environmental agreements. Municipal councils act as local environmental authorities, with responsibilities for waste disposal, sewage management, and certain permitting powers. Both central and local authorities share enforcement roles, and the Act grants officials inspection rights, including access to premises without a court order in urgent cases.
Substantive provisions cover a wide range of areas: protection of salt and freshwater, regulation of especially polluting industries, environmental impact assessments for major projects, rules on drinking water protection zones, and comprehensive waste management obligations. The Act prohibits the uncontrolled disposal of harmful substances and regulates the import and export of waste in line with international conventions. It also empowers the authorities to halt or condition industrial activities that pose significant environmental risks, and to require remedial measures when pollution occurs. Public institutions and enterprises are under a duty to promote environmentally responsible practices.
Finally, the Act establishes procedures for monitoring, enforcement, and sanctions. Municipalities and Naalakkersuisut conduct inspections and may issue binding orders or prohibitions. There are rules on communication, public participation, and appeals: decisions may be challenged before a special Environmental Protection Appeals Board. Violations can result in fines, including corporate liability, with aggravating factors for profit-driven breaches. The Act also provides for confiscation of gains from violations. The Act remains the cornerstone of Greenland’s framework for environmental governance.