Visit to the Agricultural University of Iceland

On 6 March, Ambassador Takewaka visited the Agricultural University of Iceland and exchanged views on future academic exchange between Japan and Iceland with the university's Rector, Dr. Ragnheiður I Þórarinsdóttir.
 
The university focuses its research on three main fields: agricultural science, environmental and forest science, and landscape architecture. In particular, many students gather from around the world to participate in the six-month Land Restoration Training Programme, which is held every year under the auspices of UNESCO.
 
Through programs such as Erasmus and UNIgreen, the university has been focusing on academic exchange with institutions mainly in Europe, but in the future, cooperation with universities in non-European countries, including Japan, is also expected.
 
The wetland area where the university is located is protected by the Ramsar Convention, and is inhabited by many species of waterfowl. In addition to cows and sheep, the university campus is also home to 70 horses owned by the teachers and students, and there is also a beautiful indoor riding arena.
 
We were also shown around the Agricultural Museum of Iceland, which is located on the university grounds, and we were able to learn about the history of Icelandic agriculture while looking at the valuable collection of agricultural machinery.
 
Thank you to the Rector and staff members at the International Office for your warm reception.