The environment is very important to Icelanders, as they focus on sustainability and management of natural resources for their everyday lives. Their main exports include fish and seafood, so this brings not only concern for the environment, but the economy, as well. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Iceland, “Icelandic waters are among the cleanest in the world.“ They work hard to keep their waters clean because their lives and prosperity depend on it.
As we witnessed on our tours of Iceland, they are also taking large measures to decrease the effects of erosion because there has been a significant loss of vegetation. This is largely due to farmers allowing their sheep to over-graze, but the windy climate in Iceland also plays a large role. Today, Icelanders are constantly working to stop and even overturn the effects that erosion has had on their terrain.
Afforestation is also a main concern for Icelanders. When Iceland was first settled, about 25% of the country was considered forest. Today, only a little over 1% of Iceland is composed of forests. This began to change in the beginning of the 20th century, however, when coniferous trees were planted on the sides of mountains and in valleys that are out of the wind. Today, those trees are almost ready to be harvested and others are constantly being planted. We witnessed these forests on our light hike which showed us the new vegetation and trees, as well a beautiful view of Iceland. This allowed us to see the importance of the continuing efforts that are making a huge difference in Iceland’s landscape.
As we witnessed on our tours of Iceland, they are also taking large measures to decrease the effects of erosion because there has been a significant loss of vegetation. This is largely due to farmers allowing their sheep to over-graze, but the windy climate in Iceland also plays a large role. Today, Icelanders are constantly working to stop and even overturn the effects that erosion has had on their terrain.
Afforestation is also a main concern for Icelanders. When Iceland was first settled, about 25% of the country was considered forest. Today, only a little over 1% of Iceland is composed of forests. This began to change in the beginning of the 20th century, however, when coniferous trees were planted on the sides of mountains and in valleys that are out of the wind. Today, those trees are almost ready to be harvested and others are constantly being planted. We witnessed these forests on our light hike which showed us the new vegetation and trees, as well a beautiful view of Iceland. This allowed us to see the importance of the continuing efforts that are making a huge difference in Iceland’s landscape.
Photos and Text by Erin Josephson
The landscape in Iceland was SO difforent from something I have seen ebfore. It was interesting to go from rocks and flatness, to the beautiful mountainous coasts, to a forest set more inland. This was one of the only Forests I thought throughout allof Iceland. The way that they conserve their forests and still use the resources was also interesting to hear. I remember our guide also talking about how a lot of the species are brought over from places. Things just seemed like they got wiped out and now new species need to actually be introduced in order for them to have a diverse plant life other the grasses and mosses. I did really like our tour around this area as well because it yet again gave us another view on just how naturally unique the country of Iceland really is! it would have been awesome to see the glaciers and a different part of the country but... that will be saved for a different trip :)
ReplyDeleteErika Strom