4 May 2025
,Poland
In an effort to advance the regeneration and study of conifers, the Planforlab project has taken an important step forward with the inauguration of the first laboratory forests in Spain. These initiatives seek to address the challenges posed by climate change and forest pests to conifers, which are fundamental species in Spanish ecosystems. Strategically located in Galicia, the Basque Country, and Castile and León, these laboratory forests will not only be research centers, but also spaces for scientific trials and demonstrations that directly impact the improvement and sustainability of the forest environment.
The Planforlab project's laboratory forests are located in critical areas of Spain: Ponteareas in Pontevedra, Albiztur in Gipuzkoa, and El Bierzo in León. These locations have been selected due to their vulnerability to phenomena that threaten the health of pine forests, such as the increase in pests and the adverse effects of climate change.
Galicia, with its rich forestry tradition, has seen how the incidence of pests and extreme weather conditions are affecting the growth and health of its coniferous forests. In the Basque Country, similar problems have emerged, exacerbated by an increase in average temperature and changes in rainfall patterns. In León, El Bierzo presents a peculiar case where more than 30% of its forest area is composed of conifer species, which are currently experiencing serious difficulties.
These sites were not chosen at random. The ecological and economic importance of pine forests in these regions has been a determining factor. The introduction of laboratory forests here seeks not only to monitor and study the changes these conifers are undergoing, but also to implement innovative solutions that can be replicated in other areas of the country. This initiative is crucial considering that nearly 7 million hectares of Spanish territory are covered by coniferous forests, highlighting their importance to local biodiversity and the economy.
The establishment of these laboratory forests will not only serve to research and improve conservation and restoration techniques, but will also provide invaluable data for other regions facing similar problems. Ultimately, the goal is to create a sustainable management model that ensures the health and continuity of conifers, which are essential to the ecological balance of the affected areas.
The commitment of the government and the European Union to Planforlab is reflected in substantial financial support. The backing of the Ministry of Agriculture, together with co-financing from the European Union's EAFRD funds, not only demonstrates the relevance of this project, but also ensures a comprehensive and long-term approach to addressing the forestry challenges currently facing Spain.
Each laboratory forest will cover 30 hectares and will serve as a demonstration and innovation space. Here, various scientific methodologies will be carried out that will place Spain at the forefront of forestry research. The plots within these forests will be dedicated to various topics of study, including soil conditions, early pest detection, and continuous monitoring of environmental variables. This multi-criteria approach will allow for a deeper understanding of the problems affecting conifers and offer practical solutions based on scientific evidence.
In addition to serving as research centers, these spaces will also facilitate the demonstration and application of advanced forest improvement and restoration techniques. Through the use of innovative technologies and sustainable practices, it is expected to contribute significantly to global knowledge about the adaptability and resilience of conifers to climate change.
In conclusion, Planforlab represents renewed hope for Spain's forests. By integrating research, practice, and community, these forest laboratories will lay the foundations for a more sustainable and resilient future, ensuring the protection of conifers and, ultimately, the ecological balance of the forest areas where our most precious forests reside.
