Smurf project

SMURF’s 5th General Assembly in Bragança: Advancing Closer-to-Nature Forestry Through Collaboration and Innovation

Smurf Project — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:01:00 +0000

From April 14th to 16th, 2026, the SMURF consortium gathered in Bragança, Portugal, for its 5th General Assembly, hosted by our partner Instituto Politécnico de Bragança. This three-day meeting brought together project partners from across Europe to review progress, align on upcoming activities, and strengthen collaboration around innovative solutions for small forest owners and sustainable forest management. Based on the official meeting agenda.

Day 1: Strategic Alignment and Project Coordination

The General Assembly began with a welcome session led by Álvaro Picardo Nieto from CESEFOR and the host team from Instituto Politécnico de Bragança. The opening session offered an overview of the project’s current status and key milestones achieved so far, setting the stage for two days of in-depth discussions and collaborative workshops.

The morning focused on project governance and stakeholder engagement. Partners held a workshop to define the functioning and relationship with the project’s Advisory Board, ensuring that expert guidance can effectively support the implementation of SMURF’s activities. This was followed by a discussion on the methodological framework for training and educational seminars, which are essential for transferring knowledge and best practices to forest owners, practitioners, and other relevant actors.

A dedicated session on territorial working groups also took place, helping partners define where and how these groups will be established to support local stakeholder engagement and facilitate the uptake of project solutions on the ground.

In the afternoon, the consortium held transversal workshops involving several work packages. Discussions focused on business models for sustainable forest management and on how to support forest owners in the implementation of Closer-to-Nature Silviculture (CNS). In particular, partners explored the development of practical materials such as guidelines and capacity-building resources to facilitate the adoption of CNS approaches. These sessions were key to identifying tools and solutions that can improve the profitability and resilience of small forest holdings.

The day concluded with an important workshop on the organisation of the EU conference in Brussels as the final project conference. Partners exchanged ideas on programme structure, logistics, and communication strategies to maximise the visibility and policy impact of project results.

Day 2: Technical Progress, Carbon Schemes and Policy Dialogue

The second day was dedicated to the project’s core technical work. The morning began with a workshop on the development of the CNS wave methodology, which supports the transition towards more sustainable and resilient forest management models. This was followed by a session on the LAURUS network, where partners discussed its current status and explored ideas for strengthening collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders.

One of the central moments of the day was the workshop on the SMURF carbon scheme. Partners discussed how to structure and implement mechanisms that recognise and reward ecosystem services, particularly carbon sequestration, generated by small forest owners. This work is essential to creating fair and effective incentive systems that support long-term forest resilience.

The afternoon focused on biodiversity and policy integration. A dedicated workshop addressed biodiversity indicators and how project actions can contribute to healthier and more resilient forest ecosystems. Another key session explored policy guidelines, with partners discussing how to connect project findings at national level with broader European policy frameworks. These exchanges are particularly important to ensure that SMURF’s results can support future forest policy and governance.

The day ended with a communication and dissemination planning session, where partners coordinated calendars and activities for the period from June 2026 to June 2027. This forward-looking exercise helped ensure smooth collaboration and effective outreach in the project’s next phase.

Day 3: Learning from the Field in Portuguese Forest Landscapes

The third and final day was devoted to a field trip that gave consortium members the opportunity to connect project discussions with real forest management practices in Portugal. The group visited forest intervention zones (ZIFs) managed by the APATA Association in the Bragança area, where they learned about local governance approaches, forest fragmentation challenges, and strategies to improve resilience and coordination among landowners.

Later in the day, the consortium travelled to Vila Pouca de Aguiar to visit forest areas managed by AGUIAR Floresta. These visits offered valuable insights into practical approaches to sustainable forest management, stakeholder cooperation, and the implementation of measures that support biodiversity, carbon storage, and rural development.

A Productive and Forward-Looking Meeting

The 5th General Assembly in Bragança was a highly productive and valuable gathering for the SMURF consortium. Across three days of strategic discussions, technical workshops, and field visits, partners reinforced their shared commitment to developing practical, innovative, and scalable solutions for small forest owners across Europe.

As SMURF moves into its next implementation phase, the consortium remains focused on delivering tools, business models, and policy recommendations that support more resilient, biodiverse, and economically viable forest landscapes.

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SMURF attends the FORADVISE Scoping Seminar: Strengthening Forest Advisory Services Across Europe

Smurf Project — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:50:38 +0000

From 21 to 23 April 2026, Montpellier hosts one of the most important gatherings in European forest advisory this spring: the FORADVISE Scoping Seminar, organised by the Centre National de la Propriété Forestière (CNPF) — a SMURF Cascade Funding beneficiary — and the Centre de la Propietat Forestal de la Generalitat de Catalunya.

The seminar brings together leading forest advisory centres from across Europe, most of them members of the FOREXT network, the continent's main platform connecting forest extension services. It is a key milestone in the development of FORADVISE, a Horizon Europe project coordinated by the European Forest Institute (EFI), aimed at strengthening forest advisory services across the EU within the AKIS (Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems) framework.

Six thematic working groups, one shared ambition

The seminar is structured around six Thematic Working Groups covering the most pressing topics for European forestry today: Climate Change and Forest Management Adaptation, Agroforestry, Wood Mobilisation, Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFP), Sustainable Forest Management and Closer-to-Nature Forestry, and Payment for Ecosystem Services.We are particularly proud to highlight that CESEFOR — SMURF's coordinating partner — leads the FORADVISE expert network on Non-Wood Forest Products and Wild Products, one of the six thematic groups driving the project forward. This is a direct expression of the knowledge and networks that SMURF brings to the broader European forest advisory ecosystem.

FORADVISE and SMURF: natural allies

FORADVISE is one of SMURF's closest partners within the Horizon Europe ecosystem. Both projects share the conviction that better-connected, better-resourced advisory services are essential for European forests and the communities that depend on them. This seminar is a concrete step towards building what FORADVISE envisions as a true "network of networks" — and SMURF, through LAURUS Network, is proud to contribute to that shared vision.

For more information about the event, visit the FORADVISE Scoping Seminar page.

To learn more about the project as a whole, explore the FORADVISE project website.

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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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Small4Good

Smurf Project — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:14:51 +0000

Sustainable multifunctional management by small forest owners in support of bioeconomy, biodiversity and climate. Coordinated by the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO).

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Eu FARM Book: The point of reference for foresters, farmers and advisors

Smurf Project — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:12:26 +0000

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.

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FOREST4EU: Connecting forestry and Agroforestry partnerships across Europe

Smurf Project — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:09:35 +0000

UNIFI and Cesefor, members of SMURF consortium, are also members of FOREST4EU. The is a Horizon Europe project aiming at connecting existing Operational Groups (OGs) from different countries around Europe, in order to favour the transfer of knowledge and best practices between experts in this field.

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ELO: The European Landowners’ Organization

Smurf Project — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:04:52 +0000

he European Landowners’ Organization (ELO) is a unique federation of national associations from Europe and beyond, dedicated to representing the interests of landowners, land managers, and rural entrepreneurs. Stands as an independent non-governmental organization providing support to its 67 members on a range of countryside-related matters. These encompass land management, agriculture, forestry, hunting, land access, and property rights.

Learn more about it: www.europeanlandowners.org

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International Council of Forest & Paper Associations

Smurf Project — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:14:16 +0000

The International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) is a global network that brings together national and regional forest, paper, wood and fibre‑based industry associations from around the world, representing dozens of countries and major producers in the sector . Its mission is to serve as a forum for dialogue, coordination and cooperation, helping members develop common positions on sustainability, climate change, forest management and innovation while representing the industry in international policy arenas.

ICFPA promotes collaboration between industry, governments and NGOs to support sustainable forest management and the manufacture of renewable forest‑based products, and it facilitates exchange of best practices and innovation through initiatives like the Blue Sky Young Awards for emerging researchers and professionals.

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Family forestry alliance

Smurf Project — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:08:14 +0000

The International Family Forestry Alliance (IFFA) is a global civil society organisation that represents and advocates for family forest owners around the world.

Founded in 2002 and formalised in 2006, IFFA gives a voice to family forest ownership in international policy discussions, forums and conventions where decisions affecting forests, forest management and sustainable use are made.

IFFA works to promote family forestry, defend ownership rights and ensure the economic, social and environmental viability of privately‑owned forests, which collectively cover a significant share of forested land worldwide.

The alliance also fosters exchange of experience and knowledge among national and regional forest owner organisations, supporting sustainable forest management and stronger community engagement across continents.

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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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