The FORADVISE project, a Horizon Europe initiative aimed at strengthening forestry advisory services, held its in-person Kickoff Meeting in Girona, Spain, from March 4-6, 2025. This gathering followed the project’s virtual launch in January, bringing together 32 partners from across Europe to align on objectives, discuss key activities, and lay the foundation for impactful collaboration. Forest advisory and extension services play a crucial role in maintaining healthy and resilient forest ecosystems. However, these services in Europe remain underdeveloped, with geographic imbalances, limited access to innovation, and weak integration into national Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS). As a result, there is a need for better support for forest managers, new engagement strategies for emerging types of forest owners, and enhanced tools for decision-making. FORADVISE will address these challenges by establishing a European forestry advisory network.
Meeting Highlights
The European Forest Institute (EFI), the project coordinator, alongside representatives from forestry organizations, universities, research institutions, and advisory bodies, gathered in Girona to define priorities and ensure that the FORADVISE project will effectively support forestry advisors in implementing sustainable forest management practices.
Key Highlights of the Kick-off Meeting:
- Partners provided insights into each Work Package, discussing progress, challenges, and collaboration opportunities.
- Workshop Session focused on gathering and analyzing critical data.
- Synergies with Other EU Projects.
- Field Visit to Vall d’en Bas and an insightful session led by Condorci Forestal de Catalunya, the largest forest owners’ association in Catalonia.
A big thank you to all partners for their contributions to this successful in-person meeting.
