Visitor Centre Sagnagarður  –  United Nations University Land Restoration Training Programme  –  Revegetation and Landcare in Iceland  –  Main Projects

The Soil Conservation Service of Iceland (SCSI)

Founded in 1907, the Soil Conservation Service of Iceland is a governmental agency under the Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources. The main tasks of the SCSI include combating desertification, sand encroachment and other soil erosion, promotion of sustainable land use and reclamation and restoration of degraded land. The work is on different levels, from policy making and research, to extension services and management of large- and small-scale reclamation projects.

Ecosystem degradation is by far the largest environmental problem in Iceland. Vast areas have been desertified after over-exploitation – the speed of erosion magnified by volcanic activity and harsh weather conditions. SCSI is dedicated to the prevention of erosion and to reclamation of eroded land.