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The eco2for project continues to advance in the development of the tools and methodologies that are set to transform forest management in Spain and facilitate access for landowners and managers to the voluntary carbon market. From BISITE, we want to review the main lines of work that the consortium is driving and in which we are involved.

Three Improved Forest Management methodologies

One of the project’s most important contributions is the development of new Improved Forest Management (IFM) methodologies, coordinated by CETEMAS with support from INIA and Cesefor. Three specific methodologies are being developed: one focused on improving the productivity of forest stands, another on extending felling rotations, and a third aimed at converting exploitation zones into conservation areas. These methodologies are aligned with international standards and will allow project developers to access the voluntary carbon market with recognised IFM projects. All of them will include mechanisms for monitoring biodiversity and ecological functionality.

More accurate carbon calculators

Eco2for is also working on improving existing calculation tools. On one hand, calculators are being developed for the three types of IFM projects, based on models that simulate biomass growth and carbon stocks. On the other, a new national calculator for afforestation projects is being built, based on allometric equations, which will allow more accurate estimates of biomass and carbon absorbed per hectare, taking into account factors such as species, planting density, geographical location and environmental attributes. These tools will also incorporate functionalities for biodiversity monitoring.

The digital platform: a comprehensive tool for absorption projects

In parallel, Cesefor is developing the eco2for digital platform, designed to facilitate the creation and development of forest carbon absorption projects. The platform provides a single environment where project developers can structure, evaluate and document their projects in an orderly way, and integrates technical and methodological tools that simplify the design, validation and monitoring processes.

The registration and verification system that BISITE is developing jointly with Cesefor is integrated into this platform. Its aim is to allow verification authorities and project developers to manage the complete documentary cycle of an absorption project in a centralised and traceable way, from registration through to the accreditation of carbon credits. The AI-based analysis tools we are developing will improve the accuracy of verification and automate the continuous monitoring of projects.

Climate adaptation and pilot projects

The Cambium Group at the University of Valladolid is working on national-scale spatial models to determine the suitability of forest species under different future IPCC climate scenarios, with maps covering the present and the periods 2011–2040, 2041–2070 and 2071–2100. These models will be key for managers to select the species best adapted to new climatic conditions. In addition, all the methodological and technological advances of the project are being validated through pilot projects in Asturias and Castilla y León, enabling the tools to be calibrated with real field data.

More information: www.eco2for.com