The Role of Land and Forest Iceland

Under the Land and Forest Iceland Act, the institution serves as Iceland’s the national centre of expertise in vegetation and soil resources . It plays a key role in research, monitoring and public education aimed at protecting, restoring and enhancing these resources, while promoting their sustainable use.

Land and Forest Iceland was established on 1 January 2024 through the merger of the Icelandic Forest Service and the Soil Conservation Service of Iceland. The institution carries out a wide range of projects in line with its statutory responsibilities and the Government’s Land and Life Action Plan. These projects support national objectives for sustainable land use and ecosystem restoration.

Objectives

The principal objectives of Land and Forest Iceland are to:

• Improve the nation’s vegetation and soil resources.

• Promote sustainable land use.

• Monitor and assess the condition of land resources.

• Support carbon sequestration and climate mitigation efforts.

• Engage and educate the public and stakeholders on vegetation and soil conservation, sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, forestry, and afforestation.

Legislation

Under the Land and Forest Iceland Act (No. 66/2023), the institution is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of legislation relating to soil conservation, forests, and forestry. It also carries out day-to-day public administration under these laws, as well as other legislation and international agreements relevant to its areas of responsibility.

For further information, see the Legislation and Regulations page.

Strengths

• Extensive expertise in sustainable land use and natural resource management.

• An important role in measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land use and increase carbon sequestration.

• Strong regional presence, with offices and staff located throughout Iceland.

• Broad collaboration with landowners, public institutions, and other stakeholders.

Main Areas of Activity

• Enhancing land quality through revegetation and the restoration of degraded ecosystems.

• Protecting existing woodlands, establishing new forests, and promoting the natural expansion of native woodlands.

• Protecting wetlands and restoring degraded wetland ecosystems.

• Conducting research and monitoring, sharing knowledge, and providing education and outreach.

For further information, see the Organisation Chart and Divisions page.