The Horizon Europe project OptFor-EU – OPTimising FORest management decisions for a low-carbon, climate resilient future in Europe is approaching its final stage after four years of research and collaboration aimed at supporting European forests in adapting to and mitigating climate change.
Bringing together 16 partners from nine European countries, OptFor-EU works to improve forest management by connecting scientific knowledge, climate and forest modelling, ecosystem services and the practical needs of forest managers. At the centre of the project is the development of a user-centred Decision Support System (DSS) designed to help forest managers and other stakeholders assess different management alternatives and make science-based decisions to enhance forest resilience, climate-change mitigation and the provision of Forest Ecosystem Services.
The system has been developed and tested through eight case study areas across Europe, representing different forest types, management practices and climatic conditions. ENT has coordinated the Spanish Case Study Area in Sierra de Gata and Las Hurdes, in northern Extremadura.
Smart Forests for a Resilient Europe
On 24 November 2026, from 08:30 to 18:00, OptFor-EU will join forces with the Horizon Europe project CLIMB-FOREST for the final event “Smart Forests for a Resilient Europe: Decision Support, Science and Policy Impact.”
The event will provide an opportunity to present the main results and tools developed by both projects and discuss how research can contribute to more resilient and climate-smart forest management across Europe.
OptFor-EU will present its main outcomes, including the Forest Decision Support System and policy recommendations, while CLIMB-FOREST will share findings on climate-resilient forest futures, long-term modelling and practical forest management pathways.
Beyond presenting research results, the event aims to strengthen the connection between science, forest management and European policy. It will bring together researchers, forest managers, practitioners, forest authorities and policymakers to discuss how the knowledge and tools developed through Horizon Europe can be translated into operational decisions.
The programme will also provide space for dialogue with European institutions and other forest stakeholders on implementation pathways, remaining knowledge gaps and future research needs for resilient European forests.
Date: 24 November 2026
Time: 08:30–18:00
>> Registration at the OptFor-EU website.