The SMURF project, in line with the
EU’s Forest Strategy
Sustainable forest management and conservation of Europe's biodiversity
SMURF is a 48-month Horizon project that will try to shape the future of Small Forest Holdings in Europe, with strong participation of sectoral representatives.
SMURF will review existing business and management models and will propose and essay new alternatives that could enrich and diversify the European forest value chains.
In particular, a new system for forest carbon credits at the European level will be launched, trying to consolidate functional Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) systems. Proposals to improve the general support systems and the legal framework for Small Forest Holdings will try to improve the situation of small forest owners.
Through its research and multi-actor approach, SMURF aims to avoid risks of abandonment of forest management, identify values and arguments that could motivate small forest owners and consolidate proper land management and local forest value chains.
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Stay up to date with the smurf project and its value chain
The SMURF project, aligning with the EU’s Forest Strategy, aims to champion both sustainable forest management and economic viability.
We’re developing a suite of innovative solutions that focus on small forest properties, designed to conserve Europe’s woodland treasures whilst boosting their profitability.
Our goal is to create a harmonious balance where ecological stewardship and financial prosperity go hand in hand, ensuring a thriving future for Europe’s diverse forest landscapes.
Key actions of the SMURF project
Analysis of the Small Forest owner’s situation in Europe
Identification of business opportunities for Small Forest Holdings
New management models based on Closer to Nature Silviculture
Development of a PES System for the Forest Carbon Market
Establish alliances and cooperation with forest authorities
SFH Roadmap to 2030 and Action Plans to 2027.
Our Community
EU-FarmBook is the answer to real needs of farmers, foresters and advisors. It is a Horizon Europe project that is working at regional, national, and European (EU) levels to build an Online Platform for gathering and sharing valuable knowledge.
Last news
SMURF’s 5th General Assembly in Bragança: Advancing Closer-to-Nature Forestry Through Collaboration and Innovation
From April 14th to 16th, 2026, the SMURF consortium gathered in Bragança, Portugal, for its 5th General Assembly, hosted by
SMURF attends the FORADVISE Scoping Seminar: Strengthening Forest Advisory Services Across Europe
From 21 to 23 April 2026, Montpellier hosts one of the most important gatherings in European forest advisory this spring:
The Cascade Funding Stories Are Coming: Spotlight on Spain’s Forest Associations
SMURF’s Cascade Funding Stories campaign is here! Starting this February, we’re launching a series to showcase the inspiring journeys of
Partners
Developing a new forest management system that preserves Europe’s forests and their diversity, promotes awareness and trains forest managers
Developing a new forest management system that preserves Europe’s forests and their diversity, promotes awareness and trains forest managers
We are 10 partners spread over 6 countries
