Different processes of land degradation have been the outcome in many parts of the world, having severe impacts on ecosystems and the services they provide and on human livelihoods. Land degradation is one of the key challenges facing mankind in order to achieve sustainable development, but the quest for sustainability of land management has proved to be a major challenge to most countries. This book takes the case of Iceland. It tells the remarkable story of more than century combating land degradation.
There are many indications that soil erosion and desertification have decreased significantly over the past 20 years, and that land reclamation and the ability of the land to heal itself have outpaced land degradation. If this assessment is correct, it is the first time since Iceland’s settlement 1100 years ago, signalling that the recovery of land resources has now begun. The main reasons for this change are a warmer climate, diminishing grazing pressure at strategic areas, and revegetation activities representing a blend of practical knowledge, scientific endeavour and political support.