Forests and forestry in Iceland

Venue: Conference Room, Polo di Mesiano - via Mesiano 77, Trento
Time: 14:00 -15:15

Speaker

Brynjólfur Jónsson, MSc in Forest Sciences, Director of IFA (Icelandic Forestry Association/Skógræktarfélag Íslands), Chief Editor of Skógræktarritið (Icelandic Forestry – The Journal of The Icelandic Forestry Association).

Abstract

Iceland, at the juncture of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, is a geologically young land, with a high volcanic activity. Lakes and glaciers cover 14,3% of its surface.

The climate of Iceland’s coast is subarctic, and only 23% of its surface is covered by vegetation, which today is characterised mostly by a tundra ecosystem. When Iceland was first settled (9-10 Century AD), it was extensively forested. However, the forests were heavily exploited over the centuries and the thin volcanic soils exposed to severe erosion.

The presentation focuses on past, present and future afforestation and soil protection attempts in Iceland; on how the country is trying to halt desertification, promote soil protection and afforestation, and restore the native woodland that once (before the Viking settlement) covered this North Atlantic volcanic island. What can we learn from afforestation and soil protection in an environment with very particular geological features and vis-à-vis current climate changes?

The seminar is addressed to Students, PhDs and members of the university community.

Free entrance according to place availability.

edited by Communication and Events Office - polo di Collina