5 minute lesson
Bringing the Trees Back to Iceland
What would your world look like if all the trees disappeared?
Iceland’s first settlers cut down vast forests to make way for cows, sheep, and pigs. This deforestation occurred in the Iron Age, and it wasn’t until recently that Icelanders have worked to reverse its effects. EUFORGEN (European Forest Genetic Resources Programme) is working to develop new species of tree that will cover Iceland once again with thick, beautiful forests.
Take a look!
Why It Matters
The natural landscape is fragile, and as you can see in this case, it takes a lot of careful cultivation to reverse the damage done by human beings.
If we work hard to preserve the environment, we won’t have to counteract our own actions; if we aren’t careful we may well damage the world beyond repair.
Let's Talk About It
EUFORGEN
European Forest Genetic Resources Programme promotes the conservation and appropriate use of genetic resources of forest trees. The Programme brings together scientists, forest managers and policymakers at the pan-European level, and encourages the uptake of good practices and new research results in this area for the implementation of sustainable forest management.