Denmark's 'Blueprint' for a Sustainable Approach to Forestry

Danish lawmakers have reached an agreement to plant one billion trees and transform 10% of the nation’s farmland into forests and natural habitats over the next two decades.

The ambitious US$6.1bn plan marks the most extensive reshaping of Denmark’s landscape in more than a century.

Aimed at reducing fertiliser use, restoring degraded soils and mitigating climate change, the project is set to redefine the country’s relationship with its land.

A historic transformation

“The Danish nature will change in a way we have not seen since the wetlands were drained in 1864,” says Jeppe Bruus, head of Denmark’s Green Tripartite Ministry, the body responsible for implementing the initiative.

The government, which has dubbed the agreement “the biggest change to the Danish landscape in over 100 years,” plans to increase forested areas by 250,000 hectares (618,000 acres) and convert an additional 140,000 hectares (346,000 acres) of low-lying, climate-vulnerable soils into natural habitats.

Currently, forests cover only 14.6% of Denmark’s land.

The project enjoys broad political support, with backing from the ruling three-party coalition — the Social Democrats, the Liberals, and the Moderates — as well as the Socialist People’s Party, the Conservatives, the Liberal Alliance and the Social Liberal Party.

Parliamentary approval of the deal is expected to be a formality.

An economic and ecological balancing act

The Danish government has earmarked DKK43bn (US$6.1bn) for the initiative, much of which will be used to purchase land from farmers.

The move has sparked discussions about the economic implications for the agricultural sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s GDP.

However, proponents argue that the benefits outweigh the costs.

“This isn’t just about reducing emissions, it’s about creating long-term resilience for both our environment and our economy,” Jeppe explains.

By focusing on low-yield farmland that is heavily reliant on fertilisers, the plan aims to minimise resource waste while prioritising ecological restoration.

Denmark's farming and climate commitments

This is not the first time Denmark has taken bold steps to address environmental concerns tied to agriculture.

In June, the government announced it would begin taxing livestock farmers for greenhouse gas emissions from cows, sheep and pigs starting in 2030, making Denmark the first country to directly target methane emissions in this way.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a significant contributor to global warming.

“We’re asking our farmers to make significant changes but we’re also providing them with the tools and support to adapt,” says Jeppe.

Compensation for landowners and incentives for adopting sustainable practices are expected to ease the transition.

Farmers may also be encouraged to explore alternative revenue streams, such as eco-tourism or the production of specialty crops.

Boosting biodiversity and carbon sequestration

The ecological impact of the initiative is expected to be profound.

Reforestation efforts will create critical habitats for wildlife, enhancing biodiversity across the country.

Forests and restored natural areas will also serve as carbon sinks, playing a vital role in Denmark’s efforts to meet international climate targets.

According to government estimates, the project will significantly reduce emissions while improving water quality and soil health.

“Healthy ecosystems aren’t just an environmental asset, they’re a foundation for economic and social stability,” says Jeppe.

Can this project be a template for sustainability?

As nations worldwide grapple with the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, Denmark’s plan may serve as a model for integrating environmental restoration with economic policy.

By addressing agricultural inefficiencies and repurposing marginal lands, the initiative demonstrates how targeted investments can yield both ecological and economic returns.

Jeppe is hopeful this initiative can be the start of something global.

“This isn’t just a project for Denmark, it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when we put sustainability at the heart of our decision making,” he says.

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