An area of wetland the size of 100 football fields will be reclaimed in Úlfarsdalur valley in the next few years, RÚV reports. By filling in ditches that were dug to drain the land, the area will be turned into a carbon sink, reducing emissions equivalent to what 150 cars would produce in a year. Reykjavík Mayor Dagur B. Eggertsson broke ground on the project himself this Sunday.
The area to be restored lies to the north of Úlfarsá river, near the town of Mosfellsbær in the Capital Area. “We are filling in ditches, removing fences and garbage, shaping the land, and along the way actually creating an outdoor area for residents and other visitors,” Dagur stated. “So we are both achieving climate goals and creating a fun environment.”
The first phase of the project is expected to cost ISK 20 million ($165,000/€157,000), while the total cost of the restoration is projected at ISK 150 million ($1.2m/€1.1m). Restoring wetland in about three quarters of the area, or 65 hectares, is expected to bind around 400 tonnes of carbon per year. The total restored area cover 87 hectares.
