In the past decades, Icelanders have worked to reclaim the forests that were lost shortly after the island was colonized. As a result, Iceland now has relatively large areas of mature forests. Some of these areas are covered with native forests of downy birch and rowan and in other areas exotic species add diversity to the landscape. These forests provide numerous, varied resources for use by the Icelandic people. Because the forests and their resources are relatively new, there is no tradition for their utilization and management.

The ELAV study area for Iceland is located in the east where some of the oldest and largest forests are located. The forest used in this project is called Hallormsstadir forest. It is an area of approximately 1600 ha. located close to the village of Egilsstadir. The forest is a very important recreational area not only for the area’s residents, but for other Icelanders as well. Hallormstadir forest and other forests in the area provide many other resources as well and there is growing interest in better utilizing these resources by local people.

ELAV in Iceland is an effort to develop a method by which resources can be managed to fulfill the needs and desires of the people without compromising the forests and their ecosystems. This type of management requires the co-operation and participation of all interested parties. It the goal of ELAV in Iceland to facilitate this work and later to apply what is gained from the international work and work in the area in other areas of the county.