Legal Foundations for the Protection of Biodiversity in Agricultural Activity in European and Norwegian Law

Abstract: Agriculture is a vital sector of the economy in most European Union countries, not only because of its productive functions but also its non-productive roles. It is a unique sector of the economy, and its importance manifests on many levels: primarily, it meets the basic nutritional needs of people. Additionally, modern agriculture impacts economic growth and development, the living conditions of rural populations, and plays a significant role in providing environmental services. Over the last two decades, the environmental effects of agriculture have become an important issue in environmental policy both in the European Union and in Norway. The aim of the paper is to overview and compare the main legislation concerning conducting agriculture in protected areas, genetic biodiversity protection, less use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and protection of the agricultural landscape.

Key words: biodiversity protection, agriculture, European law, Norwegian law

JEL code: Q