The strategy, based on four pilot experiences in Spain, France, and Portugal, promotes an integrated model that connects forest management, renewable energy, and rural development.
The European project BIO4RES presented a joint strategy for the energy valorization of forest biomass, developed from the analysis and implementation of four pilot projects carried out in Spain, France, and Portugal.
The strategy recognizes that forest biomass is a resource with high potential that remains underused in the SUDOE area. Its utilization simultaneously improves forest management, reduces wildfire risk, and creates economic opportunities in rural areas, while also contributing to the energy transition and ecosystem resilience.
The document proposes an integrated approach that links the forest–wood–energy chain and is built on three main pillars: promoting renewable energy production from forest biofuels, reducing fuel loads in forests as a preventive measure against wildfires, and fostering local economic development through new biomass‑based value chains.
Among its main objectives, the strategy aims to improve knowledge of forest resource availability, strengthen the logistics and supply chain, remove barriers for sector stakeholders, increase market transparency, and advance the coordination of public policies. It also includes communication and awareness‑raising actions to encourage social and territorial engagement.
The action plan outlines concrete measures such as forest resource planning, the development of logistics infrastructure and storage centers, the creation of institutional coordination tools, and the deployment of digital solutions that facilitate management and information exchange among sector actors.
Four pilots to transform forest management
The strategy is built on four pilot experiences that address, in a complementary way, the main challenges of wildfire prevention and biomass valorization:
The biodiversity impact pilot, developed by the Union des Communes Forestières du Grand Sud (France) and presented by Irène Sénaffe, designed planning tools—such as maps and specific indicators—that balance biomass reduction with ecosystem conservation. This approach helps identify areas of high ecological value and adapt forest interventions to avoid negative impacts on key habitats or structures.
The pilot on innovation in forest harvesting methods, led by the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTFC) and presented by Gerard Alcoverro, analyzed the use of advanced machinery and technologies such as LiDAR to improve the efficiency of forest operations. The results show productivity gains in certain contexts, while also highlighting the need to adapt technological solutions to terrain characteristics.
The pilot on local biomass management models, promoted by the Comunidade Intermunicipal do Tâmega e Sousa (Portugal) and presented by Maria Manuela Alves and Mário Júlio, proposes an integrated system based on the collection, processing, and energy valorization of biomass at the local scale. It includes the creation of storage centers and a small‑scale energy plant, emphasizing circular economy principles, proximity, and local stakeholder involvement.
The pilot on training forest crews, developed by Nasuvinsa (Navarra) and presented by David Candel, focuses on training specialized personnel in forest management and biomass extraction. The program combines theoretical and practical training and addresses key challenges such as the lack of generational renewal and the shortage of qualified labor in the sector.
A replicable model for Europe
The strategy also identifies structural challenges that affect sector development, such as logistical limitations, competition with other wood markets, the lack of specialized professionals, and the need for greater technological innovation. In response, it proposes a balance between environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, territorial development, and wildfire prevention as the foundation for action.
In this sense, BIO4RES offers a model that can be replicated in other European regions to enhance local resources, strengthen energy security, advance decarbonization, and reduce wildfire risk—contributing to more resilient and sustainable landscapes across the SUDOE area.
Last modified: 25 March 2026
