Last week, from June 22 to 26, 2026, the Agricultural University of Iceland (AUI) hosted the UNIgreen Scientific Mission on Biocrust Mapping in Hvanneyri. Organized by Associate Professor Alejandro Salazar, the five-day event brought together an international cohort of researchers and students from institutions including the University of Almería, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, SupBiotech, Universidad del Rosario, and EIA University. The mission focused on using remote sensing to build capacity for biocrust-based ecological restoration and climate change resilience.

The week began with a series of research flash-talks and strategic planning sessions on campus. Midweek, participants moved into the field to conduct ecological research and evaluate biocrust habitats at Mið-Fossar and the Hekluskógar restoration area near Mount Hekla. The final days were dedicated to data analysis workshops, where the teams synthesized their field findings. The mission concluded successfully with a preliminary draft of a collaborative manuscript and a strong framework for future international research partnerships.