The Borealisation of Icelandic Terrestrial Ecosystems: Mapping the Stakeholder Landscape

Abstract

Combined changes in land-use patterns and climate are driving an increased representation of boreal species in tundra ecosystems: a process known as borealisation. The process will have wide-ranging socio-ecological consequences and a significant impact on northern livelihoods. To tackle these consequences, communication and ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders is crucial. Giving stakeholders a concrete role in research-based policymaking integrates ‘on-the-ground’ perspectives with established scientific knowledge, shaping outcomes to be more locally relevant. This study takes the first step in stakeholder engagement: identifying and analysing appropriate stakeholders.Given the concerted afforestation and land restoration efforts in Iceland, both drivers of borealisation, the country makes an effective case study to determine those most affected. Icelandic stakeholders pertinent to borealisation processes were then evaluated based on their frames of reference, salience, and interconnections to provide a framework for future engagement. Scoping interviews were conducted, broadening an initial selection of potential stakeholders. These open discussions on borealisation clarified the process’ societal implications in Iceland, which serves as a bellwether for other affected countries.