FORWARDS at Climate Smart Forestry Workshop in Madrid
FORWARDS joined the MoniFun workshop in Madrid on 8 October 2025 to present its work on Restoration Indicators for Climate Smart Forestry in Europe
On 8 October 2025, FORWARDS participated in a workshop in Madrid organised by MoniFun, focused on innovative tools for Climate Smart Forestry. The event also brought together the PathFinder project, strengthening collaboration on the future of forest monitoring in Europe.
The workshop gathered project partners, researchers, and technical experts to share knowledge on forest indicators, mapping, estimation, and scenario development — key elements for a harmonised, multifunctional monitoring system.
Ruben Valbuena presenting FORWARDS at the MoniFun workshop in Madrid.
FORWARDS presented its ongoing work on indicators, contributing to a list of Restoration Indicators that are scientifically robust, relevant, actionable, scalable, and applicable across diverse European forests. Alongside PathFinder and MoniFun, the project highlighted the alignment of European research efforts towards integrated, data-driven forest monitoring.
Ruben Valbuena and Sara Uzquiano presenting their work on Restoration Indicators at the MoniFun workshop in Madrid.
Discussions also explored forest structure, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, combining National Forest Inventory data with remote sensing and scenario development using tools like ACS, EFDM, and EFISCEN-Space, helping to balance productivity, biodiversity, and climate objectives.
Participants concluded the day with a visit to INIA’s arboretum and research facilities, gaining hands-on insight into non-wood forest product protocols and genetic studies within Spain’s National Forest Inventory.
The meeting reaffirmed strong collaboration between PathFinder, MoniFun, and FORWARDS, supporting the development of a European Forest Multifunctionality Monitoring System (EFMMS) and promoting evidence-based, sustainable forest management across Europe.
