Optimising forest operations for sustainable forest management and high-value applications

Project Information

OptiForValue

Grant agreement ID: 101157658

DOI

10.3030/101157658

EC signature date 26 April 2024

Start date 1 September 2024

End date 31 August 2028

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 4 997 361,25

EU contribution

€ 4 997 361,25

Coordinated by

LUONNONVARAKESKUS
Finland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - OptiForValue (Optimising forest operations for sustainable forest management and high-value applications)

Reporting period: 2024-09-01 to 2025-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

European forests are increasingly affected by climate change, including drought, wildfires, storms, and insect outbreaks. These pressures threaten biodiversity, carbon storage, and the economic sustainability of forest-based industries. At the same time, demand for renewable, bio-based materials is growing as Europe moves towards a climate-neutral and circular economy. Forests must therefore become more resilient while continuing to provide sustainable raw materials.

OptiForValue addresses this challenge by developing practical tools to optimise forest value chains under different regional conditions. The project combines forest monitoring, adaptive management strategies, operational improvements, and environmental assessment into integrated decision-support approaches. Using satellite data, field measurements, and modelling tools, it supports earlier detection of climate stress and more efficient use of wood resources.

Through four regional case studies in Austria, Spain, Sweden, and Finland, the project tests solutions to increase value recovery from damaged or low-quality wood, strengthen supply security, and improve cost-effectiveness. By linking scientific advances with real-world needs, OptiForValue contributes to climate adaptation, sustainable forest management, and a stronger European bioeconomy.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first reporting period (M1–M18), OptiForValue established the scientific and technical foundations for improving forest resilience and optimising forest value chains under increasing climate pressures. The project advanced integrated forest monitoring, adaptive management modelling, operational innovation, sustainability assessment, and regional demonstration activities.

A harmonised monitoring framework was implemented across several European regions, combining drone surveys, satellite data, and field measurements to improve early detection of drought, storm, insect, and fire risks. In parallel, new forest management strategies were modelled and long-term simulations were initiated to explore how forests can remain productive and resilient under changing climate conditions.

Operational innovations were developed to enhance harvesting efficiency, trafficability assessment, log characterisation, and responsive scheduling, supporting better allocation and use of wood, including damaged or lower-quality material. Environmental assessment methods were also established to ensure that economic improvements are evaluated alongside carbon, biodiversity, and broader sustainability considerations.

Across four regional case studies (Austria, Spain, Sweden, and Finland), scenario frameworks and modelling approaches has been defined, integrating monitoring, management, operations, and sustainability assessment into the foundations of regional Decision Support Systems.

By the end of the first period, OptiForValue progressed from conceptual development to early proof-of-concept (TRL3), positioning the project to validate integrated solutions in real operational environments in the next phase.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

OptiForValue goes beyond current practice by integrating forest monitoring, adaptive management, operational planning, and environmental assessment into a single decision-support framework. Today, these elements are often addressed separately. The project connects satellite and drone-based monitoring with forest management simulations, optimisation tools, and sustainability assessment, enabling more informed and balanced decisions across forest value chains.

The project develops early warning approaches to detect climate-related stress earlier, links management strategies with industrial demand scenarios, and integrates environmental indicators directly into value-chain optimisation. This supports better use of damaged or lower-quality wood, improved supply security, and more sustainable resource management.

To ensure long-term uptake, further testing in real operational environments and continued collaboration with industry and public authorities will be important. Alignment with sustainability standards, digital forestry platforms, and follow-up research will support broader implementation across Europe.