Centuries of overgrazing, volcanic eruptions, and deforestation reduced Iceland’s forests from covering 40% of the island to less than 1% by the 1900s. Today, scientists and volunteers are racing to reverse this ecological collapse through one of Earth’s most ambitious reforestation projects.
A Landscape Reborn
Near Hekla volcano, Icelandic Land and Forest Service experts Samson Harðarson and Hrefna Jensdóttir face a stark reality: restoring forests requires battling volcanic ash and degraded soils. Their team is planting 140,000 football pitches’ worth of mixed native birch and imported species designed to withstand Iceland’s harsh climate.
Pioneering Biodiversity
Forest geneticist Dr. Aðalsteinn Sigurgeirsson experiments with Sitka spruce and oak in lava-field microclimates. His work shows how strategic planting creates habitats for new bird species while stabilizing soils. Meanwhile, in Þórsmörk valley, protected birch groves have expanded from 200 to 5,000 hectares since 1924, thanks to erosion-control efforts.
Roots of Resilience
Reforestation isn’t just about scenery—it’s a climate shield. Trees trap volcanic ash, prevent erosion, and store carbon. As Harðarson notes: "Planting trees means leaving forests strong enough to protect future generations." With global volunteers joining locals each summer, Iceland’s green revival offers lessons in ecological perseverance for nations worldwide.
