SMURF is a European project that aims to improve the management and economic viability of small-scale forest holdings, recognising their role in biodiversity conservation, the response to climate change and the rural economy.
Many of these properties face similar challenges: fragmented plots, low profitability, barriers to accessing advice and resources, and increasing vulnerability to fires, droughts and other effects of climate change. These conditions can make it difficult to look after the woodland and encourage people to stop managing it.
To tackle these challenges, SMURF brings together organisations representing forest owners, researchers, companies and specialist bodies. The project combines research, training and pilot schemes to develop management and business models tailored to small-scale holdings.
One of its key principles is nature-based forestry: a way of managing forests that draws on their natural processes and seeks to reconcile forest use with the ecosystem’s diversity and adaptive capacity.
What we do
Project objectives
- To improve understanding of small-scale forest holdings and the needs of their owners.
- To promote sustainable and economically viable forest management.
- To develop opportunities relating to timber and non-timber products.
- To promote forestry practices that are in harmony with nature.
- To make progress on mechanisms that recognise and provide remuneration for the environmental services provided by forests.
- To strengthen cooperation between property owners, organisations and public authorities.
What activities are taking place?
- An analysis of the situation of small-scale forest holdings in Europe and the main challenges they face.
- Development and testing of management models and business opportunities.
- Demonstration activities and training in nature-based forestry.
- Development of management support tools and resources.
- Development of proposals for payments for environmental services, with a particular focus on forest carbon.
- Sharing knowledge and drawing up recommendations to improve policies and support systems for the sector.
Our involvement in SMURF
Serranías Vivas is taking part in the second call for proposals to support organisations representing small-scale forest owners. Our involvement centres on taking part in specialised training in nature-based forestry, disseminating the project’s content and lessons learnt, and attending its final conference. This participation enables us to link the needs of our region with European experiences and to expand the knowledge and collaborative networks that can support the care of our woodlands.
Where and when
SMURF operates across Europe and brings together experiences and organisations from different countries, taking into account the diversity of their forests and their various forms of ownership and management.
Status: underway.
Organisations and funding
The project is coordinated by the Cesefor Foundation and carried out by a European consortium comprising ten organisations from six countries.
SMURF is funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme, under grant agreement No. 101135516.
Would you like to take part or find out more?
Write to us at info@serraniasvivas.org and we’ll tell you how to get involved in the project.
