[Folda] [Fwd: RE: Flókadagur information]

[Friðþór Sófus Sigurmundsson]

--------------------------- Upprunalegt Skeyti ---------------------------
Titill:     RE:  Flóki lunch meeting information
Frá:        "Virgile Collin-Lange" <vrc1 at hi.is>
Dagsetning: fös, október 15, 2010 11:23 am
Til:
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Flóki, the association of graduate students in geography and tourism
studies, will have it first  lunch lecture  on Monday the 18th of October
from 12:20 to 13:10 room 367 in Askja.

During this first lunch meeting, Friðþór Sófus Sigmundsson master student in
geography will talk about The Hekla forest project.
The lecture is open to everyone.

Abstract.

Birch woodlands belong to the plant societies in Iceland that are most
likely to survive ash deposits from volcanoes.  The main objective of
Hekluskogar project is to reclaim woodlands of native birch and willows that
would reduce wind erosion and prevent volcanic ash to blow over nearby areas
after eruptions in the volcano Hekla. Other objectives are restoration of
ecosystem function and biodiversity, carbon sequestration and improved
options for future land use.
Since the area is extensive (90,000 ha) it is important too use efficient
methods. The plan is to let nature do as much of the work as possible. This
will be done by planting trees in small groves, from where they will spread
out by seeding in ensuing years, as well as by reclaiming nearby areas by
sowing grass or fertilizing, and thereby creating favorable conditions for
self-sowing of the trees. Plants that fixate nitrogen (Lathyrus Japonicus,
Vicia cracca) from the atmosphere, in addition to mycorrhizal species that
favor nutrient and water uptake of trees, will be used to reduce the use of
fertilizers.
The benefits of the Hekla Forest Project are numerous. The flora and fauna
will be more diverse, the water will persist for a longer time in the soil
and streams will be reformed, and carbon will be sequestrated both in the
vegetation and soil. When the forests have covered the land, the recreation
value will increase, and the land will again be able to withstand grazing
much better.

Virgile Collin-Lange.
President of Flóki.