SMURF took centre stage at the 6th Edition of the Forest Innovation Workshop in Brussels on 11-12 February 2025, with Cesefor, Bluebiloba and UNIFI representing the project. Their participation showcased SMURF’s innovative solutions for tackling forest ownership fragmentation and fostering sustainable forestry practices. Alvaro Picardo, as Project Coordinator, proposed to put the focus of the sector on Small Forest Holdings and the owners of the land, to deliver the products and services that Europeans need from forests and the industry would process. Financial profitability is a key driver for forest owners, but not the main one. Family roots to the landscape and a compromise with future generations and inheirs is probably more motivating.
Francesca Giannetti, professor and researcher at University of Florence and active member of the SMURF consortium, highlighted the importance of promoting the sustainable management of agroforestry resources and the socio-economic development of rural areas through the transfer of innovative knowledge. This was exemplified by European sister projects such as GOFORESTS and FOREST4EU, which aim to facilitate collaboration among operational groups and the dissemination of best practices in the forestry and agroforestry sectors.
The workshop, co-organised by EFI, ERIAFF, FOREST4EU, OptFor-EU, and other leading organisations, brought together key stakeholders in forestry innovation. It provided a dynamic platform for policymakers, researchers, forest owners, and industry experts to exchange knowledge and explore synergies for resilient and low-carbon forest landscapes.
Participants engaged in interactive panels, regional authority roundtables, and breakout sessions, focusing on crucial topics such as forest restoration, agroforestry innovations, and non-wood forest products. Cesefor and UNIFI actively contributed to discussions on advancing carbon market integration and biodiversity conservation, areas where SMURF is driving forward innovative solutions.
By taking part in high-level discussions and networking with leading forestry actors, SMURF further strengthened its position within the European forestry community. This engagement marks another step forward in fostering collaboration, advocating for innovation, and ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for Europe’s forests. The SMURF team contacted with different stakeholders from more than 10 EU countries.