Land and Forest Government Agency Iceland Chooses International Carbon Registry’s GHG Program
The International Carbon Registry (ICR) is delighted to announce its collaboration with Land and Forest Iceland, Iceland’s leading governmental agency dedicated to sustainable land and forest management. Formed in 2024 through the unification of the Icelandic Forest Service and the Soil Conservation Service, Land and Forest Iceland embodies a progressive commitment to preserving Iceland’s natural heritage. As part of this collaboration, the agency will transition its renowned climate initiatives to the ICR program, marking an exciting step forward in advancing sustainable practices. This partnership reflects a strong alignment with Iceland’s national climate goals, particularly its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from land use and enhancing carbon sequestration.
ICR, through its program and in alignment with the ISO 14064-2 standard, a standard for carbon projects at the project-level, is facilitating the development of a validated and verified methodology for afforestation in Iceland, building on the Skógarkolefni (Icelandic Forest Standard).
ICR is furthermore, through the same initiative, supporting the development of a methodology for the Rewetting of Peatlands. This methodology is designed for projects involving previously drained peatlands. Initially conceived as a tool to empower Icelandic farmers and landowners to engage in peatland restoration, the methodology also holds potential for global application. The rewetting of Peatland methodology is in its final stages and will soon be available for a 30-day public consultation via the ICR platform, encouraging broad public input.
Similarly, the Icelandic Forest Carbon Code, Skógarkolefni, will be updated to align with the ISO 14064-2 standard and ICR's requirements. It will be validated by an accredited validation and verification body.
“The decision to migrate our initiatives was clear: the framework’s alignment with international standards, its ISO-centric approach, and its focus on accountability, international assurance framework and scalability ensure that our work in Iceland meets and exceeds global expectations.” said Gunnlaugur Guðjónsson, Head of Data, Communication, and Innovation at Land and Forest Iceland.
The migration of Land and Forest Iceland’s previous work highlights the growing demand for frameworks that prioritize scientific integrity and environmental impact. This decision not only elevates the standards of Icelandic climate initiatives but also serves as a model for other organizations worldwide seeking to align their efforts with international standards and the integrity they bring.
“We at ICR have had the privilege to be involved in the development of the Forest Carbon Code since early stages, a pioneering work driven by the leadership of the Icelandic Forest Services. Now having a reputable public institution like Land and Forest Iceland adopt the FCC to the ICR program is a testament to its quality and relevance,” said Gudmundur Sigbergsson, CEO at ICR. “This migration showcases our shared commitment to developing standardized, impactful, transparent, and scalable climate solutions that meet the needs of an increasingly demanding market.We truly look forward to continuing our partnership”
“It’s a privilege to work alongside a governmental institute on these methodologies, afforestation and rewetting of peatlands, which play a crucial role in advancing Iceland’s climate initiatives and demonstrating how collaborative efforts can achieve meaningful environmental progress,” added Rannveig Anna Guicharnaud, Chief Science Officer at ICR.
About Land and Forest Iceland
Established in 2024 through the merger of the Icelandic Soil Conservation Service and Icelandic Forest Service, Land and Forest Iceland oversees sustainable land and forest management across the country. The agency supervises and administers the implementation of the Act on Land Reclamation and the Act on Forests and Forestry. The organization also handles day-to-day administration according to laws that the agency operates under, and international agreements that relate to the agency’s subjects. The agency is dedicated to improving vegetation and soil resources while adhering to Icelandic, European, and global environmental standards.
About International Carbon Registry
Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Iceland, the International Carbon Registry (ICR) is a global leader in registration of climate projects relying on ISO standards and assurance. ICR provides a streamlined platform that accelerates the journey of climate projects from design to delivery via marketplace integrations, pioneering in integrating public blockchain technology ensuring transparency and traceability.
ICR’s team of experts is passionate about creating real, measurable impact and helping our clients achieve their sustainability goal while advancing its mission of leading the way to a sustainable future and being at the heart of climate innovation.
For more information, visit ICR’s website or follow ICR on LinkedIn.
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