Denmark to Plant 1 Bln Trees, Convert Farmland into Forests

Denmark has committed to a landmark environmental initiative, aiming to plant one billion trees and convert 10% of its farmland into forests and natural habitats over the next 20 years.

This historic agreement, approved by Danish lawmakers on Monday, is part of a broader strategy to reduce fertilizer usage and enhance biodiversity.

The government hailed the plan as the "most significant transformation of Denmark's landscape in over a century."

Jeppe Bruus, head of Denmark’s Green Tripartite Ministry, emphasized the magnitude of the change, likening it to the drainage of wetlands in 1864.

The initiative will see 43 billion kroner ($6.1 billion) allocated to acquiring farmland, enabling the expansion of Danish forests by an additional 250,000 hectares (618,000 acres). A further 140,000 hectares of climate-damaging farmland will be restored to nature.

Currently, 14.6% of Denmark’s land is forested. The agreement has received broad support across the political spectrum, with backing from the government coalition and key environmental groups. The deal is now set for a parliamentary vote, expected to be a formality.