The BirkiVist seminar: „Birch in culture, arts and life“ was held in the Nordic House on Friday, August 29.
The seminar was held by the research project BirkiVist: Restoration of birch ecosystems in the 21st century, and it presented the results of the part of the project that relates to the social, cultural and aesthetic value of birch.
BirkiVist is an interdisciplinary research and development project aimed at the development of efficient ways of restoring birch forests at the national level. BirkiVist is a joint project of UI, LbHÍ, LHÍ, Forestry and Land Reclamation.
The project identifies the main obstacles and opportunities for the natural colonization of birch and how social factors encourage or discourage recovery. The benefits and consequences of the recovery for carbon sequestration, water management, biodiversity, landscape and aesthetics are also assessed, as well as the translation of birch in arts and culture.
The novelty of the project consists, among other things, in broad cooperation between many parties (three universities and three professional organizations in the field of environmental issues through cooperation with more institutions, schools and start-ups) and which contribute different expertise and databases. The result will help Iceland meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations' global goals and strengthen policy making in the field of environmental issues. With BIRKIVIST, the intention is to promote efficiency, social harmony and increased public participation in recovery projects.
See more on the project's website.
The program of the seminar and speakers can be seen in more detail here.
