Our project at a glimpse
The SMURF project is divided into 7 different Work Packages
WP1 - Project Management
To achieve effective and results-driven management, it is essential to establish a strong organizational structure that ensures goals are clearly defined and visible throughout the project. Continuous monitoring of progress between planned and actual activities is crucial, with corrective actions taken when necessary. Active administrative and technical management should be implemented throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring the timely delivery of all management and technical reports to the European Commission, as well as efficient financial management. Additionally, the objectives and expected outcomes for cascade funding of third parties must be clearly defined, supporting the successful implementation of the project.
Tasks
T1.1 Management procedures
T1.2 Overall project management activities
T1.3 Data Management
T1.4 Cascade Fundin
Deliverables
D1.1 – Data Management Plan v1
D1.2 – Data Management Plan v2
D1.3 – Final Data Management Plan
D1.4 – Report on Project management activities
D1.5 – Documentation and registration procedures for cascade funding
Milestones
MS1 – Selection of granted organizations (M13)
WP2 – Analysis of small forest properties scenario across Europe
We want to involve both traditional and non-traditional small forest property owners, along with key stakeholders such as managers, industry representatives, and government officials.
The focus is on understanding the specific circumstances and behaviors of both types of owners. Additionally, efforts aim to enhance knowledge regarding the management expertise, skills, motivation, and needs of small forest property owners.
The initiative includes a thorough review of existing legislation at regional, national, and EU levels pertaining to forestry, as well as an assessment of current support systems available at both national and European levels. The overarching goal is to gather comprehensive insights and information that can inform strategies for effectively supporting and collaborating with small forest property owners.
Tasks
T2.1 Creation of a small forest stakeholders Hub
T2.2 Mapping the situation of small forest systems
T2.3 Analysis of legal framework
T2.4 Review of support systems
T2.5 Analysis of success stories
Deliverables
D2.1 – Report on actors and Hub network
D2.2 – Report on forest situation & legal framework
D2.3 – Online dashboard
D2.4 – Digital map of support structures
D2.5 – Collection of success stories
Milestones
MS2 – Creation of Hub (M17)
MS3 – Standard classification of small forests (M24)
WP3 – Sustainable adaptation of successful solutions to new EU regions: case studies of technological and business models
Our aim is to systematically analyse and define the potential business prospects within a central hub for small-scale forest owners, specifically focusing on the utilization of non-wood forest products and the incorporation of damaged or infected wood into the development of innovative wood-based products.
This involves a multifaceted approach, beginning with the characterization of business opportunities within the hub.
Following this, the project aims to put these identified opportunities into practice by implementing and validating new business models in pertinent regions and organizations across Europe.
A collaborative effort is envisioned, where stakeholders work together to co-create novel business models for both non-wood products and the integration of damaged or infected wood into the production of new wood-based items.
In essence, the initiative seeks to drive sustainable and economically viable practices among small-scale forest owners by tapping into the potential of non-traditional forest resources and fostering innovation in wood-based product development.
Tasks
T3.1 Characterization of business opportunities
T3.2 Case study: forest valuation through technology
T3.3 Case study: non-wood products
T3.4 Case study: damaged/infected wood
T3.5 Assessment & co-creation of business models
Deliverables
D3.1 – List of business opportunities
D3.2 – Catalogue of technologies
D3.3 – Catalogue of NWFP
D3.4 – Catalogue of damaged wood uses
D3.5 – Report on living labs
D3.6 – Business model sheets
Milestones
MS4 – Business models for replication (M40)
WP4 – Development of new forest management model: closer to nature silviculture (CNS) for Europe
SMURF aims to establish a crucial management tool for the European Forest Strategy, focusing on the primary European Forest Ecosystem. This tool will be designed to empower forest managers in implementing silviculture practices that effectively balance productivity and nature conservation.
We want to increase the understanding regarding the impact of various management strategies on the key Ecosystem Services. Another goal involves the analysis of the requirements for providing Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) to support the expansion of closer-to-nature silviculture. Lastly, the objectives aim to promote awareness and adoption of Closer to Nature Silviculture (CNS) among forest owners and stakeholders across Europe.
Tasks
T4.1 Development of CNS models
T4.2 Modelling & validation of ecosystem services
T4.3 CNS guidelines
T4.4 Training & reproducibility
Deliverables
D4.1 – CNS models
D4.2 – Validation report
D4.3 – CNS guidelines
D4.4 – CNS website & campaign
D4.5 – Portfolio of services
D4.6 – Educational material
D4.7 – Demonstration stands
Milestones
MS5 – CNS guidelines (M30)
WP5 – Innovative PES approaches for Europe: standards, blockchain tokens and digital platform
SMURF aims to enhance the financial returns of forest ownership by leveraging Payment For Ecosystem Services (PES) with a focus on carbon credits. This involves the establishment of methodologies (O5.2) to seamlessly integrate biodiversity considerations into carbon credit projects. Additionally, the implementation of a robust carbon credit traceability system, utilizing blockchain technology (O5.3), is crucial for ensuring the credibility and reliability of the generated credits.
Furthermore, the initiative seeks to establish a transparent and reliable market for carbon credits by utilizing tokens. These tokens would be generated through forestry projects specifically designed for the voluntary market in Europe (O5.4). Overall, this multifaceted approach aims to create opportunities for sustainable forest management and contribute to environmental conservation efforts by aligning financial incentives with ecosystem services.
Tasks
T5.1 New PES system at EU level
T5.2 Biodiversity qualification of credits
T5.3 Blockchain traceability system
T5.4 Digital platform
T5.5 Training & engagement
Deliverables
D5.1 – Carbon credit standard
D5.2 – Biodiversity qualification methodology
D5.3 – PES methodology & results
D5.4 – Digital platform prototype
D5.5 – Educational material
D5.6 – Implementation guide
Milestones
MS6 – First validated standard (M36)
MS7 – Token exchange trial (M40)
MS8 – Digital platform (M45)
WP6 – Sustainable exploitation of project solutions
The proposed objectives aim to facilitate the widespread implementation of flagship initiatives throughout Europe by engaging organizations from diverse countries and regions in both the design and monitoring phases. The strategy involves not only the transfer of successful initiatives but also the formulation of effective strategies for replicating these solutions across different European organizations and regions.
Additionally, there is a focus on enhancing support systems for forest owners in Europe, ensuring they receive improved assistance. To sustain these efforts, the plan includes the provision of adequate resources for exploitation throughout the project’s duration and beyond, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive follow-up plan.
Tasks
T6.1 Exploitation plan
T6.2 Regional/national strategies
T6.3 Support systems & incentives
Deliverables
D6.1 – Exploitation strategy
D6.2 – Roadmaps
D6.3 – Support structures
D6.4 – Support incentives
D6.5 – Policy recommendations
Milestones
MS9 – Strategies for replication (M48)
WP7 – Communication, dissemination, networking and clustering
To ensure effective communication and dissemination, a coherent framework must be established for all related activities. A strong project image should be presented to external stakeholders and target audiences. Additionally, social participation should be encouraged, and knowledge exchange between various stakeholders across different regions should be facilitated, aiming to increase the number of Hub members and participants in the project. It is also important to maximize the availability, accessibility, and awareness of the project’s findings to ensure its continuation. Finally, fostering synergies among forest stakeholders will further stimulate social participation and knowledge exchange across different European regions.
Tasks
T7.1 – Communication and dissemination strategy
T7.2 – Communication and dissemination activities
T7.3 – Conference on forest ownership in Europe
T7.4 – Clustering and synergies
Deliverables
D7.1 – Initial communication plan
D7.2 – Website & social media
D7.3 – Final communication plan
D7.4 – C&D report
D7.5 – Conference results
D7.6 – Practice abstracts batch 1
D7.7 – Practice abstracts batch 2
Milestones
MS10 – Effective communication & dissemination (M48)