The new framework aims to encourage projects that protect and restore ecosystems, carried out by individuals, municipalities, organisations and companies. It also brings together previous funding schemes under one system, now managed by Land and Forest Iceland, to ensure clearer rules, simpler administration and greater transparency.

The regulation introduces new eligible project types, including protection of carbon-rich ecosystems, land-use planning, and education and community projects.

According to Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson, Minister of the Environment, Energy and Climate, broad participation in restoration and forestry is “key to achieving climate and biodiversity goals.”

The introduction of the regulation aligns with the Land and Life policy framework, the government’s strategy on land restoration and forestry, its Climate Action Plan, and the draft national strategy on biodiversity. The regulation is issued pursuant to Article 8 of the Act on Land Reclamation and Article 7 and Chapter IV of the Act on Forests and Forestry.

Deadline for input

Consultation is open until 6 November on the Government Consultation Portal.

• Draft regulation on incentive and support schemes for land restoration and forestry (in Icelandic)

• News story on the Government Website (in Icelandic)

• Provide input on the Government Consultation Portal