Iceland Is Growing New Forests for the First Time in 1,000 Years | Short Film Showcase

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  • čas přidán 12. 01. 2018
  • The landscape of Iceland has changed a lot in a thousand years. When the Vikings first arrived in the ninth century, the land was covered in 25 to 40 percent forest.
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    Within a few centuries, almost all of the island’s trees were slashed and burned to make room for farming. This rapid deforestation has resulted in massive soil erosion that puts the island at risk for desertification.
    Today, the Icelandic Forest Service has taken on the mammoth task of bringing back the woodlands. With the help of forestry societies and forest farmers, Iceland’s trees are slowly beginning to make a comeback. Watch this short film by Euforgen to learn more about how their efforts are working to benefit Iceland's economy and ecology through forestry.
    Produced by Duckrabbit: www.duckrabbit.info/
    Directed by Ewa Hermanowicz.: ehermanowicz.wordpress.com/
    Euforgen: www.euforgen.org/about-us/news...
    Icelandic Forest Service: www.skogur.is/english
    About National Geographic:
    National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.
    Iceland Is Growing New Forests for the First Time in 1,000 Years | Short Film Showcase
    • Iceland Is Growing New...
    National Geographic
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Komentáře • 4,4K

  • @NatGeo
    @NatGeo  Před 6 lety +2269

    Who knew selecting the right kinds of trees to plant could be such a difficult task? What do you think about Pröstur's efforts to combat deforestation in Iceland?

    • @rickytre7
      @rickytre7 Před 6 lety +68

      National Geographic A step in the right direction

    • @vinaypatil2426
      @vinaypatil2426 Před 6 lety +80

      In India, We need the millions of right saplings for the different ecological conditions in the mission for Rally for Rivers. Please document it and guide us in the right direction.

    • @nwsv
      @nwsv Před 6 lety +75

      His name is Þröstur and he is a legend.

    • @earthwizz
      @earthwizz Před 6 lety +63

      National Geographic
      It's an example that needs to be adopted globally. The urgent requirement for reforestation is poorly understood.
      Our deforestation of this planet over the last few thousand years has been truly epic and whenever we remove forest we remove biodiversity, we create extinctions. Is it just coincidence that we are currently in the middle of the 6th, and largest, major species extinction event in the history of life on earth?
      In all previous events the more complex species went to the wall and this time that's us. The precautionary principle would suggest as many trees as we can as fast as we can.

    • @noneofyourbeeswax01
      @noneofyourbeeswax01 Před 6 lety +45

      The once native species that used to forest these zones cannot simply be replanted because the soil has been denuded to such an extent that it is no longer capable of sustaining the original flora.

  • @Adam-uk2dh
    @Adam-uk2dh Před 6 lety +4491

    Planting new forests should be every countries concerns.

    • @greatwolf5372
      @greatwolf5372 Před 6 lety +61

      Canada Canada is full of trees though

    • @Adam-uk2dh
      @Adam-uk2dh Před 6 lety +143

      Canada is fortunate with vast forests, but invasive species like the mountain pine beetle and emerald ash borer are destroying trees at a surprising rate. Temperatures in British Columbia and Ontario that would normally reach sub -30 degrees for 3-4 weeks in the winter no longer occur allowing invasive species to thrive. Ironically, these past 4 weeks have been some of the coldest times we've experienced in Canada.

    • @nancybaldwin1811
      @nancybaldwin1811 Před 6 lety +71

      I agree. But the biggest thing is urban development. Getting more green spaces in cities. Designing them better.

    • @Adam-uk2dh
      @Adam-uk2dh Před 6 lety +46

      Nancy Baldwin Existing plant and animal corridors are our last hope, eliminating natural access to them will result in further decline of biodiversity. Southern Ontario is developing at a rapid pace and our surrounding ecosystems cannot keep up. Thorough Environmental Impact Assessments and community involvement is what our land needs.

    • @isabellafelipedeoliveiraca6698
      @isabellafelipedeoliveiraca6698 Před 6 lety +11

      Except Malta. They have never had natural forests there as the climate and geography doesn't allow forests to grow. However I hope the Maltese are preserving their native maquis and garrigue shrubland vegetation.

  • @tristondoyle9286
    @tristondoyle9286 Před 3 lety +643

    “A civilization truly becomes great when old men plant trees in whose shade they will never sit”- Greek proverb.

    • @Eliqueme
      @Eliqueme Před 3 lety +7

      Damb, that's deep lol. I'm not even lying

    • @shoam2103
      @shoam2103 Před 3 lety +2

      Can you.. explain? 2deep4me..
      Old men plant trees and they may die before they enjoy the shade of their labor, true. But what makes it a great civilization? Aren't the youth planting trees too? Aren't old men living longer?

    • @promithefs
      @promithefs Před 3 lety +14

      "What makes the wolf bigger is the fear" . German proverb

    • @TheMitchellExpress
      @TheMitchellExpress Před 3 lety +55

      @@shoam2103 it's because it reflects a society that chooses to live selflessly.

    • @aby0ni
      @aby0ni Před 3 lety

      Brought a tear to my eye.
      That's deep.

  • @thePlum
    @thePlum Před 3 lety +76

    This is amazing, I always thought that Iceland naturally had no trees, but it makes sense that deforestation has caused it.

  • @michaeldryden4639
    @michaeldryden4639 Před 3 lety +227

    They used to say that if you got lost in a Icelandic Forest all you had to was stand up.

    • @PompayKing123
      @PompayKing123 Před 3 lety

      God dammmm 😂

    • @Minuz1
      @Minuz1 Před 3 lety +4

      It's still a saying :P

    • @hmidouchboetekees5320
      @hmidouchboetekees5320 Před 3 lety +1

      I dont get it?

    • @michaeldryden4639
      @michaeldryden4639 Před 3 lety +5

      I was at a family gathering on the island of Hrisey and out walking I went to a tree plantation very strange. All the trees had started to grow but when they reached a height 60mm they turned 90 degrees and hugged the ground. The wind was fairly constant and I guess stunted there growth

    • @PompayKing123
      @PompayKing123 Před 3 lety +2

      @@hmidouchboetekees5320 If I'm correct it's because there are no trees to begin with.

  • @chandrashekhar570
    @chandrashekhar570 Před 5 lety +389

    Grow trees : it rains better
    Grow trees : the air is better
    Grow tress : your mind is better
    Grow trees : your life is better.

  • @larshagenDK
    @larshagenDK Před 5 lety +438

    If you get lost in a forrest in iceland.
    Just stand up

  • @65fhd4d6h5
    @65fhd4d6h5 Před 3 lety +381

    This guy's command of the English language is incredible. Hard to tell it's not his mother tongue.

    • @ninjafruitchilled
      @ninjafruitchilled Před 3 lety +41

      Icelanders are few in number and know that no-one else in the world speaks their weird language (though the other norse folk are close). So they learn English really well ;).

    • @has-pingu7862
      @has-pingu7862 Před 3 lety +2

      @@ninjafruitchilled i guess icelandic is kinda similar so its easy in my case when i watched youtube 24/7

    • @pjacobsen1000
      @pjacobsen1000 Před 3 lety +10

      He must have spent a significant amount of time in North America, perhaps as a student or researcher.

    • @Joseph-xj4ex
      @Joseph-xj4ex Před 3 lety +2

      @@has-pingu7862 Same with Norwegian. It's quite similar.

    • @Creatalis
      @Creatalis Před 3 lety +4

      His accent sounds almost uncannily Canadian.

  • @jinlee3329
    @jinlee3329 Před 4 lety +395

    I used to be a tree planter in Canada, our saying was "one two tree" : )

    • @GGG-hh5jo
      @GGG-hh5jo Před 4 lety

      U just save 100 people

    • @mrhellmann14
      @mrhellmann14 Před 4 lety +3

      Get these 3000 trees in the ground today buddy.
      And don't forget to make your 8 smokos

    • @ivanpchelin7912
      @ivanpchelin7912 Před 3 lety +1

      Did you know, in some languages people actually say tree when they mean three?

    • @masteneama930
      @masteneama930 Před 3 lety +2

      Viva l'Algérie

    • @alanmckeeve2695
      @alanmckeeve2695 Před 3 lety

      Long ago trees were called arbors but peasants were only allowed to grow three fruit trees, that's where the word tree came from but I am not sure if this is accurate but probably is.

  • @torh1
    @torh1 Před 5 lety +1655

    I plant many kinds of tree every year on my birthday as much as my age. BTW, I also produce the little trees by myself from the seed I could find around my area.

    • @Lyre206
      @Lyre206 Před 5 lety +12

      Why CZcams allow click bait? That’s awesome! Thx for doing that!💜😁

    • @danieljones9463
      @danieljones9463 Před 5 lety +38

      Well done! A fine idea and example for me to emulate and follow.

    • @Groensagsfobier
      @Groensagsfobier Před 5 lety +21

      That's amazing, where do you plant them?

    • @jaderebekah
      @jaderebekah Před 5 lety +15

      I would love to follow this example. Thanks for the inspiration!

    • @gotemabk9024
      @gotemabk9024 Před 5 lety +8

      I once planted my chia pet seeds so yea there's that

  • @perolden
    @perolden Před 5 lety +948

    I Live in Norway, when i was a kid forests covered 28 % of our country, today they say it's 35%. It's not actually forests, but they call them that, it's tree plantations. 1000 years ago, 70% of the forests were leafy trees like oak. Today oak is 2%.
    It's the barren trees like spruce and fir that dominate.

    • @walrustrent2001
      @walrustrent2001 Před 5 lety +74

      1000 years ago it had been warmer than now for a century...

    • @weekendworrier2468
      @weekendworrier2468 Před 5 lety +17

      @@walrustrent2001 warmer? I don't think so

    • @walrustrent2001
      @walrustrent2001 Před 5 lety +156

      ​@@weekendworrier2468 the historical evidence is pretty strong and perhaps you have not been given it.
      The respective northen limits of oliver and vineyards in Europe are very precisely known, they were subjected to taxes. And we have a tremendous amount of tax records of the medieval period.
      For instance in 1000 AD, England was producing wine.
      This is important because the correlation with average and minimum temperatures is very high. So we have the data that proves that Europe was warmer in 1000 AD than now, and had been for nearly a century.
      Now I know the IPCC has been saying that Europe's warm medieval period was only local, and that globally earth was much cooler. But they have no data to back it up. IPCC has acknowledged making up present-day data in the regions where the measurements cannot be made - by interpolations (look up climate gate mails).
      But that doesn't stop them from claiming that they know the temperatures around the globe 1000 yers ago...
      Science is to take measurement data and make a theory that explains it. The IPCC treats the theorical results of its models on par with actual temperature measurements. That is wrong.

    • @callmeishmel
      @callmeishmel Před 5 lety +34

      Better than barren lifeless ground...

    • @nobodynobody3903
      @nobodynobody3903 Před 5 lety +49

      Oak is actually prepared much better for warmer climate, than spruce and fir. In switzerland, we start planting more leafy trees in the lower areas🙂

  • @badguy1481
    @badguy1481 Před 4 lety +31

    I always thought Iceland was stark...devoid of trees...and it was Iceland's natural state. I'm glad those forests are starting to thrive. I'm sure it will turn Iceland into an even more beautiful paradise than it is already.

    • @Patrick3183
      @Patrick3183 Před 2 lety

      Tbh they should plant seeds across literally the entire country

  • @danblackman9506
    @danblackman9506 Před 4 lety +1523

    Imagine if everyone around the world planted one tree each year.

    • @asif8672
      @asif8672 Před 4 lety +99

      that would be great seriously we have almost 100+ trees around our house we planted them in time frame of 5 years its real blessing for just watching them grow so satisfying .
      if everyone around the world plant 5 tree per house than global warming might be tackled

    • @jettthreapleton9911
      @jettthreapleton9911 Před 4 lety +25

      Asif Raza that isn’t possible for everyone. It is also not safe all the time for there to be trees hanging over a house. As wonderful as that would be it’s just not realistic.

    • @Estoooopid
      @Estoooopid Před 4 lety +9

      Dang i just cut down a tree.

    • @danblackman9506
      @danblackman9506 Před 4 lety +11

      @@Estoooopid Make sure to put it good use and chuck it on a log burner and sit infront of it with a pint 👍

    • @LakeNarrow
      @LakeNarrow Před 4 lety +23

      @JT Climate change is already happening. Why would it suddenly stop in one decade?

  • @LeahandLevi
    @LeahandLevi Před 6 lety +2085

    Can we all just have a moment to be stoked on some good environmental news! Heck yeah!

    • @rafaelsousa6765
      @rafaelsousa6765 Před 5 lety +12

      ikr but mostly its like 10 bads environmental news and 1-2 good ones

    • @PrimetimeNut
      @PrimetimeNut Před 5 lety +21

      They aren’t even native trees...

    • @florisbiezeman3800
      @florisbiezeman3800 Před 5 lety +26

      @@PrimetimeNut They are trying to make them native by selecting prefereable genetics which will eventually lead to an entire new subspecies being formed. If that subspecies can only be found in Iceland, they're native. What they do there with the trees is just a faster version of evolution.

    • @Rao665
      @Rao665 Před 5 lety +4

      @@florisbiezeman3800 thats what the europeans said to native americans. i mean guess youre right then.

    • @kennethkirkham2471
      @kennethkirkham2471 Před 5 lety +14

      Thankfully more CO2 helps the forests grow. The past decade has seen a huge % of forest returning.

  • @IlseMulAuthor
    @IlseMulAuthor Před 6 lety +436

    I like this initiative. It's good to make the planet greener again.

    • @colbywinfield
      @colbywinfield Před 6 lety +5

      Ilse Mul Make the planet green again!

    • @IlseMulAuthor
      @IlseMulAuthor Před 6 lety +3

      Indeed, Colby Winfield ! It is so important! And do what you can to make the planet healthier, with solar panels, clean houses, collecting plastics, glass, etc separately instead of all together with all the non-recycable stuff. Recycle wherever and whenever you can!

    • @kris2fari
      @kris2fari Před 6 lety +8

      Here in New Zealand there is an initiative to plant a billion trees to ensure we have a renewable resource for multiple reasons including building, shelter, and biodiversity. Trees are great living carbon storage sinks . Impressed with Icelandic initiatives also.

    • @mikerichardson7244
      @mikerichardson7244 Před 6 lety +4

      CARBON makes the planet greener

    • @samuelrs5138
      @samuelrs5138 Před 6 lety +3

      carbon is neutral

  • @jspin1103
    @jspin1103 Před 3 lety +124

    Need a guy like this in South America to regrown the rainforests.

    • @theviniso
      @theviniso Před 3 lety +18

      You'd need a million of guys like him to make up for the last decade of deforestation.

    • @scribblescrabble3185
      @scribblescrabble3185 Před 3 lety +9

      and the world to go vegan ... think about why the rainforest is cut down. It isn't because people like the one in the video is missing in brasil.

    • @faberofwillandmight
      @faberofwillandmight Před 3 lety +8

      @@scribblescrabble3185 The rain forests aren't cut down because South America is not vegan. Its because the governments are week and poor and cant afford to properly protect the rainforests, we need them to become richer countries not vegans.

    • @scribblescrabble3185
      @scribblescrabble3185 Před 3 lety +20

      @@faberofwillandmight The rainforest in Brasil gets cut down for soy and corn plantations, food for our industrialised meat production, world wide not only in south america. And the brasilien government could afford to protect it, but doesn't want to, since Bolsonaro doesn't see the worth of the forest. I'm no vegan either, but a cynic.

    • @faberofwillandmight
      @faberofwillandmight Před 3 lety

      @Herbert Cukurs You've responded to the wrong person.

  • @jasmineluxemburg6200
    @jasmineluxemburg6200 Před 3 lety +14

    I spent several weeks in Iceland. I cycled around the complete circle of the whole island island. Alone ! Because that isolation allowed me time to connect with the landscape , take in its awesome lava and ice worn forms, it’s raw beauty ! Contemplate how the island was formed and how it is still spreading itself over ions from its desolate central fault to its slightly less wild outer edges ! Where winds howl , whales dive and lupinistas do

  • @thatgirldaniel9830
    @thatgirldaniel9830 Před 6 lety +297

    You know, people don't appreciate this wonderful world enough. Nature is Amazing. It's all you can ask for in life.

    • @ANONYMOUS-hf2qm
      @ANONYMOUS-hf2qm Před 6 lety +3

      That Girl Daniel well said

    • @Whaatever1027
      @Whaatever1027 Před 6 lety

      DATING HARLEY QUINN Are there side effects to MDMA or at least by consuming it alot?

    • @craigcorson3036
      @craigcorson3036 Před 6 lety +1

      That Girl Daniel
      Well - that, and someone to share it with.

    • @craigcorson3036
      @craigcorson3036 Před 6 lety

      George Garvey
      I'm sure that in the paranoid fantasyland you call your mind, that comment relates to this conversation in some way.

    • @lynnbushell9312
      @lynnbushell9312 Před 6 lety +1

      It really doesn't matter how he got there, just that he did. Might recommend MDMA to the frackers and oil barons.

  • @leecabangbang3189
    @leecabangbang3189 Před 5 lety +534

    I'm proud to say, I planted a tree in Iceland when I went there for a visit!

  • @vladchetvertak3394
    @vladchetvertak3394 Před 3 lety +140

    Here's the real heroes. Not the trendy singers, actors or politics. Their aim is just to make an our planet a bit better.

    • @antonahlqvist6102
      @antonahlqvist6102 Před 3 lety

      I agree. Though Björk (Birch in english) will always be a hero to me as well.

  • @davereed5158
    @davereed5158 Před 3 lety +59

    I'm part Native American and my soul lives in the forest. The soul of all lives in the forest. Thank you Iceland Forestry!!!

    • @pureblood3127
      @pureblood3127 Před 3 lety +2

      I was born in America too 👍

    • @johnwilliams-pq4jp
      @johnwilliams-pq4jp Před 3 lety

      No mate. Your soul is only in you. And everybody's native

    • @rasputin7633
      @rasputin7633 Před 3 lety +1

      Well, part of your soul lives in the forest. The other part isn't worthy.

  • @nimbuskhannk627
    @nimbuskhannk627 Před 5 lety +127

    Knowing Iceland, their incredibly resilient and good natured people and the close-to-mother-earth feelings that island evokes, this feels SO right...Respect, Pröstur.

    • @hafor2846
      @hafor2846 Před 5 lety +1

      Þröstur

    • @cezarstefanseghjucan
      @cezarstefanseghjucan Před 5 lety +8

      @ZionHillCalling Everyone needs to kill nature in order to survive. However, once you can thrive, you have to care about nature, because you need it to survive.

    • @danieljones9463
      @danieljones9463 Před 5 lety +3

      @ZionHillCalling Becoming closer to The Earth. Correcting their ancestors mistakes.

  • @ErnestJay88
    @ErnestJay88 Před 6 lety +1782

    Iceland = full of green trees
    Greenland = full of ices.

    • @MultiMangaGuy
      @MultiMangaGuy Před 5 lety +32

      Iceland is the first step for a green island and later on Greenland might have alot of trees as well

    • @wobu5361
      @wobu5361 Před 5 lety +62

      Ernest Jay ice is not countable so you just say ice

    • @maxxon2060
      @maxxon2060 Před 5 lety +21

      wa gu - ices sounds so much cooler though, haha

    • @eogg25
      @eogg25 Před 5 lety +33

      There was a joke for guys in the military going to Greenland, they told them there was a girl behind every tree, the only problem they only had one tree in a store front display, 60 years ago. PS never been to Greenland.

    • @heimerblaster976
      @heimerblaster976 Před 5 lety +13

      Greenland = full of ices, not for long.

  • @twisted_void
    @twisted_void Před 3 lety +50

    This was a far too short documentary for exciting topic such as Iceland afforestation.

  • @ef4947
    @ef4947 Před 3 lety +11

    I remember when I visited Iceland years back and on about day 5 somebody asked if anybody had seen a tree yet. We were confused af, then found out it was an actual issue.
    ps: if you have the means, visit Iceland. It truly is mind blowingly beautiful!

  • @tlecki1
    @tlecki1 Před 6 lety +187

    Iceland is undiscovred treasure. Its a lovely country with smart and nice people. they don't mess with the others just living like they want to.. God bless them

    • @JeaneAdix
      @JeaneAdix Před 5 lety +24

      Let it stay undiscovered.

    • @christopherrowley7506
      @christopherrowley7506 Před 5 lety +32

      definitely not undiscovered... over 2 million tourists a year with a local population of just over 300,000

    • @scorpioninpink
      @scorpioninpink Před 5 lety +28

      Tourist are overrunning Iceland. Next thing you know it will be like Venice. More tourist, almost no locals.

    • @Automedon2
      @Automedon2 Před 5 lety +21

      It's not undiscovered. The cities and towns are over run with tourists. They are a plague on the native people.

    • @nowherepeople3431
      @nowherepeople3431 Před 5 lety +1

      Gathering No Moss What do you mean “the native people”?! Iceland doesn’t need your xenophobia and hate. Anyone can become Icelandic. Just give them a piece of paper! Sick of this racism...

  • @ef9984
    @ef9984 Před 5 lety +423

    This guy is Earth´s guardian angel

    • @romanplays1
      @romanplays1 Před 5 lety +3

      @Name Unavailable jesus is the reason for 1000 years of barely no development in tech. so no. hes our devil.

    • @craig3287
      @craig3287 Před 5 lety +5

      This is an example of going against nature with the use of GE tree plantations. They threaten natural forest ecosystems.

    • @danieljones9463
      @danieljones9463 Před 5 lety

      @@craig3287Hmmm. Hadn't thought of the "Genetically Engineered" thing here. I suppose that there could be good genetically engineered forests too. As long as they are not limited to one Tree species.
      I am not comfortable with the idea of Natural Species being replaced entirely by genetically engineered species. I Love the Old Forests and all their character.
      I wonder if more could be done to strengthen the natural Tree species? Before supplementing with genetically engineered Tree species?

    • @clayyoung6369
      @clayyoung6369 Před 5 lety

      @@romanplays1 exactly all the cool developments in technology have been shunned by Christianity. Saying that most of it is unethical like cloning

    • @starflyer3219
      @starflyer3219 Před 4 lety

      Lol. He speaks the interests of the logging industry. Don't be so naive.

  • @entvisual
    @entvisual Před 3 lety +297

    *The Chance to get out the Office* and walk around some forests yeah!

  • @whitterbug
    @whitterbug Před 4 lety +7

    This needs to be implemented in more countries.🌲🌲🌲

  • @rajatmalik7682
    @rajatmalik7682 Před 6 lety +123

    Huge respect for his initiative

    • @imamshariefshabaz5627
      @imamshariefshabaz5627 Před 5 lety +1

      Huge resppect for his initiative

    • @danieljones9463
      @danieljones9463 Před 5 lety +2

      @Charlie K I see what you are thinking, but there probably is some help coming out of "mono culture". Genetically engineered Trees still add oxygen to the atmosphere...don't they? But, of course, I prefer naturally Evolved Forests.

    • @morpheusspirit6609
      @morpheusspirit6609 Před 5 lety +1

      Rajat Malik I totally agree!! 👍🏽

  • @serhiizalutskyi5911
    @serhiizalutskyi5911 Před 6 lety +218

    His English is perfect.

    • @MrWackozacko
      @MrWackozacko Před 5 lety +22

      And an American Accent

    • @ursfresh_onion_railwayguns9698
      @ursfresh_onion_railwayguns9698 Před 5 lety

      Psoy Bormanenko you are right

    • @happymelon271
      @happymelon271 Před 5 lety +18

      I would guess from his accent that he was either born or educated in North America.

    • @johncolasont6195
      @johncolasont6195 Před 5 lety +12

      Icelandic is the 3rd closest language to English, he has an Icelandic accent, but it sounds so similar anyway

    • @happymelon271
      @happymelon271 Před 5 lety +39

      ​@@johncolasont6195 I disagree. I have spoken to Icelanders (and watched Bjork interviews) they don't sound like this. By your argument, Dutch and Norwegian people should have an accent indistinguishable from a native english speaker which is clearly not true. To my British ears he sounds like an American. Also, I looked him up and he went to university in the United States which would explain this.

  • @exb.r.buckeyeman845
    @exb.r.buckeyeman845 Před 2 lety +1

    Well done Iceland, I never imagined in my wildest dreams that trees would grow there. Greetings from Cornwall.

  • @jadelochrie4113
    @jadelochrie4113 Před 4 lety +9

    Love the opportunity to expand and bring scotland-iceland together and expand more wildlife and plus more trees

  • @keylor3127
    @keylor3127 Před 6 lety +304

    It's an amazing initiative, it's gonna help the world, it's a good thing there are people like him

    • @NatGeo
      @NatGeo  Před 6 lety +9

      We are in awe of Pröstur and his team for their relentless effort in growing the forests of Iceland.

    • @StraitClownin909
      @StraitClownin909 Před 6 lety +1

      Keylor * what an example to follow

    • @jfmc2581
      @jfmc2581 Před 6 lety +2

      A true testimony to the power of real scientists (not politicians ) working with GMOs and utilizing capitalism for the good of all!! Hurray for smart people! !

  • @thechaosgardener
    @thechaosgardener Před 3 lety +11

    I love planting trees! I grew up planting trees each Arbor Day. Awesome memories. This is what I teach about as well! Thanks for posting!

  • @hikingwithmarty
    @hikingwithmarty Před 3 lety

    this is truly inspiring and such an important video, I hope we all soon realize more how much we are need of more and new forestry. Thank you NG for sharing this video with us for free, knowing that such a production always comes with a cost, very much appreciated!

  • @joeltilson5179
    @joeltilson5179 Před 5 lety +51

    I was stationed at HOFN NAS from 1976-1977 and I'm happy to see Iceland having more trees and forests. Bravo!

    • @dawnchristensen7492
      @dawnchristensen7492 Před 4 lety

      Was there 74-76.
      Beautiful country.

    • @SingerGuy59
      @SingerGuy59 Před 3 lety

      I was at Kadena from 1982-83, but I had an occasion to go up to HOFN for a couple of days as part of an MWR activity. Loved seeing the mission you all did up there.

  • @funny-video-YouTube-channel
    @funny-video-YouTube-channel Před 6 lety +755

    The forest is an economic asset. Iceland made a very good move !
    The forest is a natural resource. There are thousands of products that can be grown or collected in the forest.
    The mushroom tea for example costs 1.5 USD per cup. It's a product that is being collected in forests at the moment.

    • @akiraotoishi5756
      @akiraotoishi5756 Před 6 lety +39

      epSos.de You're only worried about money? The human race is destroying our planet for money..

    • @mengthao5914
      @mengthao5914 Před 6 lety +119

      Money is the best motivator. It will motivate people to destroy if it's profitable, and to create if it's profitable.

    • @ishakrohit1558
      @ishakrohit1558 Před 6 lety +3

      great

    • @jfmc2581
      @jfmc2581 Před 6 lety +36

      Capitalism is what allowed this miracle to happen, and GMOs are the tool real scientists used.
      Your politics are all wrong if you don't understand this. Sorry but you have been lied too and misguided. If you actually understood capitalism you would be a proud and much happier. Good luck and i hope you will start to see the truth.

    • @jfmc2581
      @jfmc2581 Před 6 lety +12

      Meme Kin, yes money you know like the money gained in advertising bc you watched this video. Money and capitalism are very good things. Please wake up and stop believe the leftist lies.

  • @ThaneSPKM
    @ThaneSPKM Před 4 lety +24

    Can't even pronounce the man's name, but he speaks our language better than we do. 😀😀😀

  • @LITTLEMUSTANGFILLY
    @LITTLEMUSTANGFILLY Před 4 lety +15

    I would really love to see a full length documentary on restoring forests around the world. The short films are cool but I'm kind of a detail junky and I want to know mre.

  • @julianf.5227
    @julianf.5227 Před 6 lety +74

    Support growing new forest!

  • @ultr3n_m4gic46
    @ultr3n_m4gic46 Před 6 lety +160

    This is so cool. Finally!!

  • @theresacarmen9847
    @theresacarmen9847 Před 3 lety +1

    What a wonderful project. Its heartening to know this is going on.

  • @amblincork
    @amblincork Před 3 lety

    What a wonderful project !! I like the narrators style - simple, direct to the point and economic with words ! very easy to listen to him and understand and absorb the message he is delivering.

  • @radzilla748
    @radzilla748 Před 6 lety +606

    Warms my heart now se should find away to do the same for the rainforest

    • @r3dp1ll
      @r3dp1ll Před 6 lety +9

      good until "low IQ". Doesnt mean much. It's about education.

    • @d3funk09031990
      @d3funk09031990 Před 6 lety +2

      Becoming Vincent it is.. as cynical as it seems.. I have good education and I dont apply all of it in my life.. the same can be said to you im assuming. Lol..

    • @anaiglesias9972
      @anaiglesias9972 Před 6 lety +1

      It is positioned, Madagascar has a similar proyect and ir works.

    • @carlosandleon
      @carlosandleon Před 6 lety +3

      yes we shall find de wae

    • @LeothirNanirhandel
      @LeothirNanirhandel Před 6 lety

      Search for a video called Life in Syntropy! It can be found here on youtube.

  • @pushpanjalikhare4276
    @pushpanjalikhare4276 Před 6 lety +79

    It's a really nice step taken by Iceland...Other countries should also take a step like this to make our planet greener....😀😀

    • @NatGeo
      @NatGeo  Před 6 lety +3

      Pröstur sets a great example of how we can strengthen our lands by growing our forests.

    • @aak8297
      @aak8297 Před 6 lety +1

      Other countries dont have problems with forest

    • @hevnervals
      @hevnervals Před 6 lety

      Extreme deforestation is not a global phenomenon.

    • @babydaybisomlop7834
      @babydaybisomlop7834 Před 5 lety

      Déforestation in Africa and south America is slowing exponentially and the rainforests in certain parts of the Amazon’s re beginning to grow back, America and Israel actually had a net increase in forest in 2016

  • @johnschonholtz964
    @johnschonholtz964 Před 3 lety +4

    Wow. I remember seeing a documentary about Iceland in the 1970s and it didn't look like this AT ALL. Amazing what they've been able to do in little more than one generation.

    • @marcelbregman4454
      @marcelbregman4454 Před 3 lety

      WAKE UP , judging the reforestation by 2 documentaries , are you real ?
      They show you a glasshouse , a shot witch shows you a tree being planted and they show you some grown up green trees , god only knows were they might be growing .
      O WAUW what a progress , look it's over there where the camera is pointed at.

  • @michaelmcclafferty3346
    @michaelmcclafferty3346 Před 3 lety +1

    What an uplifting video!
    Thanks.

  • @oxcart4172
    @oxcart4172 Před 6 lety +79

    My dad was based there during world war two and remarked on the lack of trees-now I know why. Great to see them coming back!

    • @steffeeH
      @steffeeH Před 6 lety +1

      Was he stationed in Keflavik? My dad grew up there and used to beg for chewing gums as a kid from the american soldiers outside the army base fence.

    • @oxcart4172
      @oxcart4172 Před 6 lety +1

      steffeeH
      Yep! But he was with an RAF Coastal Command unit.

  • @preluded
    @preluded Před 6 lety +136

    NetGeo you have stepped up your game for sure on CZcams

    • @jfmc2581
      @jfmc2581 Před 6 lety +2

      preluded Yes despite CZcamss efforts to be just another brainwashed liberal propaganda machine... Such a wonderful story of real scientists GMOs, capitalism and a great outcome for everyone!!

    • @preluded
      @preluded Před 6 lety +6

      Jf Mc what on Earth are you talking about?

    • @jfmc2581
      @jfmc2581 Před 6 lety +1

      preluded , What part are you confused about? Let me know and I'll explain.

  • @MrCzto
    @MrCzto Před 3 lety +1

    😭 so nice to see! I have to cry!

  • @SkylersRants
    @SkylersRants Před 4 lety

    I lived there for two years in the mid-70’s and those pictures of the small forests amaze me. I saw nothing like that when I lived there. Wonderful!

  • @markh2005
    @markh2005 Před 5 lety +66

    Go Iceland!!

  • @farnorthweaver7793
    @farnorthweaver7793 Před 5 lety +10

    Bravo Iceland!!! It's beautiful! Thank you for growing such lovely trees!

  • @TheBradinator214
    @TheBradinator214 Před 4 lety +11

    Even with its deforested landscape, Iceland is still one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

  • @pttp321
    @pttp321 Před 3 lety

    Around the world there are wonderful committed people - like this gentleman - who are “reforesting” barren land and ALL life is rejoicing these loving efforts. 💫

  • @TiberiusMaximus
    @TiberiusMaximus Před 5 lety +74

    Iceland is on my list of places I want to go

    • @RichardBaran
      @RichardBaran Před 5 lety +5

      It's amazing. Probably the best vacation of my life.

    • @jamc666
      @jamc666 Před 4 lety +1

      @Tiberius ... you wont regret it. but dont go just around the island.

    • @dawnchristensen7492
      @dawnchristensen7492 Před 4 lety +3

      You wont ever regret a visit to Iceland.

    • @debbiehenri345
      @debbiehenri345 Před 4 lety +2

      It's unforgettable. You'll love the landscape and people alike.

    • @miketoews1522
      @miketoews1522 Před 3 lety

      Same here

  • @evgama4085
    @evgama4085 Před 6 lety +44

    This is so awesome. Imagine if forest growing for the purposes of lumber became a competitive industry. That could save the planet.

    • @GraveUypo
      @GraveUypo Před 6 lety +4

      my entire state is overrun with those.
      www.celuloseonline.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/c04b013866.jpeg
      www.ciflorestas.com.br/arquivos/n_mitos_eucalipto_22881.jpg
      every road you take from my city to anywhere you'd bound to find hundreds of miles of these trees along the road.
      so... yeah, it's a competitive industry. it has been for quite a while. all the good natural wood is either gone or protected.

    • @matheuroux5134
      @matheuroux5134 Před 6 lety

      Yeah that is not really a good thing. Here is South Africa, there are places that should have diverse natural bush and semi-tropical forest, but are pine plantations. Also eucalyptus and wattles. All these trees aren't part of the ecosystem and use way too much water. This is a problem in many, many tropical countries too.

  • @wolfganggugelweith8760
    @wolfganggugelweith8760 Před 4 lety +2

    Great idea! Trees make the live feel better. I plant every year some trees more on my land. It’s great to see them growing and the bring a lot of delicious fruits. Greetings from Austria 🇦🇹 Europe! 🍺🇦🇹🛶👍🏔🥨🐺

  • @TIONG-Channel
    @TIONG-Channel Před 3 lety +1

    tnx for people in iceland.. i love u guys.. i hope i can go there

  • @nazart7830
    @nazart7830 Před 6 lety +55

    This is so cool, still Iceland is the most beautiful country I’ve ever visited and the few locals I had the chance to talk to are just wonderful and great people.

    • @K0bbii
      @K0bbii Před 6 lety +2

      That's probably due to you being a nice guy. Icelandic people tend to be quite cold on the outside

    • @reginaldmustardbacon5866
      @reginaldmustardbacon5866 Před 6 lety +1

      kobbii i heh, cold.. ice.. land.. makes sense.

  • @REAL-NANO
    @REAL-NANO Před 5 lety +219

    Over a thousand tree seedlings are planted every minute in Canada on average,
    trees are our life as humans on this planet.
    If we want benefits for them we need to contribute back to them.

    • @bguen1234
      @bguen1234 Před 5 lety +21

      "Over a thousand tree seedlings are planted every minute in Canada" - by lumber companies.

    • @shrek3064
      @shrek3064 Před 5 lety +13

      William Guenthner sustainability, I don’t know for sure how many they plant. I do know that they plant enough seeds to grow back the trees they cut down (not every seed will grow so they plant multiple seeds per tree). The number of in Canada is safe due to regulation. The places we need to worry about most are South American rainforests.

    • @bguen1234
      @bguen1234 Před 5 lety +1

      Yes they do. They plant seedlings (small trees), not seeds directly into the ground. Hopefully bamboo can replace other crops in areas where the rainforest is being removed for agriculture. Nonetheless, no need to "worry about South American rainforests" They likely only produce a tiny fraction of the worlds oxygen and sequester very little CO2 respective to the entire planet.

    • @ramblingrob4693
      @ramblingrob4693 Před 5 lety +1

      not on gold-rush program the love bulldozer them. nimwit. Plants don't grow that quick back

    • @ramblingrob4693
      @ramblingrob4693 Před 5 lety +1

      @Charlie K 1000 Trees knocked down a day for Gold "good for the Canadians"

  • @Mridul.scentman
    @Mridul.scentman Před rokem +1

    Such calming demeanour

  • @jahmah519
    @jahmah519 Před 3 lety

    Iceland, your country folk are admired, you are admirably respected, give yourselves a hug for humane endurance. I salute you 👏

  • @stephenlangsl67
    @stephenlangsl67 Před 5 lety +318

    They should definitely do that with Easter Island.

    • @gregghorner9107
      @gregghorner9107 Před 5 lety +34

      Makes sense. It would take only a few years to reestablish the native palms.

    • @sergioabloh4937
      @sergioabloh4937 Před 5 lety +26

      edward what’s the joke?

    • @chadmiller1120
      @chadmiller1120 Před 5 lety +15

      Makes you wonder why it’s never been done. The income from tourism alone would pay for the program!

    • @danieljones9463
      @danieljones9463 Před 5 lety +6

      @edward What's the joke?

    • @danieljones9463
      @danieljones9463 Před 5 lety +7

      Seems like a good idea to me.

  • @raviatukula99
    @raviatukula99 Před 5 lety +545

    India should do the same...

    • @francistran432
      @francistran432 Před 5 lety +106

      we all should do the same

    • @TheFourthWinchester
      @TheFourthWinchester Před 5 lety +48

      Indian govt is doing, Indian people aren't. We are destroying the soil and water.

    • @nopeno2350
      @nopeno2350 Před 5 lety +1

      Money

    • @leezhieng
      @leezhieng Před 5 lety +16

      Both India and China had the most trees planted, go check out United Nation's report.

    • @bangdefekto5922
      @bangdefekto5922 Před 5 lety +22

      @@leezhieng Those reports aren't true though.

  • @flavarz
    @flavarz Před 3 lety

    Thanks for sharing NG!!!

  • @elderepyper
    @elderepyper Před 3 lety

    I am so greatful. I feel so happy abt such a wonderful productive undertaking. Be blessed and carry on. You will be highly successful

  • @anonymousviewer9920
    @anonymousviewer9920 Před 6 lety +30

    Thank you floki for founding Iceland

    • @vaiamitoula2431
      @vaiamitoula2431 Před 6 lety +1

      just watched this episode yesterday! The land of Gods needs more trees! :)

  • @VariusSep
    @VariusSep Před 5 lety +3

    What a great message and video. I love forest. So relaxing to see something so beautiful and to walk through all that greenery.

  • @steveserrano2820
    @steveserrano2820 Před 3 lety +1

    what a beautiful place so relaxing.....

  • @TheBham54
    @TheBham54 Před 3 lety

    We visited Iceland in 2014 & loved it. We did not see many trees (we covered most of the southern coast and the "Golden Circle" area). The joke we heard when we were there went like this; "What do you do if you're lost in the forest in Iceland? ...Stand up." Guess we were just in the wrong part of Iceland. Great video!

  • @stickynorth
    @stickynorth Před 6 lety +12

    I visited a similar facility here in Alberta when I was a kid. They are fascinating places! Love Iceland! Thanks for posting!

    • @NatGeo
      @NatGeo  Před 6 lety +2

      We're happy to hear you could draw parallels from this video to your own experience in Alberta, Ian!

  • @paulwhite8493
    @paulwhite8493 Před 6 lety +288

    Why not use bonemeal!?

  • @rowshane47
    @rowshane47 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you, Love from Australia :)

  • @_Amilio_
    @_Amilio_ Před 3 lety +12

    Not all heroes wear capes 🙌

  • @ralleDK25
    @ralleDK25 Před 6 lety +16

    I was in Iceland planting trees this august, Please visit their beautiful country! Also if you go make it a checkpoint for you to help the landscape like this guy ^ :)

  • @geroldfirl
    @geroldfirl Před 5 lety +147

    The natural forest cover in Iceland was a stunted birch that colonized the island after it emerged from the sea. Euforgen is maintaining stands of the native trees, but limiting the reforestation to that particular species would be foolish. A more diverse forest is better for everyone; better for the soils, the animals, the people and the ecosystem.
    Ideally we can find a balance of species that will support a richer ecosystem. Insects, birds and mammals also need help, and trees are a great way to provide it.

    • @marks9127
      @marks9127 Před 5 lety +4

      Afforestation focus in Iceland is to make lands more productive. As long as more diverse ecosystem makes more profit, it is reasonable to diversify the land.

    • @geroldfirl
      @geroldfirl Před 5 lety +19

      @@marks9127 Productive is good. If Iceland could become self-sufficient in wood that would be great. Currently Icelandic need for wood is supplied from trees cut down in other countries, then shipped in. Self-sufficiency is always better, as well as more efficient and ecologically sound. Wood is a great material in so many ways. Forests are also great in many different ways. Their ability to build up soils is tremendously valuable in a place like Iceland where erosion has caused so much damage. But the beauty of a forest is probably even more important. Trees are good for the soul as well as the soil.

    • @marks9127
      @marks9127 Před 5 lety +5

      @@geroldfirl Can't deny that. Although I think it is hard to grow anything in Iceland with it's mountainous, rocky, cold and windy area.

    • @geroldfirl
      @geroldfirl Před 5 lety +13

      @@marks9127 Apparently Sitka Spruce grows very well. The video talks about the search for trees that are well-adapted to the conditions. Actually it seems like the presence of trees in an area makes the area better for more trees and other plants. They build up the soil which helps with water retention and holds more nutrients.

    • @danieljones9463
      @danieljones9463 Před 5 lety +1

      @@geroldfirl Can some Trees begin where other Trees have prepared the way?

  • @birgittavanblitterswijk6998

    wauw I am impressed. And what a leap forward for nature in Iceland.

  • @aidanwansbrough7495
    @aidanwansbrough7495 Před 4 lety

    This was really interesting to learn about, thanks for the video :-)

  • @maxd2215
    @maxd2215 Před 5 lety +24

    Great. There is hope. Mankind can do a terrific job to help protecting the environment if they commit themselves and put a lot of energy to back it up. Finally good news. Keep it up people. May this example inspire to show you can make a difference.

  • @camilapitogo5321
    @camilapitogo5321 Před 6 lety +12

    GOOD TO HEAR ICELANDERS👍KEEP IT UP!

  • @MAJmufin
    @MAJmufin Před 3 lety

    I've had the privilege to visit Icelands around 8-10 years ago. I was and still am astounded at the natural beauty of the country and after seeing this I am glad that this exists. Would love to revisit Iceland again after this Corona debacle/crazyness ends. (ofcourse only if i am not a carrier)
    I hope you enjoy your country, because it is one of the last untamed lands that still exist. It's precious.

  • @naui_diver9290
    @naui_diver9290 Před 3 lety

    Great job and thank you!

  • @TwennyGeee
    @TwennyGeee Před 6 lety +132

    We are here to be guardians of this planet. It’s our job to leave it better than we found it!

    • @blue_cameron
      @blue_cameron Před 6 lety +4

      TwennyGee funny. We aren't guardians we are basically like bacteria on animals.

    • @computeraddic675
      @computeraddic675 Před 6 lety +3

      Make it lucid
      O really??And what about deforestation to plant soja???

    • @arcturus9366
      @arcturus9366 Před 6 lety

      Robert S How about sustainability and restoration?

    • @insanity4224
      @insanity4224 Před 6 lety +1

      Make it lucid there’s no need to go vegan, what we should be doing is consuming the vast numbers of introduced species that are damaging native landscapes such as wild boars, rabbits.. you get the idea. This would ease up reliance on intensive farming and help to restore natural ecosystems.
      The fact is there is plenty of land that has been cleared then abandoned, imagine if all that land could be re forested.
      I do believe vegetables should make up the majority of our diet and meat should be more of a treat and not the main part of every meal. Both for health and better sustainability.

    • @jules_logan4305
      @jules_logan4305 Před 5 lety

      Computer Addic 70% of soy is fed to animals, only 6% is eaten for human consumption.

  • @geoffreylee5199
    @geoffreylee5199 Před 5 lety +15

    As those larch fall to the ground, they contribute to soil creation. Good stuff!

  • @kaei3200
    @kaei3200 Před 3 lety +2

    THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL!

  • @jonathansantos6009
    @jonathansantos6009 Před 4 lety

    Thank you so much for indoor forest too! ❤️

  • @thegeneralist7527
    @thegeneralist7527 Před 5 lety +5

    Amazing story. I used to do this when i was young. It is so good for any environment to reforest!

  • @MidnightSky1821
    @MidnightSky1821 Před 5 lety +12

    To help with droughts, plant more grass. grass with long roots to help fill empty aquifers below the surface.
    Cool video. Hope it is not too expensive for people to buy the products.

    • @dg-vg9di
      @dg-vg9di Před 4 lety

      Gemini Skies you need grazing herds. Especially in dry areas. The manure holds moisture for plants to grow. The manure concentrates nutrients for plants. There’s a video out there about that ecology guy from Africa who killed 50,000 elephants and other grazers in Africa. He saw the end result. It’s was devastating. I find it horrific that this guy killed 10s of thousands of animals for a false narrative. He totally regrets what he did. It was a wake up call. He’s now into prompting large herds. It reverses the desertification that’s been overtaking the planet.

  • @DaveMeuleman
    @DaveMeuleman Před 3 lety +2

    I genuinely thought Iceland had no forests... These look amazing!!!

  • @xeemnpisyuslis2089
    @xeemnpisyuslis2089 Před 3 lety +1

    Love it. Great job sir and Islandics...

  • @endlesssky6225
    @endlesssky6225 Před 5 lety +6

    Thank you for uploading ! This is very interesting and encouraging .🌱🌲🌱🌲🌱🌲🌱🌳🌱🌳🌱🌳

  • @Killykat
    @Killykat Před 6 lety +11

    This is so great!! I'm amazed.

    • @NatGeo
      @NatGeo  Před 6 lety +3

      Who knew the genetics of trees are so important to preserving our forests?

  • @hermesmercuriustrismegistu4841

    That is an amazing project!

  • @SonnyDarvishzadeh
    @SonnyDarvishzadeh Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you, sir! 🙏

  • @estoyaqui5386
    @estoyaqui5386 Před 4 lety +3

    This is good news! Happy to hear that!

  • @whoekm
    @whoekm Před 5 lety +12

    coming from Greenland, this makes me happy to see :-)

  • @adamender9092
    @adamender9092 Před 3 lety +2

    Up until 1920, England brought Ireland's forest cover down to near the same percentage as Iceland's (1%). Since independence, we've been able to get it up to 11% and it's expected to hit 18% in a few years. The government are now planting over 22 million trees a year

  • @hanahclaudia
    @hanahclaudia Před 3 lety

    I had a dream of a Greenhouse in Iceland today. Happy to see it there. ✨❤️