INTERREG-SUDOE Bio4res Project: Forest biomass and fire prevention: an opportunity for rural resilience

The project aims to improve fire prevention and risk management in the forests of the SUDOE region by promoting the sustainable extraction of biomass as a renewable energy resource. This will strengthen forest resilience and contribute to economic and social development in rural areas. Key challenges include forest fire prevention, biodiversity protection, rural job creation, and decarbonization.

The project addresses the lack of resources for biomass extraction, utilizing it sustainably to reduce risks and boost the local economy. Exemplary solutions will be implemented, such as a biodiversity indicator system, new biomass extraction techniques, integrated forest management models, and forestry training programs. These measures will enable the use of biomass in short supply chains and improve the effectiveness of fire prevention plans.

The expected impact includes more resilient forests, greater biodiversity protection, job creation in rural areas, and progress toward decarbonization. These actions will be developed by a transnational and multidisciplinary consortium, benefiting rural populations, forest owners, local and regional authorities, and companies in the biomass value chain of the SUDOE region.