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The Cascade Funding Stories Are Coming: Spotlight on Spain’s Forest Associations

Smurf Project — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:10:26 +0000

SMURF’s Cascade Funding Stories campaign is here! Starting this February, we’re launching a series to showcase the inspiring journeys of associations funded through the first SMURF Cascade Funding Call. From Austria to Sweden, Greece to Spain, each association has its own unique story—challenges faced, achievements earned, and communities impacted.

The goal of the campaign is simple: bring the people and initiatives behind sustainable forest and land management to the forefront, highlighting how innovation, collaboration, and commitment to local territories are creating real environmental and social impact.

Why the Cascade Funding Stories Matter

The Cascade Funding Stories aim to:

Raise awareness of sustainable management practices and their benefits.
Showcase the role of local associations in preserving biodiversity, revitalising rural economies, and enhancing community resilience.
Share lessons and best practices across countries, inspiring other initiatives to scale up or replicate successful models.

Through monthly videos, interviews, and stories, the campaign will explore the diversity of European landscapes and the dedicated people who care for them.

Spain Kicks Off the Series

This year, Spain is the first country featured in the series, highlighting the efforts of three outstanding associations that won the first SMURF Cascade Funding Call. These associations demonstrate how local ownership and sustainable practices can generate real impact for communities and the environment.

Community of Landowners of Baldíos Ocejón – Valverde de los Arroyos, Guadalajara

Nestled in the Sierra Norte of Guadalajara, this community focuses on sustainable forest management, with FSC certification ensuring environmental and social responsibility. Their work protects biodiversity while supporting local economic development through responsible natural resource management, ecological initiatives, and collaboration with local communities and businesses.

Learn more about Community of Landowners of Baldíos Ocejón: https://cpvalverde.com/about/

Montnegre and El Corredor Landowners’ Association (APMC) – Catalonia

Founded in 1992, the APMC unites local forest owners to promote sustainable management, climate adaptation, fire prevention, and silvopastoral practices. The association enhances local products, safeguards landscapes, and revitalises forest estates, creating benefits for both landowners and visitors alike.

Learn more about Montnegre and El Corredor Landowners’ Association (APMC) – Catalonia: Inicio – Associació de propietaris del Montnegre i el Corredor

ProUmbrías – Umbrías, Ávila, Gredos

ProUmbrías is a non-profit association of more than 400 landowners, managing 82% of the municipality’s private land (over 700 Ha). Since its foundation in 2009, the association has worked to manage fragmented rural properties in a joint and sustainable way, collaborating with farmers, local authorities, and the community. Their efforts have:

Improved land use without new infrastructure.
Reduced fire risk.
Supported livestock activity and rural population stability.
Earned national recognition, including awards from CONAMA 2010 and the Castilla y León regional government.

Learn more about ProUmbrías: http://proumbrias.es/

What’s Next

This is just the beginning. Throughout February, the campaign will feature other funded associations from across Europe, sharing their stories through videos, interviews, and articles. Each story highlights the creativity, dedication, and impact of local initiatives driving sustainable forest and land management.

Stay tuned to discover how these projects are shaping their communities and the environment, and celebrate the people making a real difference on the ground.

Innovation, collaboration, and impact—these are the heart of the Cascade Funding Stories.

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SMURF successfully concludes its second Cascade Funding Call with higher participation, wider geographic reach, and near-total budget allocation

Smurf Project — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 07:06:42 +0000

The SMURF project has just wrapped up its Second Cascade Funding Call, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the capacities and visibility of small forest owners’ organisations across Europe. Building on the success of the first call, this second round expanded participation, deepened collaboration with forest stakeholders, and reinforced the adoption of innovative tools and governance models for Small Forest Holdings (SFHs).

Running from April 9 to July 2, 2025, this call made €825,000 available for forest owners’ associations, cooperatives, federations, and confederations across all EU Member States. Thanks to strong sector engagement and rigorous evaluation procedures, SMURF successfully awarded €823,000 — 99.8% of the total budget — funding 58 organisations from the 17 countries that submitted proposals. Grant amounts ranged from €3,500 to €48,000, depending on the activities proposed.

In total, the call received 67 applications, representing a 22% increase over the first call (44 applications). Of these, 58 entities were selected for award — 23 more than in the first call, reflecting a growing interest in capacity-building, innovation, and cooperation across Europe’s small-scale forestry sector.

Notably, Finland, Germany, and Hungary participated for the first time, illustrating SMURF’s expanding reach. In contrast, Bulgaria and Ireland, which had participated previously, did not submit applications in this round.

Distribution of Applications Across Activities

Interest was strong across all six offered activities:

Activity 1: Participation in the Final SMURF Project Conference and Joint Dissemination Efforts received the highest number of applications, with organisations showing strong demand for capacity-building and training opportunities.
Activity 4: Participation in a Close to Nature Silviculture (CNS) training session, also attracted substantial interest, confirming the importance of cooperation and networking actions for small forest owners.
Activity 6: Participation in a National or Regional Working Group on Small Forest Holdings, which supports digitalisation initiatives and practical tools for small-scale forestry, was similarly popular.

Activities number 2 – Implementation of a Pilot Project on an innovative new business opportunity for Small Forest Holdings, 3 – Setup of a Close to Nature Silviculture (CNS) demonstration stand, and 5 – Development of a new Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) Pilot Carbon Project had moderate but meaningful levels of participation, indicating a balanced demand across the thematic areas of innovation, governance, and local engagement.

To ensure a fully objective, fair, and transparent selection process, all applications were assessed by SMURF’s independent Evaluation Committee, composed of qualified experts with no conflict of interest in the proposals submitted. The committee followed a rigorous scoring methodology and applied the evaluation criteria consistently across all activities. This structured and impartial review process guarantees that the awarded organisations were selected solely based on merit, relevance, and the expected impact of their proposed actions, reinforcing SMURF’s commitment to responsible and transparent funding management.

Countries With the Highest Application Rates

Spain led with 14 applications (21%)
Italy followed with 9 applications (13%)
France submitted 8 applications (12%)

This reflects strong engagement from Southern and Western Europe, consistent with broader forestry sector dynamics.

Funding Allocation: 99.8% of the Total Budget Awarded

The results from the selection process really showcase how effective and impactful the second call was. SMURF managed to award an impressive 99.8% of its available budget, which is a significant jump from the first call, when only 87.5% of the funding was allocated.

The financial support given to the organizations that received funding varied quite a bit, ranging from €3,500 to €48,000, depending on the scope and complexity of their activities.

Success Rates by Activity

The success rate varied across activities, reflecting different levels of competition:

Activities with the highest demand, such as Activity 1 and Activity 6, achieved notably high success rates due to the larger number of awards available for these categories.
More specialised activities, such as Activity 2 and Activity 5, had lower success rates, as the number of awards available was intentionally smaller.
Activities focused on collaboration and governance (Activities 3 and 4) demonstrated moderate success rates, balancing demand with quality of submissions.

Geographical Reach: All Participating Countries Receive Funding

A key highlight of this second call is the balanced and inclusive distribution of awarded organisations. All 17 participating countries received funding.

Spain once again led in terms of beneficiaries, with 13 funded organisations, accounting for 22% of the total. Italy followed with 16%, and France with 10%, showing strong engagement across Western and Southern Europe.

The distribution by macro-regions, according to EuroVoc classifications, further confirms the diversity of the funded organisations:

Southern Europe received the highest share of beneficiaries (45%),
followed by Central and Eastern Europe (24%),
Western Europe (24%),
and Northern Europe (7%).

This spread demonstrates the wide relevance of SMURF’s support mechanisms for forest owners’ organisations across varied forest management contexts and regional needs.

Key Features of the Second Call

Several structural factors supported the success of the second cascade funding call:

A total budget of €825,000, significantly larger than the first call.
A portfolio of six targeted activities, addressing innovation, governance, cooperation, digitalisation, and capacity-building.
A simplified lump-sum funding format, ensuring easy access and reduced administrative burden.
A generous application window of nearly three months, helping organisations prepare high-quality proposals.
A set of support tools, including information sessions, updated Q&A resources, and templates, that guided applicants throughout the process.

Conclusion: A major step forward for small forest owners in Europe

The Second Cascade Funding Call of SMURF has demonstrated growing demand for support, training, and innovation among Europe’s small forest owners’ organisations. With an increase in applications, wider geographical participation, and near-total allocation of available funds, SMURF continues to play a critical role in empowering these organisations.

The activities funded will help accelerate the adoption of innovative practices, strengthen governance mechanisms, enhance cooperation, and support the digital transformation of small-scale forestry. As implementation begins, the supported organisations will contribute to more sustainable, resilient, and well-connected forest management across Europe — reinforcing SMURF’s long-term vision of a thriving network of Small Forest Holdings.

See the complete list of beneficiaries: https://www.smurfproject.eu/cascade-funding-2nd-call/

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Kick-off meeting between SMURF and Association Futaie Irrégulière

Smurf Project — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:30:26 +0000

From 24 to 26 November, in the Pollino National Park (Basilicata Region), the UniFi and BlueBiloba teams met with Professor Max Bruciamacchie (Association Futaie Irrégulière, France) and several members of ProSilva Italy to advance Task 4.4: Training for reproducibility of Closer-to-Nature Silviculture in Europe.

Task 4.4 foresees the installation of ten demonstration stands to support the progressive adoption of Closer-to-Nature Silviculture (CNS) in ten EU countries, along with seven training events in seven different countries. The stands will be selected among the proposals submitted under Activity 3 of the SMURF project’s second cascade funding call with an homogeneous distribution across the EU. Each stand will host a monitoring protocol in fixed plots based on the monitoring protocol developed by AFI (the AFI device, from the French dispositif), designed to assess the functioning and long-term dynamics of irregular forest management.

In this context, one (or potentially two) of the first demo stands will be established in Southern Italy, in close collaboration with AFI and ProSilva Italy. A specific training on the installation of the monitoring protocol will be organised for the SMURF team in early 2026. This activity will also allow AFI to extend its monitoring network in Italy by including additional forest types and species not yet represented, while ProSilva Italy will strengthen its familiarity with the protocol—following the installation of the first Italian dispositif in the Western Alps (Val di Susa).
During this days, a preliminary field visit was conducted to identify suitable forest stands for this first installation. Several candidate forests were inspected and analysed by forestry experts from AFI, ProSilva Italy, UniFi and BlueBiloba.

The study area—Pollino National Park—hosts pure and mixed beech forests exhibiting various degrees of structural irregularity, Turkey oak high forests, Italian oak stands and mixed broadleaved formations, alongside the emblematic endemic Heldreich’s pine.

Day one

The first day opened with a round table on the characteristics of Pollino forests and the evolution of forest management in the area. Dr. Aldo Schettino (Pollino National Park) described how Silver fir, once widespread and economically important, underwent a progressive and not yet fully understood regression, allowing beech to expand extensively. He also outlined how irregular management systems were only partially adopted in past management plans, largely influenced by the long-standing dominance of the Florentine Forestry School and its tradition of applying regular shelterwood systems.

Italian members of ProSilva recalled this historical context while discussing the gradual introduction of CNS approaches. The work of Professor Famiglietti, building on Susmel’s earlier efforts in Southern Italy, has contributed to increased attention toward irregular stand structures

The discussion then focused on the ambition to promote active irregular management, while acknowledging the challenges posed by the need to limit harvesting in areas with high tourist visitation. An emblematic example is the recent designation of a monumental Turkey oak stand as old-growth forest, which now obstacle forestry operations in the selected plot.

The first visit took place in “Bosco Magnano – San Severino”, a Turkey oak high forest managed by the National Park. The stand is mature (mainly 40-50 years) and derives from the conversion of coppice. It shows a moderate diameter diversification, even though it is even-aged. The site is very fertile thanks to the high soil permeability. The current management approach is the regular shelterwood system (with regeneration cuttings at 120 years), but a new management plan is about to be presented and a transition toward an irregular forest structure may begin. In the upper part of the forest, there is a significant presence of ageing trees, reaching heights of around 40 metres. The persistence of these giant trees within a former coppice system is linked to past livestock grazing activities in the forest.

Professor Bruciamacchie from AFI assessed the forest as suitable for installing the first monitoring device (the AFI “dispositif”) for the SMURF project. During the visit, he illustrated AFI’s criteria for selecting stands appropriate for inclusion in the network: a minimum area of 15 hectares; a mature but not senescent developmental stage; and trees aged 40–50 years.

The group also discussed issues related to Quercus cerris wood quality. Local technicians noted that in Basilicata the species is currently used almost exclusively for firewood due to the lack of alternative markets. Dr. Schettino highlighted known limitations of Q. cerris wood (such as its high density, as well as the tendency to warp and difficulties with adhesion), but underlined that utilisation ultimately depends on available technologies, which—if improved—could diversify potential uses.

Professor Bruciamacchie emphasised the key factors for understanding both forest dynamics and the broader socio-economic context: the annual increment and the potential wood value, which should be assessed with reference to markets where the species is more highly valued. He mentioned that in parts of Eastern Europe (e.g., Serbia) Turkey oak is processed for the production of barrels and furniture. Currently, Turkey oak from Bosco Magnano is sold for firewood for 15–18 €/m³ as standing timber and 50–60 €/m³ at the timber yard.

Focusing on the importance of encouraging high-quality timber within stands, Professor Bruciamacchie explained AFI’s tree-oriented selection approach, stressing that irregular stand structure is not the goal of this silviculture but rather a consequence of consistent application of selection principles.

The field day concluded as the last light faded from the forest, with a final photograph taken under the canopy of a monumental beech in the lower section of the Park’s mixed deciduous forest.

Day two

During the second day, the group moved northwards to the forests of Magrizzi and Castronuovo. The visited stands present Italian oak (Quercus frainetto Ten.) as the dominant species, a marcescent oak scattered in Southern Italy and very little studied. The two sites are particularly suitable for the species, which requires fertile, mild hills and valleys. The Italian participants presented the species to Professor Bruciamacchie and discussed business opportunities related to its management. While currently its wood is sold only as firewood (and with a lower value compared to other oaks), its quality should be more similar to English oak and Sessile oak. Despite its rather limited annual growth, the species was considered more interesting for wood valorization than Turkey oak.

The first forest, under regional ownership, is an even-aged high forest where Italian oak covers about 50% of the stand, mixed with the more common Quercus cerris. The stand is around 70 years old, and the new management plan has recently proposed moving towards a continuous cover approach, whereas the previous plan assumed a regular shelterwood system. The group remained in the forest only as long as needed to discuss this change between the plans and then moved to the nearby second stand.

The second forest, owned by the Municipality of Castronuovo, is an even-aged, pure Italian oak stand with abundant oak regeneration. A uniform thinning was carried out years ago, fostering the abundant presence of regeneration. Surprisingly, no acorns were found on the soil, probably because of the occurrence of mast years. Some 300 m²-sized gaps derived from the removal of three adjacent trees had supported the growth of regeneration (probably pre-regeneration already present before the thinning), which is now surpassing two meters in height.

The stand was evaluated as suitable for installing a second device. The group discussed the silviculture to be pursued. Professor Bruciamacchie asked whether the aim of forest management was to promote a pure composition or to allow the scattered Turkey oak to regenerate in the stand. He criticized the Italian silviculture traditionally focused only on obtaining regeneration, Assuming that regeneration was not an issue (with the respected condition of the percentage of forest cover above 20% in a single-tree selection system), he emphasized the importance of promoting the quality of some promising mature trees. This was a perfect occasion to present the AFI approach to silviculture and quality wood promotion.

Professor Bruciamacchie noted that when many trees of good quality are present, tree selection becomes more difficult. He presented the optimal basal area to be maintained to pursue this silviculture in oak stands (between 15 and 18 m²) and outlined the relationships between basal area and annual volume increment to be considered when selecting trees to be cut.

The visit concluded with a satisfying round table at the restaurant, where a final technical meeting about installing the AFI monitoring devices was held. Professor Bruciamacchie stated that, for training the SMURF team, one device to be installed togheter could be sufficient. Since harvests need to be carried out two to three years after the installation, Bosco Magnano (Turkey oak stand) was evaluated as the most suitable option. Mauro Frattegiani from ProSilva Italy expressed the Association’s interest in studying Italian oak forests as well, an interest shared also by the other present researchers. Francesca Giannetti from UniFi reported that the installation of a second device in the Castronuovo stand (Italian oak) could have been evaluated.

The installation process and the parameters to be measured were presented in detail. Regarding the decay of single trees, Professor Bruciamacchie illustrated the ARCHI protocol (developed by CNPF) to dynamically monitor the resilience of the forest and individual trees to environmental stresses and competition dynamics. With the presented outcomes, the meeting concluded with the satisfaction of all participants. The skills gained in the AFI protocol and in irregular silviculture will be implemented across Europe to pursue Task 4.4 of the SMURF project, enabling forest owners and associations to adopt the CNS approach and reinforcing the project’s contribution to sustainable forest management

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Small Forests, Big Opportunities: How SMURF Is Transforming Forest Management in Europe

Smurf Project — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:28:15 +0000

Small private forest owners face similar challenges across the globe: fragmented properties, low profitability, limited management, and increasing pressure from climate change. At the recent Ontario Woodlot Association Conference, the European perspective offered valuable insights—especially through the work of SMURF (Sustainable Management models and valUe chains foR small Forests), an EU-funded project presented by Pablo Sabín, Forest Engineer and CEO of Cesefor.

His message was straightforward: forests must be profitable to be sustainable. And SMURF is working to make that a reality for millions of small forest owners across Europe.

Understanding the Challenge: Fragmented Forests and Low Incentives

Europe counts over 60 million private forest owners, many of whom hold parcels smaller than 0.5 hectares. This extreme fragmentation makes coordinated management difficult and cuts off access to markets. As a result, income from forests is often so low that owners do not see them as an economic asset—reducing the motivation to invest in long-term stewardship.

SMURF aims to change this dynamic by creating the conditions for active, profitable, and sustainable forest management.

How SMURF Is Driving Change

1. A European classification system for forest holdings

SMURF is proposing a harmonized EU-wide system to recognize and define small forest properties, highlighting their role in achieving sustainability and climate goals.

2. Mapping needs across all 27 EU Member States

Through surveys and benchmarking of support systems, the project is gathering comprehensive knowledge on what small forest owners need to overcome barriers to management.

3. Building collaboration networks

SMURF is connecting owners, managers, cooperatives, and policymakers to develop joint solutions. This effort materialized in the first European conference on small forest holdings, held in May 2025, where more than 40 organizations committed to participate in pilot actions.

4. Driving innovation in fragmented forests

The project blends traditional forest knowledge with new technologies and business models to improve sustainability and profitability.

Key approaches include:

Closer-to-Nature Silviculture (CNS): promoting biodiversity, long-term forest health, and low-impact management.
Carbon and afforestation projects: aligning with new EU frameworks to generate payments for ecosystem services.
New value chains: exploring innovative ways to diversify forest income beyond timber.

Profitability as a Pathway to Sustainability

Sabín emphasized a critical point: economic viability is essential for sustainable forest management. When owners can generate income through ecosystem services, certification, CNS, or carbon markets, they are far more likely to actively care for their forests.

Profitability also attracts political attention, public support, and long-term investment—creating a positive cycle that benefits ecosystems, local communities, and the wider climate agenda.

A Model with Global Relevance

The European experience shared at the conference shows that the issues faced by small forest owners—whether in the Mediterranean, Ontario, or elsewhere—are deeply interconnected. The strategies promoted by SMURF provide a roadmap for turning fragmented, inactive forests into valuable, resilient landscapes.

With the right tools, partnerships, and incentives, even the smallest woodlot can contribute to biodiversity, climate resilience, and rural vitality.

Read the original article for more insights into the presentations by Toni Ventre and Pablo Sabín Here

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Upcoming LAURUS Network Webinar: Operational Groups as a Driver for Innovation in Forest Ownership

Smurf Project — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:50:49 +0000

SMURF – The Forest Owners’ Project is pleased to share an upcoming opportunity for the forestry community: a new webinar within the Laurus Network titled “Operational Groups as a Tool for Forest Owners: From Needs to Innovative Solutions.”

This event sheds light on one of the most effective mechanisms within the EU framework to foster innovation directly from the ground up. Operational Groups (OGs) are powerful tools that help forest owners and their associations transform real needs into collaborative, funded and impactful solutions.

Date: 17 December 2025
Time: 11:00–12:30 CET
Format: 1.5-hour webinar + 30-minute Q&A session
Registration: Free (not longer available)

About the Webinar

The Laurus Network continues to strengthen its training activities by offering a dedicated session on how Operational Groups function and how they can be leveraged to support innovation in the forestry sector.

The webinar is supported by FOREST4EU, an Horizon Europe project committed to improving knowledge exchange, best practices and innovation across European Operational Groups.

What Participants Will Learn

This webinar will provide practical and strategic insights, including:
How Operational Groups work and why they are important for the development of private forest ownership in Europe.
How OGs stimulate forest-focused innovation, addressing concrete challenges faced by forest owners and their associations.
Real examples of successful OG projects, showcasing long-term benefits related to sustainability and profitability.
Guidance for forestry associations, including key steps, requirements and best practices for applying to OG funding and building strong multi-actor partnerships.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is relevant for:

Technical staff from forestry associations
Forest owners
Consultants and rural development experts
Policy authorities
Anyone interested in innovation mechanisms within the forestry sector

By promoting this event, SMURF supports knowledge exchange and capacity building among forest owners, helping strengthen innovation ecosystems across Europe.

If you are interested in tools that support forest management, cooperation, and innovation, this webinar will offer valuable insights.

La entrada Upcoming LAURUS Network Webinar: Operational Groups as a Driver for Innovation in Forest Ownership se publicó primero en Smurf project.

SMURF Showcased at the Final FOREST4EU and ResAlliance Event in Croatia

Smurf Project — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:41:06 +0000

On 12 and 13 November 2025, the FOREST4EU and ResAlliance projects held their joint final event in Vinkovci, Croatia, organised by the Competence Centre. The gathering brought together leading European experts, stakeholders, and innovators from the forestry and bioeconomy sectors to discuss how to enhance the resilience and sustainability of Europe’s forests and landscapes.

Active participation of the SMURF project

The SMURF project was honored to be invited to this key event and had a strong presence throughout the two-day meeting.

On 13 November, Álvaro Picardo (SMURF Project Coordinator) took part in a panel discussion alongside representatives from FOREST4EU, ResAlliance, A4EU, BioNets, FORADVISE, and RETFOR. The interactive session focused on cross-project collaboration, practical challenges, and future synergies in areas such as climate adaptation, sustainable management, and landscape resilience.

In addition, Álvaro Picardo (SMURF Project Coordinator) and Adela Trassierra (SMURF Project Manager) delivered an interactive presentation introducing both the SMURF project and the Laurus Network—a community of practice that has emerged from the project itself to foster cooperation and knowledge exchange among stakeholders in the forestry sector.

A space for cooperation and innovation

Throughout the event, participants explored innovative solutions and best practices presented by various European initiatives, highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared learning to help preserve Europe’s forests and landscapes for future generations.

The SMURF project’s participation in this event reinforces its commitment to sustainability, forest resilience, and European collaboration, positioning it as a key actor within the Horizon Europe community dedicated to sustainable landscape management.

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Bordeaux Hosts SMURF’s 4th General Assembly: Strengthening Collaboration and Driving Progress

Smurf Project — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:40:45 +0000

From September 23rd to 25th, 2025, the SMURF consortium came together at the Campus Educative Bordeaux, graciously hosted by our partner XYLOFUT, for its 4th General Assembly. This three-day gathering was a significant milestone for the project, uniting 22 representatives from 10 partners across Europe to assess progress, share insights, and continue crafting innovative solutions for small forest owners.

Day 1: Setting the Stage

The General Assembly kicked off with a warm welcome from Álvaro Picardo Nieto (CESEFOR), the SMURF project coordinator, alongside the XYLOFUTUR team. The opening session featured a recap of the achievements from the project’s first year. Partners also took the time to review progress across various work packages.

The day included a focused workshop on communication, dissemination, and exploitation, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the project’s impact and outreach.

Day 2: From Heritage to Practice

The second day blended cultural exploration with hands-on experience. In the morning, partners visited the Écomusée de la Truffe, where they enjoyed a guided tour that highlighted the region’s rich heritage and traditions of truffle cultivation.

In the afternoon, the consortium headed to Vaunac for a visit to a forest plot, focusing on land consolidation operations (AFAFE) in collaboration with CNPF. This visit offered valuable insights into practical approaches to sustainable forest management and encouraged exchanges with local experts.

Day 3: Reviewing Progress and Looking Ahead

The final day of the General Assembly was dedicated to discussing advancements in the remaining work packages. These sessions highlighted the significant progress made so far and reinforced the consortium’s collective commitment to delivering innovative tools and solutions for small forest owners.

A Successful Gathering

The 4th General Assembly was a resounding success, providing three days of fruitful discussions and collaboration.

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SMURF at the International Model Forest Network Global Forum 2025 in Canada

Smurf Project — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:28:14 +0000

Following their participation at the FAO’s 1st European Conference in Rome, recipients of SMURF’s first Cascade Funding call took part in the International Model Forest Network (IMFN) Global Forum, held in Kemptville Campus, Ontario, Canada. The event gathered over up to 200 delegates representing over 60 Model Forests from around the world to discuss collaborative strategies for landscape management, sustainability, and community-led forest governance. For several Model Forests supported through SMURF, this was an important opportunity to continue nurturing and strengthening connections, share local experiences, and contribute to a global dialogue on sustainable forest management.

The forum served as a platform for knowledge exchange between mature and emerging Model Forests, with a strong emphasis on inclusive governance, biodiversity restoration, and climate resilience. Representing SMURF, Pablo Sabín, CEO of CESEFOR, took the floor during one of the plenary sessions to present joint initiatives and shared objectives in two key areas: promoting forest certification and strengthening forest owner cooperation. His intervention underlined how SMURF is helping to bridge local forest management with European and global strategies, particularly through aggregation models that give small forest owners greater access to certification schemes and sustainable practices.

Participation in the IMFN Global Forum marks a pivotal moment for SMURF’s funded Model Forests, as they transition from local implementation to active contributors in the international forestry arena. This engagement demonstrates how Cascade Funding is not only enabling pilot activities on the ground, but also enhancing the visibility and influence of European forest stakeholders in shaping global approaches to sustainable forestry. The connections made in Canada are expected to fuel long-term partnerships and collaborative actions across continents, reinforcing the core values of SMURF: cooperation, innovation, and sustainability in forest landscape restoration.

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Shape the Future of European Forestry Education and Training: Your Expertise is Needed!

Smurf Project — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 14:14:56 +0000

The European forestry sector is at a pivotal moment. The transition towards a more sustainable, biodiversity-friendly, and multifunctional forest-based bioeconomy, as outlined in the EU Forest Strategy 2030, requires a new generation of skills and knowledge. But what are the most critical skills needed on the ground, and where are the current gaps in our education and training?

To answer these important questions, Milieu Consulting is conducting a Survey on Forestry Education and Training in support of the European Commission. This consultation seeks to gather expert insights from the very people who manage, work in, and study our forests.

Whether you are a forest owner, manager, worker, technician, or student currently enrolled in forestry or related educational or training programmes, your practical experience and perspective are invaluable. The results of this survey will help inform recommendations for updated curricula, new skills and training opportunities designed to support the implementation of the EU Forest Strategy 2030.

This is your chance to ensure that future training is relevant, practical, and equips forestry professionals for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Help us build a resilient and skilled forestry workforce for the future. Your voice will help shape the direction of professional development in our sector for years to come.

Share your insights by taking the survey before the 29 August 2025 deadline.

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The Second Open Call – A Resounding Success!

Smurf Project — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:16:19 +0000

We are still analysing the results, but all indications suggest that—just like the first—this second open call for forest owners’ organisations has been a clear success!

A total of 66 applications were received from associations in 17 EU countries, showing remarkable interest and engagement across Europe.

Organisations expressed strong interest in all six activities of this call, from implementing innovative business models to pilot carbon projects or setting up CNS demonstration stands. This level of participation reflects a growing commitment to implementing forestry practices that are both profitable and sustainable, while also fostering regional innovation.

These results also highlight the impressive outreach and geographical coverage already achieved by the SMURF project. They underline both the high visibility of the initiative and the strong engagement of European forest owner organisations in supporting the sustainable management of small forest holdings.

Final results will be published by October 3rd, following the completion of the evaluation process.

We’ll soon share all the details through our social media channels: LinkedIn, X and newsletter. Stay connected and follow us for the latest updates!

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