MICO-REG Operational Group: Innovation in the regenerative use of mycological resources. Innovation in the regenerative management of mycological resources for sustainable use and valorization.

R1 – Implementation of the Fungi Friendly Forest (FFF) Network of Mycological Parks: This initiative promotes the creation of the Fungi Friendly Forest (FFF) Network of Mycological Parks as a coordinated national framework for the sustainable and regenerative management of mycological resources. At least six parks will be integrated through a collaboration agreement that will establish common technical criteria, monitoring tools, and joint promotion and positioning strategies. The network will strengthen shared governance, improve resource conservation, and consolidate a quality seal recognized nationally and internationally. For forest owners, managers, and rural areas, this translates into greater market visibility, improved coordination, and new revenue streams linked to regulated harvesting, higher value-added products, and regenerative mushroom tourism, guaranteeing long-term rural productivity, resilience, and competitiveness.

R2 – Structuring and Professionalizing Regenerative Mushroom Harvesters. This project promotes the organization and professionalization of regenerative mushroom harvesters at the national level by creating a solid collective structure and a recognized career path. A national association will be established to represent accredited harvesters, ensure compliance with best practices, and strengthen their integration into the rural value chain and territorial networks. A 200-hour accredited course will provide practical training in fungal ecology, sustainable harvesting techniques, traceability, regulations, and business planning. Furthermore, a specialized legal opinion will clearly define the framework for obtaining commercial harvesting permits within the Fungi Friendly Forest Network, providing legal certainty, greater added value to the product, income stability, and long-term economic sustainability.

R3 – Extension of the “Mushrooms of Origin” Brand to the Fungi Friendly Forest (FFF) Network. This initiative positions the mycological products of Fungi Friendly Forest Parks under the registered trademark “Mushrooms of Origin,” linking quality, territory, and regenerative harvesting. Innovative fresh and processed products will be developed in collaboration with local harvesters and businesses, guaranteeing traceability, controlled origin, and high sustainability standards. Simultaneously, a market study will analyze consumer acceptance, the most valued attributes, and willingness to pay, allowing for adjustments to the commercial strategy and strengthening of the brand positioning. For professionals, this translates into greater added value, market differentiation, and improved profitability through products with territorial identity, certified quality, and regenerative support, opening up new marketing opportunities.

R4 – Implementation of the MYCOTOUR Mycological Restaurant Network. This expands the MYCOTOUR network of restaurants specializing in mycological cuisine, connecting professional gastronomy with mushrooms, truffles, and other fungi sourced from the FFF Mycological Parks. The initiative promotes sustainable and regenerative gastronomic tourism linked to the producing regions. Two practical manuals of best practices for the handling, preservation, and culinary use of truffles, mushrooms, and other fungi will be developed, incorporating quality and sustainability criteria. Participating restaurants will sign collaboration agreements and comply with common standards, gaining national visibility and brand recognition. For professionals, this translates into greater territorial identity, increased demand for local products, more added value in their gastronomic offerings, and new revenue opportunities through responsible mycogastronomic experiences.

R5 – Structuring and Professionalizing Regenerative Mycological Guides at the National Level. This project consolidates and professionalizes regenerative mycological guides in Spain by creating a national network that guarantees technical quality, sustainability, and territorial coherence. A national association will be established to represent accredited guides, ensure compliance with best practices, and facilitate their integration into rural networks. A 200-hour accredited course will provide practical training in fungal ecology, regulations, sustainable resource management, taxonomy, group management in natural areas, and business development. Furthermore, a specialized legal opinion will define the legal framework for conducting guided tours. For professionals, this means recognition, legal certainty, and improved service, enabling them to offer high-quality educational experiences and generate stable income linked to sustainable rural tourism.

R6 – Improvement and Internationalization of Regenerative Mushroom Tourism Marketing. This project strengthens the visibility and commercial positioning of regenerative mushroom tourism as an innovative, sustainable, and high-quality tourism offering. A strategic marketing plan will be developed, defining target audiences, branding, sales channels, and promotional activities to expand national and international demand. Pilot experiences in mushroom, truffle, and truffle tourism will be developed in the FFF Parks, integrating guided foraging, environmental interpretation, gastronomic workshops, and cultural activities. A digital observatory will allow for the analysis of visitors, impacts, and trends to improve decision-making. For professionals and regions, this translates into greater visitor attraction, revenue diversification, sector coordination, and the generation of stable profitability linked to biodiversity, local gastronomy, and regenerative rural development.

R7 – Communication and Dissemination. Ensures effective, strategic, and continuous communication to maximize the visibility, positioning, and impact of the project and the Fungi Friendly Forest Network. A comprehensive communication plan will be developed, defining key messages, target audiences, and dissemination channels, accompanied by a strong and consistent visual identity. The official website will serve as the central platform for information, resources, and results, facilitating access and interaction with various stakeholders. International events focused on truffles, mushrooms, and other fungi will be organized to present advancements, exchange best practices, and foster partnerships among producers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and tourism operators. For professionals and rural areas, this translates into greater recognition, expanded networks, new business opportunities, and a greater capacity to scale regenerative models with a positive economic and environmental impact.

RD1 – Dissemination of the implementation of the Fungi Friendly Forest (FFF) Network of Mycological Parks. This aims to raise awareness among forest owners, public administrations, and rural stakeholders about the advantages of joining the Fungi Friendly Forest Network. Communication activities will explain how the regenerative management of mycological resources increases their economic value, improves territorial coordination, and strengthens rural competitiveness. Press releases, digital media, social networks, meetings, and sector events will be used to reach local, regional, and national audiences. The objective is to attract new territories, inform public administrations, and position the FFF model as a replicable strategy at the national and international levels. For professionals, this means greater visibility, access to innovation networks, and new opportunities to generate sustainable and stable forestry income.

RD2 – Dissemination of the Structuring and Professionalization of Regenerative Mushroom Harvesters. This initiative will disseminate information nationwide about the training and professionalization of regenerative mushroom harvesters, promoting participation in the certification process and the adoption of best practices. Communication efforts will target potential students, forest owners, and government agencies to explain the benefits of structured training, sustainable harvesting, and legal security. Press releases, websites, social media, radio, and television will be used to reach local, regional, and national audiences, along with specific materials for student recruitment. For professionals, this translates into greater recognition, access to accredited training, and improved market credibility, fostering a regulated, stable, and economically viable activity within the FFF framework.

RD3 – Dissemination of the extension of the “Mushrooms of Origin” brand to the FFF Mycological Parks Network. This initiative will promote the incorporation of mycological products from the FFF Parks into the registered trademark “Mushrooms of Origin,” highlighting their innovative nature, traceability, and origin linked to regenerative practices. Communication efforts will target harvesters, processors, forest owners, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and gastronomic tourism stakeholders interested in developing new products. Press releases, social media, websites, articles, events, fairs, and markets will be used to present high value-added products and reinforce regional identity. The objective is to raise awareness of the economic potential of this innovative mycological resource and expand participation in the brand. For professionals, this translates into greater market positioning, increased consumer confidence, access to new sales channels, and improved profitability through products differentiated by quality, certified origin, and sustainability.

RD4 – Dissemination of the Implementation of the MYCOTOUR Mycological Restaurant Network. This initiative will promote the creation and expansion of the MYCOTOUR Restaurant Network, encouraging the incorporation of mushrooms, truffles, and other fungi from the Protected Forests and Gardens (PFG) into innovative and sustainable culinary offerings. Actions will target chefs, restaurateurs, forest owners, and mushroom tourists, highlighting the added value of the regenerative use of mycological resources in professional kitchens. Press releases, websites, social media, radio, and television reports will be used to showcase innovative dishes and participating establishments. The objective is to increase demand for local products, strengthen regional identity, and position mycogastronomy as a driver of rural development. For professionals, this translates into greater recognition, attracting new customers, and increasing the added value of their menus through a differentiated and sustainable offering.

RD5 – Dissemination of the Structure and Professionalization of Regenerative Mycological Guides. This initiative will disseminate information nationwide about the training and professionalization of regenerative mycological guides, promoting their participation in accredited certification processes. Communication efforts will target potential students, forest owners, government agencies, and rural tourism stakeholders, explaining the benefits of structured training, sustainable guiding practices, and enhanced legal security. Websites, social media, press releases, radio, and television will be used to reach local, regional, and national audiences, along with specific materials for student recruitment. For professionals, this translates into greater recognition, improved service quality, and a stronger market position, fostering regulated, educational, and economically sustainable guided experiences linked to the responsible use of forest resources.

RD6 – Dissemination of Improvements and Internationalization of Mycological Tourism Marketing. This initiative will promote pilot projects aimed at improving and internationalizing regenerative mycological tourism within the FFF Network. Communication will target tourism entrepreneurs, forest owners, government agencies, and visitors, highlighting innovative experiences based on the sustainable use of mushrooms, truffles, and other fungi. Press releases, digital platforms, social media, videos, interviews, and pilot workshops will be used to showcase new tourism models that generate greater added value in rural areas. Furthermore, a digital observatory will allow for monitoring and visibility of the sector's activities. For professionals, this means expanding market reach, diversifying services, and strengthening profitability, positioning the region as a leader in regenerative tourism linked to biodiversity and local gastronomy.

RD7 – Communication and Dissemination of Regenerative Innovation Events. This initiative will promote the organization and results of two national events focused on the exchange of best practices in regenerative innovation for the use of truffles and mushrooms. The action targets forest owners, producers, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and consumers interested in the sustainable management of mycological resources. Press releases, social media, websites, and media coverage will be used to present conclusions, highlight innovative solutions, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Specific digital content will be generated to ensure broad visibility and access to the results. For professionals, this means learning about successful models, adopting improved practices, and strengthening cooperation networks, facilitating replication in other regions and consolidating sustainable economic opportunities linked to the responsible use of the resource.