Today, AUI is hosting the UNIgreen Outreach Program, bringing together students and staff to learn, exchange ideas, and take part in practical activities that promote sustainability and forestry.

The day began with an introductory presentation and discussions on forestry in Iceland, its opportunities, and its importance for nature, local communities, and climate action. This was followed by the practical part of the program. Participants received hands-on training in tree planting under Icelandic conditions and then got to work establishing a new shelterbelt forest just outside the university's main building.

Together, we planted 1,000 trees on an area designated for the development of a recreational woodland. The first phase consists of planting Icelandic birch, spruce, and Alaskan poplar. Next year, a diverse range of additional tree and shrub species will be planted. The project will create approximately half a hectare of biodiverse recreational forest, which will benefit the local community, enhance bird habitats, and sequester carbon at the same time.

The project is also part of the UNIgreen Ecological Footprint Compensation Programme, an initiative designed to offset carbon dioxide emissions generated through the participation of students and staff in international mobility activities within the UNIgreen Alliance.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to all participants for their contribution. Special thanks go to Dafnar, the Association of Forestry Students, Land and Forest Iceland (Land og skógur) for their cooperation, Professor Bjarni D. Sigurðsson, and Dr Emmanuel Pagneux, who supported the project with his drone technology. In the future, this technology will be used to monitor biomass development and the growth of this new, small UNIgreen forest.