Nature and natural resources
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Nature and natural resources
Norway has become one of the richest countries in the world over the last 100 years. This wealth is founded on our rich natural resources and how people in Norway have learned to use them. Norway’s natural resources are primarily fish, forest and oil. There is also a lot of water in Norway’s rivers and waterfalls, which is used to produce electricity. In recent years, windmills have also started being used to produce electric power.
Oil was first found in Norway in the North Sea in the late 1960s. Oil has been very important to the Norwegian economy.
Norway exports many commodities based on natural resources. Metals are important export products, especially aluminium. The metal industry requires a lot of electricity, and hydropower has made it possible to produce large amounts of metals. Fish is also an important natural resource in Norway. We export fish to many countries, and this export is increasing from year to year. Norway has a lot of forest. Some of the timber is processed. Timber is used, among other things, to make paper and building materials. Some timber is also exported.
Nature and outdoor life
Nature in itself is also a resource. Tourists come from all over the world to see the fjords and the Midnight Sun. Many people who live in Norway like to relax and recharge their batteries in nature. Wherever people live in Norway, nature is never far away and everyone can go where they like. This is known as public right of access. In outlying land (beaches, marshland, forests and mountains), we can go anywhere on foot or on skis and take a break wherever we like. You can spend the night under the stars or put up a tent, but you must do so at least 150 metres from houses and cabins. If you would like to spend more than two days in the same place, you have to ask for the landowner’s permission.
Using the public right of access also entails obligations. You must not hurt animals or spoil nature. You have to tidy up after you and not leave any rubbish. You also have to take care when lighting a fire. Lighting a fire in the forest or near a forest is prohibited from 15 April to 15 September. You are allowed to use a disposable barbecue, but you have to be careful.
You can pick berries, mushrooms and flowers in most places. Many Norwegians fish or hunt in their spare time. You generally have to buy a fishing permit to fish in rivers and lakes.
Talk together
- What natural resources does your home country have, and how are they used?
- Talk about the advantages and disadvantages of oil production and wind power.
- Talk about the public right of access. Are there similar rights in countries you know of?
Select the right answer
What does Norway export a lot of?
Select the right answer
What do we call the right to go where you like in nature?
Select the right answer
What duties do you have when you are in nature?
Select right or wrong
Read the statements. What is right? What is wrong?
Select right or wrong
Read the statements. What is right? What is wrong?
Click on the image
Click on the right place in the image. What can’t we do in or near a forest from 15 April to 15 September?