Imagine a land where ice and volcanoes rule the scene—yet just a century ago, Iceland was more or less treeless. 🌋❄️ Overgrazing, eruptions and harsh winds left less than 1% forest cover, turning fragile volcanic soils into some of Europe's most degraded land.
Fast forward to today: a reforestation zone the size of 140,000 football pitches is taking root. Scientists and conservationists from the Icelandic Land and Forest Service, like Samson Hardarson and Hrefna Jensdottir, are planting native birch alongside carefully chosen imported trees to build forests that can shrug off ash, storms and a changing climate. 💪🌲
Meanwhile, forest geneticist Dr. Adalsteinn Sigurgeirsson is running a wild experiment in his own summer cabin. By creating little shelters—or microclimates—he's getting Sitka spruce, lodgepole pine and even oaks to grow on barren lava fields. These "pioneer species" pave the way for more delicate trees, boosting biodiversity and inviting new bird species to the scene. 🐦🌱
One of the biggest success stories is the Thorsmork valley. Fenced off in 1924 to save its birch groves, it's grown from just 200 hectares to almost 5,000 today. Volunteers—from eco-clubs in Mumbai, Manila and Jakarta to curious students on gap-year trips—join locals each summer to plant willows and stabilize the soil, making the valley a green oasis against ashfalls and fierce winds. 🤝🌳
Reforestation in Iceland isn't just about pretty landscapes—it's a resilience game. Trees lock away carbon, shield soils from erosion and stand guard against volcanic ash. As Samson says, "It gives me joy to plant trees, even if I never walk beneath them—what matters is protecting this land for future generations." 🌍❤️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
