The experts leading this work are Professor Bjarni Diðrik Sigurðsson of the Agricultural University of Iceland and Professor Skúli Skúlason of Hólar University. Their task is to prepare a report reviewing the current state of knowledge, policies, and regulatory frameworks concerning species selection in forestry and land restoration, both globally and in Iceland.

Land and Forest Iceland, in consultation with its ministry, considers it important to engage external specialists with recognised expertise and trust in this complex field. A strong and transparent foundation is essential for Iceland’s forestry and land restoration work. The experts will assess the situation at home and abroad, consulting with relevant stakeholders who can contribute valuable insights, with the goal of proposing future approaches and measures for species use in forestry and land restoration.

Land and Forest Iceland’s Commitments

Chapter 2 of the current government policy action plan Land and Life (Icel. Land og líf) sets out measures to strengthen and protect biodiversity and to minimise ecosystem disturbance caused by land restoration, forestry, wetland restoration, and vegetation management. Land and Forest Iceland is carrying out a range of actions in consultation with key partners. Progress on these actions varies:

• 2.1 Research on the effects of land restoration, forestry, and wetland restoration on biodiversity.
  Research into forest ecosystems is well underway through the projects Skógvist 2 and the analysis of natural regeneration data from the Icelandic Forest Inventory (ÍSÚ). Further work is being initiated to assess the biodiversity impacts of wetland restoration, notably under the LIFEline Peatland project, which is strongly supported by the European Union.

• 2.2 Risk assessment of the most common tree species used in forestry.
  This area still lacks sufficient data, and the results of the study led by Bjarni Diðrik and Skúli are expected to be a key contribution. It should be noted that guidelines for the use of the most common tree species in forestry are continuously being updated, in step with ongoing species and provenance trials.

• 2.3 New quality criteria for site selection in forestry.
  This action is well advanced, with the first version of the quality criteria now being tested and implemented. Work has also been ongoing to develop and adapt standards for ecosystem restoration and sustainable forestry, which are entering the implementation phase this autumn.

• 2.4 Biodiversity in the Icelandic Forest Inventory.
  Updates to the methods and scope of the ÍSÚ to better incorporate biodiversity are in their final stages.

Assessing the Risk of Common Tree Species

Forestry expansion is identified as an important measure in Iceland’s Climate Action Plan to 2030, which foresees significant growth in forest establishment. Increased forestry for timber production is also planned, alongside steps to promote the sustainable use of domestic wood and other forest products.

All actions that involve revegetation or afforestation — including the use of non-native species — transform existing ecosystems, as that is their intended effect. Many of the species used in forestry in Iceland are capable of natural regeneration.

Government policy seeks to integrate climate, soil protection, and biodiversity objectives. It is therefore considered necessary to conduct a risk assessment of the most commonly used tree species in forestry and to prepare guidelines for their use, including criteria for site selection and safeguards to prevent negative impacts on biodiversity. As stated in the Land and Life action plan, these guidelines will form part of the broader quality standards for selecting land for forestry, described under action 2.3.

Leadership for Progress

The objective of this initiative is to ensure that the measures set out in Chapter 2 of Land and Life are clear, coherent, and effective. It should be emphasised that the project covers species selection for both forestry and land restoration.

The role of Professors Bjarni Diðrik Sigurðsson and Skúli Skúlason is not to make binding decisions, but to guide the process and ensure that it moves forward in a constructive and well-informed manner.

The work is expected to be completed within the next three to six months. During that time, Professors Bjarni Diðrik and Skúli are likely to consult with staff members of Land and Forest Iceland for information and assistance as needed.

The photograph above was taken by Ágúst Sigurðsson, Director of Land and Forest Iceland, during a luncheon with Bjarni Diðrik and Skúli, where they engaged in discussions regarding their upcoming endeavors.