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

The video examines the ecological transformation of Iceland over the past millennium, focusing on the significant reduction in forest cover since the arrival of Viking settlers in the ninth century. Historical accounts suggest that at that time, between 25 and 40 percent of the Icelandic landscape was forested. The current focus detailed in the short film is the reforestation efforts being undertaken in modern Iceland, marking the first time in a thousand years that substantial new forests have been intentionally established.

The short film, selected by National Geographic editors for its storytelling focused on science and exploration, documents the processes involved in this large-scale environmental undertaking. The project aims to restore native vegetation and alter the island's landscape in an effort to combat erosion and biodiversity loss, presenting a long-term commitment to ecological recovery in a region historically characterized by sparse tree cover.