HIGH QUALITY HALEPENSIS Operational Group: Consolidating the potential and sustainable and competitive viability of high value-added Pinus halepensis timber in Spain, to strengthen the timber industry and Mediterranean forests

RESULT 1 An innovative methodology for predicting the quality of Pinus halepensis timber will be developed and documented, supported by stand mapping on the Iberian Mediterranean slope. The final result will be a technical report with the methodology for generating quality timber potential maps, with minutes from technical meetings as evidence (FV1, Period 1). KEY RECOMMENDATIONS For managers, local councils, landowners, and technicians. Applicable to inventory, GIS, and forest planning. The methodology provides a replicable procedure for evaluating and comparing quality timber potential and guiding decisions (prioritizing areas and actions). It reduces uncertainty in decision-making and prepares the ground for operational mapping of the resource (fire protection, investments, management priorities, etc.).

RESULT 2 The stands of Pinus halepensis with the greatest potential for producing and supplying quality timber will be located and mapped using the R1 methodology (PA1). A map (Iberian Mediterranean slope) with assigned potential will be generated, based on LiDAR/remote sensing processing and layers of exploitability and accessibility data. A functional viewer with the map will be available on an open web server (FV2, Period 1–2). KEY RECOMMENDATIONS For forest managers, timber operators, and buyers: The viewer allows for the identification of the resource with the greatest potential and enables supply planning based on technical criteria (accessibility/exploitability). It facilitates the focusing of management efforts and reduces the costs of searching for and selecting stands by converting dispersed data into an operational cartographic reference at a supra-regional level.

RESULT 3 A database will be created with the results of processing Pinus halepensis logs, yielding at least 600 processed, dried, and analyzed boards with traceability and provenance (4 regions), ready for testing and subsequent use. The final result includes the database and a documented report of processed logs and boards (FV3, Operational Compendium for Period 1). KEY RECOMMENDATIONS For sawmills, industries, quality control teams, and researchers, having 600 traceable pieces and their database provides an objective basis for learning from actual processing, comparing provenances, and supporting silvicultural, sourcing, and wood processing decisions. For the forest-industry chain, it reduces investment risk by supporting product/test development with documented data. It is the basis for R6 (PA6) and R7 (PA7).

RESULT 4 The demand and interest of the timber industry and forest owners/managers for quality Pinus halepensis timber will be analyzed, and previous pilot experiences will be compiled. A database (Excel) of consulted/interested stakeholders and a technical report with conclusions and a compilation of experiences will be delivered (FV4, Period 1). KEY RECOMMENDATIONS For industry, forest owners, and administration, the result serves to align supply and demand with evidence: who is interested, what barriers/opportunities exist, and what experiences have already worked. It helps to accelerate agreements and projects and guide investments. The project itself indicates that the increased value for structural uses could double or triple the sale price, improving the profitability of forest ownership.

RESULTS Know-how will be generated for managing Aleppo pine stands (Pinus halepensis) for quality timber, and the implications for fire and climate change will be assessed. A practical silviculture guide (educational manual) based on reference stands/plots (FV5.1) and a technical report on the response and behavior of Aleppo pine stands managed for quality timber (FV5.2, Period 1–2) to fire and climate will be delivered. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS For managers, owners, silvicultural consulting and treatment companies, and public services, the guide and report translate technical knowledge into applicable criteria for guiding silvicultural treatments toward higher-value timber, incorporating the resilience variable (fire/climate). This allows for the design of interventions with clear objectives (enhancement + adaptation), improving the sustainability, value, and resilience of forests and facilitating decision-making in the field.

RESULTS The first national mechanical and visual structural classification system for Pinus halepensis wood will be developed, based on tests (including bending tests on 600 pieces from 4 sources) and the preparation of technical reports for standardization. The final deliverable will be a technical report submitted to the standardization committee to support homologation/standardization (FV6, Period 2). KEY RECOMMENDATIONS For primary and secondary processing industries, classifiers, and specifiers, having a structural classification system facilitates product homologation and standardization, enabling access to markets and structural applications with greater safety and comparability. The project indicates that this result boosts competitiveness, opens markets (bioarchitecture, industrialized construction), and reduces dependence on imported wood.

RESULTS Structural products will be manufactured and tested using optimized Pinus halepensis wood: CLT and MLE (demonstrative production of at least 10 m³ of each) and OSB board prototypes, with mechanical testing (for CLT and MLE according to EN 408). The final results will be compiled in technical data sheets for manufacturing and mechanical properties of CLT and MLE, along with conclusions from OSB tests (FV7, Period 2). KEY RECOMMENDATIONS For industry, construction specifiers, and building professionals, the data sheets and test results provide practical evidence on the viability and performance of structural products made from halepensis, reducing technical barriers to their adoption. This opens up opportunities for product and business diversification with higher value-added local wood, supporting a circular bioeconomy model.

RESULTS 8 Dissemination and knowledge transfer activities tailored to end users in the forest-industry chain will be implemented: creation of a logo, a GO website, presence in EU FarmBook, two social media profiles, and press releases. Quantified results include: 200 social media posts, 12 infographics, 12 data-driven creatives, three social media reports, 10 press releases, and 15 media appearances, in addition to a brand manual and graphic materials (FV8.1). KEY RECOMMENDATIONS For landowners, managers, industry, and specifiers, this knowledge transfer increases the practical adoption of the results (maps, guide, classification, demonstration products) by translating them into accessible materials and industry-specific channels. It fosters investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship in business models based on quality Aleppo Pinus timber and improves the connection between forestry and industry at a national level.

DISSEMINATION RESULT 1 Visual Positioning and Communication Strategy of the GO HQH The visual identity of the GO HQH is designed to increase the visibility and positioning of the project. The logo will be integrated into office templates, posters, roll-up banners, presentations, etc., maximizing the impact of disseminating the knowledge generated throughout the project. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS The target audience will be the stakeholders and interest groups of the GO: Forestry and Environment Sector, Industry and Rural Development (scientific community, landowners, public and private entities); Primary and Secondary Wood Processing Industry and Construction Sector. This includes all the aforementioned interest groups at the national level, with special attention to the autonomous communities where the project is being developed.

DISSEMINATION RESULT 2 Digital Presence: Website and Social Media A dedicated GO website will be designed and created. Content on project progress will be published on the project website, partner websites, and an open-access repository with a range of materials for the target audience. Profiles will be created on Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms, regularly publishing infographics, data, and news about project results, progress, and milestones, focusing on key stakeholders to maximize expected impact. A presence will be established in an EU FarmBook section with relevant project information. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS The target audience will be the GO's stakeholders and interest groups: the forestry, environment, industry, and rural development sectors (scientific community, landowners, public and private entities); the primary and secondary wood processing industry, the construction and housing sector, and the general public at the national level, especially in the autonomous communities participating in the project, and those responsible for coordinating EIP-Agri projects at the national and European levels. 10 news items are expected on the project website, 12 infographics for social media, and 12 creative pieces.

DISSEMINATION RESULT 3 Systematization of know-how and promotion of sectoral entrepreneurship Development of a strategic guide that compiles the knowledge generated, enhancing its value as a source of innovation and a basis for future research on quality Pinus halepensis wood. Implementation of a focus group and a co-creation workshop with key actors from the forestry, industrial, and entrepreneurial sectors to identify market opportunities and align the guide with real value chain needs. Application of the Business Model Canvas methodology. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS The stakeholders and interest groups of the GO: Forestry sector, Primary and secondary wood processing industry, construction. Forest owners and managers. Public and private entities in the forestry, environment, industry, and rural development sectors. Scientific community in the forestry sector. Specialized media. General public. Those responsible for coordinating EIP-Agri projects (national and European levels). Entrepreneurial ecosystem (technology centers, business schools, universities, vocational training degrees…).

Outreach Outcome 4: Active presence at strategic events in the forestry and timber sector. Participation in key sector events in the silvicultural, industrial, or timber fields (at least 5 sector events) to disseminate the GO's activities, present progress and results throughout the project's implementation, and establish collaborative synergies with other similar GOs through networking sessions. Participation in the International Timber Construction Forum in Pamplona, Expocida Madera in Bilbao, Maderalia-FIMMA in Valencia, Málaga Bio, and the 10th Spanish Forestry Congress, among others. Key Recommendations: GO stakeholders and interest groups: Forestry sector, primary and secondary wood processing industry, construction. Forest owners and managers. Public and private entities in the forestry, environment, industry, and rural development sectors. Scientific community in the forestry sector. Specialized media. General public. Project coordinators at the EIP-Agri (national and European levels).

DISSEMINATION RESULT 5 Final transfer of results and strategic launch of the Report. Transfer the generated information to end users to promote investment and entrepreneurship through the development and promotion of a transfer tool, a results guide geared towards market creation. Results transfer workshops (at least 1). Presentation campaign for the “GO HQH Report” and the “Repiensa Halepensis” campaign. Feed future lines of research, investment, and collaboration; it will serve as a technical and dissemination repository, aimed at facilitating decision-making, replicability of results, and continuity of the synergies generated. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS GO stakeholders and interest groups: Forestry sector, primary and secondary wood processing industry, construction. Forest owners and managers. Public and private entities in the forestry, environment, industry, and rural development sectors. Scientific community in the forestry sector. Specialized media. General public. Project coordinators of the EIP-Agri (national and European levels)