In the heart of Spain, in the regions of Cuéllar (Segovia) and Montemayor de Pililla (Valladolid), Living Lab South is tackling the complexities of forest management for small landowners. Supported by the European Union in the context of the Small4Good project, this initiative aims to enhance forest resilience and address the fragmentation and bureaucracy that often hamper forest owners’ ability to manage their land effectively.
A Unique Forest Landscape
The forests in this region are dominated by maritime pine and stone pine, interspersed with holm oak, riparian forests, and shrubs like rockrose and thyme. Forest owners in Cuéllar and Montemayor de Pililla collectively manage over 12,000 hectares, but most of these forests are fragmented into small plots—each averaging less than two hectares.
The Challenge of Fragmentation
With nearly 13,000 forest owners in the area, many of whom struggle to locate their plots or navigate complex bureaucratic processes, management becomes incredibly challenging. Issues such as disengagement from forest management, unclear ownership, and lack of information are widespread.
Living Lab South seeks to address these challenges by:
- Encouraging forest owner associations to improve collective management.
- Providing incentives for forest owners to maintain their land.
- Offering education and support to help owners better manage their forests.
Collaborative Approaches: The July 2024 Workshop
In July 2024, Living Lab South hosted a workshop in Cuéllar, bringing together 37 participants from diverse organizations, including FACYLE, ASFOSE, the University of Valladolid, and local councils. The workshop focused on:
- Understanding the challenges faced by small forest owners.
- Discussing proposals such as communal management and machinery collectivization to reduce costs and improve land management.
- Identifying the need for increased association and cooperation among owners.
These discussions highlighted a shared recognition of the importance of collaboration to overcome the barriers posed by fragmented land ownership.
Why Living Lab South Matters
Living Lab South is a shining example of how collective efforts can overcome fragmentation and bureaucratic challenges to create more sustainable forest management practices. By fostering collaboration and providing practical support, the initiative is empowering small forest owners to actively participate in and benefit from better forest stewardship.
Conclusion
By focusing on the needs of small forest owners in Spain’s fragmented landscapes, Living Lab South is paving the way for more resilient, sustainable forest management practices. With continued collaboration and education, the initiative is helping forest owners make a lasting impact on their forests and the environment.
Learn more about this living lab by clicking on the Living Lab tab!
