The BoscAran project continues its path in 2025, consolidating itself as a strategic initiative for the bioeconomy and sustainable forest management in the Val d’Aran. Led by the Conselh Generau d’Aran and the Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia (CTFC), BoscAran is funded by Fundación Biodiversidad of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, with NextGenerationEU European funds.
After nearly two years of implementation, BoscAran maintains its pace with actions that strengthen sustainability and innovation:
Forest planning and certification
The project continues implementing the Forest Resource Management Plan (PORF) of Aran, which defines a comprehensive strategy to manage public forests under sustainability criteria. At the same time, new Forest Management Instruments (IOF) are being drafted for several forest areas, with the goal of obtaining the PEFC international certification, which guarantees good environmental and social practices. This certification will add value to local forest products and strengthen trust in responsible management.
Clean energy with local biomass
The design of the district heat network of Es Bòrdes is progressing, which will use forest biomass as a thermal energy source for public facilities and housing. In addition, the logistics center of Les is being built, a key infrastructure to store and distribute the biomass extracted from the forests. This system will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels, generate economic savings, and contribute to climate neutrality.
Innovative technology for timber extraction
The aerial cable has become the flagship technique for timber extraction in steep areas, avoiding the construction of new forest roads and minimizing its impact on soil and biodiversity. This technology, combined with processing machinery, allows wood to be classified by dimensions and quality, adding value to the final product. The project continues training specialized crews to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Green jobs and economic revitalization
BoscAran is not only forest management: it is also an opportunity to create employment in a region with low population density. Direct jobs have been created (forest crews, logistics, and engineering technicians) and indirect ones (transport, maintenance, heating networks), promoting a circular economy that breathes life into the territory.
Transfer and replication of the model
The project organizes technical workshops and training sessions to share knowledge with other mountain territories. The goal is to replicate the model in areas with similar characteristics, maximizing the positive impact and promoting collaboration between regions to face common challenges such as depopulation and climate change.
With these actions, BoscAran reaffirms its commitment to a circular bioeconomy that gives value to biomass, reduces energy dependence, and contributes to the fight against climate change.
Last modified: 22 October 2025
