The Reykjavik-based nongovernmental environmental organization Landvernd is working with the small community of Árneshreppur, in remote northwest Iceland, to protect the area’s rich and diverse cultural, historic, and natural resources. Despite Iceland’s drastic social changes, the 70 remaining inhabitants of this community are determined to stay. As tourism increases in Iceland, this area will become much sought-after. It has a unique, unspoiled environment and is rich in place names, historic sites, and mythic stories.
Seacology awarded Landvernd a challenge grant for the purpose of constructing signs to point out important cultural and natural sites. These signs will not only enhance tourism, but will also serve as moral support for this settlement determined to remain intact in the face of disappearing rural culture in Iceland.