Minister Visits Land and Forest

The esteemed Minister arrived in Gunnarsholt on May 30th, accompanied by her delegation. The initial phase of the visit entailed an educational tour of Sagnagarður, a facility dedicated to informing visitors about the erosion of vegetation and soil in Iceland. Additionally, the efforts undertaken since the early 20th century to safeguard and enhance the nation's vegetation and soil resources are highlighted. Subsequently, a brief tour of the Gunnarsholt vicinity showcased the remarkable outcomes of land reclamation and forestry initiatives spanning over a century. A stop was made at Bæjarvörður, offering a panoramic view of Gunnarsholt. A sign indicating the appearance of Gunnarsholt houses and surroundings in the forties served as a testament to the significant improvements in vegetation that have been made since, successfully combating the erosion forces.

After lunch, the Gunnarsholt facilities, including laboratories and seed processing areas, were inspected. Subsequently, representatives from the executive council of Land and Forest Iceland provided an overview of the institution's various roles and departments. Director Ágúst Sigurðsson presented a comprehensive review of Land and Forest Iceland's organizational structure, operations, and nationwide distribution. Thereafter, Gustav Magnús Ásbjörnsson discussed his leadership role in ecosystem restoration and elaborated on the operations of the Gunnarsholt seed processing center, particularly concerning the collection and processing of seeds utilised in land reclamation projects. The visiting delegation expressed keen interest in the methodologies employed for wetland restoration and the challenges that need to be addressed to enhance the scope of such endeavors.

Hreinn Óskarsson, Director of National Forests and Land Management, engaged in a discourse on the intricate challenges confronting the land properties under the purview of Land and Forest, encompassing both national forests and land-reclamation areas. He further emphasised the projected expansion of the timber industry, wherein Land and Forest Iceland assumes a pivotal role in fostering development and proactively facilitating the eventual transfer of production responsibilities to other entities. The long-term vision entails Iceland achieving significant self-sufficiency in timber products within the forthcoming decades.

Mr. Hreinn Óskarsson, Director of National Forests and Lands, engaged in a discussion on the complex challenges facing the land properties under the purview of Land and Forest, including national forests and land-reclamation areas. He further emphasised the anticipated growth of the timber industry, where Land and Forest Iceland plays a crucial role in promoting development and proactively facilitating the eventual transfer of production responsibilities to other entities. The long-term vision involves Iceland achieving substantial self-sufficiency in timber products within the coming decades.

Subsequently, Bryndís Marteinsdóttir provided an overview of her leadership role in the Division of Sustainable Land Use. She emphasised the significance of this entity in monitoring the state of Icelandic vegetation and soil resources, as well as its involvement in the preservation and restoration of wetlands and other vital ecosystems. Bryndís elaborated on the ongoing development of a certification system for wetlands projects, enabling them to generate carbon units. Additionally, she highlighted the collaborative efforts with various institutions and ministries in the creation of a new soil map for Iceland, thereby addressing one of the three specific issues explicitly addressed on this occation to the minister and ministry for discussion.

The second of the three significant subjects addressed for discussion with the minister was the construction of a new seedhouse in Vaglir National Forest. This facility is crucial for enhancing the production of the larch hybrid known as 'Hrymur', which has demonstrated exceptional adaptability as a tree species for afforestation initiatives in Iceland. Its rapid growth rate and resilience in diverse environments, including poor soil and regions where Siberian larch has encountered difficulties, make it a valuable asset. Brynjar Skúlason, Director of Research and Development, provided an overview of this project while also addressing broader challenges in his field. These included forest surveys, verification of carbon sequestration, and the introduction of a collaborative research project involving multiple institutions focused on biodiversity within cultivated forests.

The third significant matter that was specifically requested for discussion with the Ministry was the mapping of agricultural land that Land and Forest has been tasked to lead. The project's development is still pending, as is the agency's specific function in its development and implementation. The project's establishment is still pending, as is the definition of the agency's specific function in its development and implementation. The minister was inquired about the current status of these matters.

On behalf of Land and Forest Iceland, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Minister of Food and Agriculture Bjarkey Olsen Gunnarsdóttir and her team for taking the time to visit us. We are hopeful that this visit will serve as a catalyst for a fruitful cooperation.