The agreement confirms that Lions members will continue their important contribution to the restoration and expansion of Iceland’s native birch woodlands and birch scrub in the years ahead.

According to the memorandum, the objectives of the partnership are to:

• Encourage public participation and engagement by voluntary organisations in the collection and sowing of birch seed.

• Increase awareness and understanding of the importance of birch woodlands and ecosystem restoration.

• Support the restoration and expansion of Iceland’s native birch forests and scrublands.

• Contribute to Iceland’s national goal of establishing birch forests and birch scrub on 5% of the country’s land area by 2030.

Through the partnership, Lions clubs and Land and Forest Iceland aim to:

• Organise an annual awareness and promotional campaign during the birch seed collection season.

• Encourage participation by Lions clubs and members of the public across Iceland.

• Provide guidance and educational materials on the collection, handling and sowing of birch seed.

• Maintain regular consultation between Lions Iceland and Land and Forest Iceland throughout the period of cooperation.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on 30 May at the Lions Iceland Convention, held at Laugarvatn.

On behalf of Land and Forest Iceland, the agreement was signed by Hreinn Óskarsson, Director of National Forests, Land and Infrastructure. Representing Lions Iceland were Dagný S. Finnsdóttir, Environmental Officer, and Anna Fr. Blöndal, Multiple District Governor. Below is an image of Anna Fr. Blöndal collecting birch seeds in autumn 2024 at the Reykhús Forest in Eyjafjörður.