FSK1.3.3_fasteignayfirlit Minna Mosfell.pdf

05112025Minna Mosfell_pdd-english-version-2.0-12122024.pdf

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Baseline additionality. Compared to the baseline scenario the project needs to mitigate climate change. That is the project must implement actions that are additional to what would occur compared to the baseline.

Level 1 additionality

Under the CDM framework, additionality requires demonstrating that the emission reductions are beyond what would occur in the absence of the project activity. In the case of a private afforestation project in Iceland, the baseline scenario is continued non-forested land use, as large areas of the country are naturally treeless due to historical deforestation, soil degradation, and harsh climatic conditions. Without targeted intervention, these lands would not spontaneously regenerate into forest, and therefore would not provide significant carbon sequestration. The project activity—establishing and managing new forests—introduces a carbon sink that is not present in the baseline scenario and would not have occurred without the project developer’s investment and management. Consequently, the afforestation activity meets the CDM requirement of baseline additionality, as it delivers measurable emission reductions that are real, verifiable, and additional to what would have happened under business-as-usual conditions.

Statutory additionality. The project must implement actions that are beyond requirements stipulated in local legislation or regulations. Projects are statutory additional if their implementation and/or operation is not required by any law, statute, or other regulatory framework, agreements, settlements, or other legally binding mandates requiring implementation and operation or requiring implementation of similar measures that would result in the same mitigations in the host country.

Level 2a additionality

Under the concept of statutory additionality, a project is considered additional if it goes beyond actions required by law or other regulatory mandates. In Iceland, there are currently no legal requirements or binding regulations mandating afforestation on naturally treeless land. The private afforestation project therefore implements activities that are voluntary and not compelled by local statutes, policies, or legally binding agreements. By establishing and managing new forests in areas where no regulatory framework obliges such action, the project delivers emission reductions and carbon sequestration that would not occur under statutory obligations alone. This confirms that the project is statutory additional, as its implementation is entirely beyond any legal or regulatory requirement in the host country.

Financial additionality I. A project is financially additional if it results in higher costs or relatively lower profitability than would have otherwise occurred in the baseline scenario.

Level 4a additionality

The project demonstrates financial additionality under CDM criteria because the establishment and long-term management of forests on naturally treeless land in Iceland faces significant financial barriers. The costs of site preparation, planting, irrigation (if required), and ongoing maintenance are substantial, and the expected revenues from timber or other forest products alone are insufficient to justify the investment. Revenue from the sale of carbon credits is therefore a critical financial enabler: it not only makes the initial afforestation activity economically feasible but also ensures the long-term viability of forest management and maintenance. Without the carbon credit income, the project would not be implemented or maintained, confirming that the emission reductions achieved are financially additional and would not occur under a business-as-usual scenario.

Minna Mosfell

Forest Carbon Code

In Iceland, the shelter provided by the forest is likely to come first to mind. We know that with increased tree cover in urban areas, the wind has calmed down in many places. With increased shelter, people's outdoor activities increase, as the utilization of forests for various outdoor activities has greatly increased as they grow taller. Paths of various types are laid out in the forests where people walk, jog, run and ride horses. When the snow comes in the winter, people take out their cross-country skis and increasingly special paths are laid for mountain bikes. Volleyball and beach volleyball courts are set up, playground equipment, puzzles, mini golf and more. 
The forest is a place for rehabilitation of people after physical or mental illness or mishap. It is also an ideal classroom for students of all ages in different subjects. The forest thus creates various opportunities for innovation in various sectors, for example tourism, as well as traditional jobs related to the forest's cultivation, care, and use of wood. Numerous studies show that simply by staying in the forest, breathing in the forest air, finding the scent and tranquility in the forest, we can remedy various ailments of soul and body. There are almost limitless opportunities in public health. Increased forest cover therefore increases general well-being and can contribute to increased optimism of people and satisfaction with their living conditions.

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Visitor surveys on physical activity in the forest (walking, skiing, cycling, horseback riding) could give good indication on this goal.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Various opportunities are created by forestry, including an increase in jobs. Seedlings need to be produced, planted, cared for in the forest, and felled and replanted. All of this requires people, despite ever increasing mechanization. In addition to increased land value, there are opportunities in timber processing and utilization of forests as a food source (mushrooms, berries, etc.) from which value can be created. This creates an ideal opportunity for people to set up small production companies that create value from pure natural resources.

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Green jobs created: Number of forestry, recreation, or eco-tourism jobs supported by afforestation.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The government's policy is for Iceland to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, and an ambitious action plan has been presented in this regard. The most important thing is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as we can and sequester the rest. This is where forestry comes in, as various studies show that carbon sequestration through forestry gives very good results. 
Based on 30 years of research, black cottonwood (a poplar) captures the most tCO2e (carbon equivalents) of the tree species that are being worked with in carbon sequestration projects and downy birch captures the least. The total number of carbon units that are captured in the 50 years that are being looked at, therefore, depends considerably on the species that are selected and considered suitable for planting in the area. Suitability is based on site quality of the land to be afforested and location, i.e., elevation, distance from the coast, slope, and soil depth.  

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Carbon sequestration: Annual carbon uptake measured via forest inventory (biomass growth, soil carbon samples).

SDG 13: Climate Action

The forest also increases the number of species of birds, plants, fungi, and small animals in the wild. Increased diversity improves both nature and human life. Higher forest cover also improves resilience with respect to disturbance events, some of which are linked to climate change. In the countryside, forests support other land use sectors by providing shelter for people, livestock, and arable land, increasing vegetation and more.

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Biodiversity indicators: Bird counts, insect diversity surveys, and vegetation species richness in afforested areas. Soil health: Organic matter, erosion reduction, and ground cover index.

SDG 15: Life on Land

Agriculture

Afforestation and reforestation

Afforestation on the farm Þóroddsstaðir based on different goals and species composition. On a 141,5 ha area southwest of Apavatn on the farm Þóroddsstaðir. The goal is to maximize carbon sequestration, improve hydrology, conserve soil and provide diverse habitat as well as improving the site for outdoor recreation and providing the possibility of future timber production.

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Minna Mosfell

Minna Mosfell

Impacts

44K t CO₂e

872 t CO₂e

Project Information

Media

Location

Sustainable Developement Goals

Good Health and Well-being

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Climate Action

Life on Land

Additionality

Level 1 additionality

Level 2a additionality

Level 4a additionality

Participants

Organizations involved in the project

People involved in the project