The SMURF project, in line with the EU’s Forest Strategy
Sustainable forest management and conservation of Europe's biodiversity
SMURF is a 48-month Horizon project that will try to shape the future of Small Forest Holdings in Europe, with strong participation of sectoral representatives.
SMURF will review existing business and management models and will propose and essay new alternatives that could enrich and diversify the European forest value chains.
In particular, a new system for forest carbon credits at the European level will be launched, trying to consolidate functional Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) systems. Proposals to improve the general support systems and the legal framework for Small Forest Holdings will try to improve the situation of small forest owners.
Through its research and multi-actor approach, SMURF aims to avoid risks of abandonment of forest management, identify values and arguments that could motivate small forest owners and consolidate proper land management and local forest value chains.
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The SMURF project, aligning with the EU’s Forest Strategy, aims to champion both sustainable forest management and economic viability.
We’re developing a suite of innovative solutions that focus on small forest properties, designed to conserve Europe’s woodland treasures whilst boosting their profitability.
Our goal is to create a harmonious balance where ecological stewardship and financial prosperity go hand in hand, ensuring a thriving future for Europe’s diverse forest landscapes.
Key actions of the SMURF project
Analysis of the Small Forest owner’s situation in Europe
Identification of business opportunities for Small Forest Holdings
New management models based on Closer to Nature Silviculture
Development of a PES System for the Forest Carbon Market
Establish alliances and cooperation with forest authorities
SFH Roadmap to 2030 and Action Plans to 2027.
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Outstanding news
Discover success stories
Owners of forest plots who have successfully subscribed to the strategic measures of the European Union, improving biodiversity, climate and the environment, obtaining a great common benefit and own benefit from exploitation with sustainable measures
Metsäliitto Cooperative
Metsäliitto Cooperative, the parent company of Metsä Group, is owned by forest owners in Finland. After paying their statutory shares, ...
Last news
SMURF successfully concludes its second Cascade Funding Call with higher participation, wider geographic reach, and near-total budget allocation
The SMURF project has just wrapped up its Second Cascade Funding Call, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the capacities ...
Kick-off meeting between SMURF and Association Futaie Irrégulière
From 24 to 26 November, in the Pollino National Park (Basilicata Region), the UniFi and BlueBiloba teams met with Professor ...
Small Forests, Big Opportunities: How SMURF Is Transforming Forest Management in Europe
Small private forest owners face similar challenges across the globe: fragmented properties, low profitability, limited management, and increasing pressure from ...
Partners
We are 10 partners spread over 6 countries
