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Boosting forest resilience to heat, drought and wildfires: the Soria ForestAdapt solution

An initiative funded by the EU programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE), building climate resilience in Mediterranean forests through adaptive management, innovation and partnerships

  • 66kha

    of forest burned in Castile and Leon in 2022

  • 15

    pilot tests across 200 kha of public and private land in the Soria province

  • 2020-2025

    Implementation timeline

Replicability

The Soria ForestAdapt model is highly replicable as it combines adaptable planning tools, private-sector engagement and inclusive governance. While it is designed to respond to Mediterranean climate risks, it can be adapted and applied in a wider range of regions facing similar environmental pressures. 

Best suited for

This approach is particularly relevant for Mediterranean and southern European regions affected by prolonged droughts, extreme heat, wildfires and water scarcity. It is especially effective in areas with degraded or mono-species forests, along with territories facing rural depopulation and the abandonment of traditional land-use practices. 

Stakeholders' role

Replication is based on a multistakeholder governance approach that brings together public authorities, private-sector stakeholders, local communities and research organisations. This collaborative framework ensures shared ownership, aligns interests across sectors and supports the co-design and implementation of locally adapted solutions. 

Built-in scalable tools

The model includes a set of practical tools that facilitate replication and scaling. These include a six-step adaptive forest management guide, the ForestAdapt and Fitoclim digital decision-support platforms and the innovative ‘zero solutions’ financing model, which helps structure investment in climate-resilient forest actions. 

Funding pathways

The approach is supported through EU-funded pilot programmes that enable testing and early implementation. These funds can be complemented by public-private partnerships, which help mobilise additional investment while engaging local stakeholders and strengthening long-term, forest-based livelihoods.