Björgvin Örn Receives the Forestry Encouragement Award

This is the third time the award has been presented. It is awarded annually to individuals, groups, companies, associations or institutions that have made an outstanding and selfless contribution to forestry in Iceland. The award is not intended as a lifetime achievement honour; rather, its purpose is to encourage continued efforts in forestry and to highlight the diverse and valuable work being carried out across the country.

A call for nominations was issued in January, and a total of 32 candidates were nominated. A selection committee shortlisted three candidates, after which a public vote was held online. Björgvin Örn Eggertsson received the highest number of votes.

The ceremony at Reykir began with welcoming remarks by Ragnhildur Freysteinsdóttir, representative of the Icelandic Forestry Association. Hreinn Óskarsson, Director of National Forests, Land and Infrastructure at Land and Forest Iceland, then formally presented the award to Björgvin. He received a commemorative prize: a bowl made from Icelandic rowan wood, crafted by woodturner and plant physiologist Jón Guðmundsson.

Björgvin has worked in forestry throughout his career, focusing both on afforestation and, in particular, on the management of young and mature forests. He leads continuing education in forestry at the Horticultural College, where he has overseen the course series Greener Forests I and II since 2007, earning high regard for his work. In addition, he has organised and taught numerous other specialised courses, generously sharing his experience and expertise.

He has also participated in and led a wide range of collaborative projects with domestic and international partners, contributing to increased knowledge within the forestry sector. Among the courses he regularly teaches are thinning and chainsaw operation, emphasising the importance of proper training, safety, and accident prevention in such work.

The Forestry Encouragement Award is jointly presented by the Icelandic Forestry Association, Land and Forest Iceland, and the Farmers Association of Iceland (Forestry Division). The award is also part of Iceland’s contribution to raising awareness of the International Day of Forests on 21 March, while its primary aim is to encourage continued achievement in the field of forestry.

The accompanying photographs show this year’s award recipient, Björgvin Örn Eggertsson, together with representatives of the award’s organisers. From left: Hjörtur Bergmann Jónsson (Farmers Association of Iceland), Björgvin Örn Eggertsson, Hreinn Óskarsson (Land and Forest Iceland), Ragnhildur Freysteinsdóttir (Icelandic Forestry Association), and Sólrún Þórðardóttir (Farmers Association of Iceland).