The Green Paper on land restoration and forestry provides a basis for discussion on the current state of the sector, the implementation of the existing national plan, and the key challenges and priorities for the years ahead.

Under the Soil Conservation Act No. 155/2018 and the Forests and Forestry Act No. 33/2019, the Minister is required to issue a national plan for land restoration and forestry every ten years. Among other matters, the plan must address ecosystem protection and restoration, soil conservation, sustainable land use, forestry, and the ways in which land use can support livelihoods and rural communities.

National Plan to 2036

The current national plan for land restoration and forestry, Land and Life, was published in 2022 and remains in force until 2031. Alongside it, an implementation plan for the period 2022–2026 was issued. The current review is intended to result in a new national plan extending to 2036, accompanied by an implementation plan for 2027–2031.

The Green Paper is the first stage of this review. It assesses the current state of the sector, the implementation of the existing national plan, progress in delivering its measures, and the principal issues requiring attention. It also identifies potential priorities for the coming years and presents draft proposals for a future vision, strategic priorities and possible approaches for discussion.

Consultation Findings to Inform the White Paper

The purpose of the consultation is to provide members of the public, stakeholders and other interested parties with an opportunity to comment on the Green Paper’s assessment of the current situation, as well as the priorities, strategic themes and approaches it proposes.

In particular, feedback is sought on whether the assessment accurately reflects the current state of the sector, whether the key priorities for the coming years have been appropriately identified, and which priorities and approaches should guide future policy.

Following the consultation, all submissions will be reviewed and the findings used in preparing a White Paper setting out a proposed future vision, objectives and priorities for the new national plan. Further consultation is envisaged during the preparation of the White Paper, including stakeholder meetings, before the final national plan and accompanying implementation plan are developed.

The deadline for submitting comments on the Green Paper is 4 December.

Open the Government Consultation Portal:
https://island.is/samradsgatt/mal/4365