Ingólfur Pétursson will defend his master's thesis in Environmental Sciences, "Governance Attributes influencing the Expansion of the Birch Woodlands in Iceland" at the Faculty of Environmental & Forest Sciences at the Agricultural University of Iceland.
Ingólfur’s supervisors are Dr. Þórunn W. Pétursdóttir and Dr. Ása L. Aradóttir. The examiner is Dr. Jón Geir Pétursson.
The master's defence will take place on Monday, June 30th 2025, at 10:30 am in Sauðafell, Keldnaholt Campus Reykjavík. The defence is open to everyone. Link to the Teams meeting here.
Abstract
This study explores the attributes that influence the restoration of birch woodland restoration in Iceland, focusing on the interplay between governance systems and historical context. Birch woodlands, once prevalent in Iceland, have dramatically declined due to anthropogenic factors, including deforestation and land use changes. The aim of this study was to provide actionable insights for governments at national level seeking to enhance birch woodland restoration initiatives, ensuring the recovery of these vital ecosystems while considering the socio-economic dynamics at play. Through a comprehensive analysis of current governance frameworks and historical land management practices, this research identifies key drivers that promote successful restoration efforts, such as community involvement, policy support, and ecological knowledge. This was conducted by literature research on ecosystem restoration of the birch woodlands and their governance as well as with interviews conducted with 11 specialists who have worked within or with the governance system in one way or another.,. The results were then compiled into a framework designed to analyze governance and social factors. The findings show that the governance system regarding the restoration of birch woodlands is not as efficient as it could be. It also highlights significant barriers, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of funding, and competing land use interests. Both the historical data and the interviews support this by showing a multitude of different variables that affect the restoration of birch woodlands. This suggests that the problem is multilayered and complex.
