Castilla y León inaugurates its first laboratory forest in Vega de Espinareda with the help of the PLANFORLAB Operational Group
Description
The PLANFORLAB Operational Group has taken a decisive step in its development with the inauguration of the first laboratory forest in Castile and León , located in Vega de Espinareda (León) . This pioneering space is establishing itself as a benchmark for innovation, experimentation, and knowledge transfer in sustainable forest management , especially focused on the prevention and control of forest pests and diseases , one of the sector's major challenges.
During the presentation last September, technicians, partners, and project managers toured the experimental plots , where the initial field activities were defined. The forest, which covers 25 hectares , will include fenced areas for silvicultural demonstration and experimentation , where soil analysis, pest monitoring , and the application of innovative forest management techniques will be carried out to improve the resilience of ecosystems to climate change.
In addition to its research function, this enclave will serve as a training center for foresters and a space for the transfer of scientific and technical knowledge , promoting cooperation between managers, researchers and companies in the forestry sector.
The creation of this first laboratory forest marks the beginning of a network of demonstration spaces that PLANFORLAB is developing in different areas of Spain, with the aim of promoting innovation applied to the territory and consolidating sustainable management models that integrate science, technology and conservation.
The PLANFORLAB project (Forest Laboratory Plan for Innovation and Forest Resilience) is part of the Operational Groups of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP-Agri) , financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) , with the collaboration of the Junta de Castilla y León.
Participation in the FIREPOCTEP+ project day
PLANFORLAB's commitment to innovation and forest sustainability was also reflected in its participation, on September 23 , in the event "Innovating to Protect: Knowledge, Territory and Business," organized by the FIREPOCTEP+ project. This initiative is co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) within the framework of the Interreg VI-A Spain–Portugal Program (POCTEP) 2021–2027 .
The meeting brought together institutional representatives, researchers, companies and civil society to discuss how innovation and cross-border cooperation can transform land management in the face of climate change and forest fires.
PLANFORLAB 's participation in this forum reinforces its role within the European network of initiatives that promote more resilient, collaborative and climate-adapted forest management , sharing the progress of its laboratory forests as examples of spaces for experimentation, knowledge transfer and collaboration between science, business and territory.