The “Emerald Isle” is what it’s called. However, Ireland is one of the least wooded countries in Europe. On the occasion of International Forest Day, let’s head to this unique land: only 11% of its territory is covered with forests. But the Irish government aims to increase this to 18% by 2050. Ireland is therefore embarking on a reforestation journey.
From our correspondent in Dublin, Niall Charleton demonstrates how to plant a tree: “So, I’m going to dig a square hole. I simply lift the soil, place the roots in it, then put some soil back on top. And there you have it, our tree is planted!”
With a shovel in hand, 68-year-old Niall is ready to roll up his sleeves. And the program looks busy for these forty volunteers. The goal is to plant 1,000 trees in a single day in this park in the southern part of Dublin county. “We need to aim high,” explains Niall. Ireland is far behind in terms of forest coverage: only 11% of its territory is wooded, compared to a European average of 35%.
“It’s a real shame! And when it comes to natural forests, barely 2% of our territory is covered. Everything else is industrial plantations, dominated by Sitka spruce. A thriving timber industry, but a disaster for biodiversity: it’s toxic, it chokes the rest of life! But we live on a damp island: so, these trees grow faster here than anywhere else in Europe, thanks to the almost constant rain, you may have noticed,” concludes Niall, with a hint of irony.
This species, which grows quickly in Ireland, is entirely destined to be cut down and commercialized. Ireland actually has very few native trees. However, according to the volunteers, only mixed forests truly promote biodiversity.
Reforestation: yes, but not just any way
“If a farmer plants trees, the land is dedicated to the forest”
On this day, it was the Dublin city council that funded the young saplings, like the Killarney ash and hawthorn. A gesture that is part of a much more ambitious plan: the government aims to plant 8,000 hectares of trees each year, equivalent to a forest the size of Strasbourg. And to achieve this, incentives encourage farmers to plant on their land. But according to Martha O’Hagan, professor of sustainable finance at Trinity University in Dublin, several barriers persist:
“There is this rule, according to which once a farmer plants trees, the land is definitively dedicated to the forest. He is thus making a decision on the use of his land for future generations, his children and grandchildren. In addition, the value per hectare of this plot drops, as it can only be used for forestry! Enough to make farmers hesitate.”
And yet, there is urgency. Without a reduction in emissions by 2030, the European Union could impose fines of up to €26 billion on Ireland. And forests, as we know, remain one of the best carbon sinks to combat climate change.
Adapt the landscape to face climate change
