PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Forests are one of the ecosystems most sensitive to climate change. They are also one of the most important ecosystems in Europe, due to their size (covering about 42% of EU territory), their diversity, their great economic importance and the wide range of ecosystem services they provide, including their important role in CO2 sequestration. Spain has almost 28 million hectares of forest (nearly 55% of the national territory), with 27 different types of forest habitat of Community interest. Although Europe's forest area has increased in recent decades, its situation is very fragile.
The 2013-2018 assessment report on the conservation status of habitats and species covered by the Habitats Directive, states that 95% of Spanish forest habitats have an unfavourable conservation status, while in Europe this percentage is 78%. The same report points to inadequate forest management as the main factor in the pressure on and threat to Spanish and European forest habitats.
OBJECTIVES
The overall objective of the LIFE RedBosques_Clima project was to achieve a greater capacity for forests’ adaptation to climate change, promoting forestry with conservation objectives (promoting maturity, increasing heterogeneity and diversity) under the umbrella of ecosystem-based adaptation.
The specific objectives were to:
- promote good adaptation practices in forest management based on natural solutions through tools to facilitate their implementation,
- implement pilot actions that allow improvement in the adaptation capacity of various types of forest,
- encourage the transferability of project results and promote their replication throughout the territory.
LIFE RedBosques_Clima was expected to improve knowledge about the degree of effectiveness of forest adaptation measures and offer support instruments for decision-making. It would focus on adaptation solutions based on ecosystems (also known as nature-based solutions for adaptation), with multiple benefits for the conservation of natural heritage and for the economy, as more resilient forests can support a more resilient economy. Thus, LIFE RedBosques_Clima was expected to contribute to the implementation of the EU’s strategy on adaptation to climate change and the biodiversity strategy for 2030.
RESULTS
The project delivered concrete, measurable results that demonstrate how ecosystem‑based adaptation can be operationalised in forest management. A key outcome is the development of a drought vulnerability assessment system, including a composite index, standardised field protocols and an open‑access online tool. This system allows forest managers to quantitatively assess drought risk, identify structural weaknesses, and compare results with reference mature forests and national inventory data.
The project also produced a standard for the design and implementation of forest adaptation actions, comprising clear criteria and checklists that guide diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation. This standard was systematically applied across all demonstration actions and is already being used by regional administrations beyond the project.
Adaptation measures were implemented on 268 hectares across 3 pilot areas, targeting dense pine plantations, afforestation and homogeneous forest stands. Interventions reduced stand density and basal area (typically by 18-55%, depending on the site), increased structural heterogeneity, promoted broadleaf species and enhanced forest stability. Monitoring of 81 permanent plots before and after treatment showed a measurable reduction in drought vulnerability, improved protection against crown fires, and maintained or enhanced forest health.
Beyond the pilot sites, the project achieved a strong replication effect. By project completion, 12 508 hectares were already managed or in the process of being managed according to LIFE RedBosques_Clima criteria. Capacity‑building activities reached over 1 300 professionals, and 86% of surveyed stakeholders reported a significant improvement in their ability to address forest adaptation to climate change. These results confirm the project’s relevance, transferability and long‑term contribution to climate‑resilient forest management, especially for Mediterranean forests.
