As the LIFE ADAPT-ALEPPO project reaches its final stage, a technical and administrative meeting with field visits was held between the project leaders, the project monitoring supervisor from the ELMEN-EEIG team, Mr. Cristóbal Gil, and the project advisor from CINEA, Ms. Boyana Vasileva.
This meeting took place on March 26 and 27, 2025, in Igualada (Barcelona), with the collaboration of the University of Lleida (Igualada Campus).
On March 26, the technical managers of each of the beneficiary partners (Natural Environment Engineering, AGRESTA, Directorate General of the Natural Environment of the CARM, University of Castilla-La Mancha, University of Lleida and Polytechnic University of Valencia) presented the progress made in the actions planned to date, highlighting the progress made in demonstration projects for the adaptation of Aleppo pine stands to climate change and resolving doubts and questions raised by those responsible for monitoring the project.
The project’s achievements in disseminating information (website and social media, networking, participation in conferences and congresses, etc.) were also presented, among other interesting aspects.
After the planned lunch, we visited the assisted migration plantation carried out in a stand in the burned area of Sant Martí de Tous.
Those responsible for developing this work for the UdL explained in detail how it was carried out, as well as the results achieved to date.
On March 27, a field visit was made to three other demonstration stands carried out in the province of Barcelona:
- First, a visit was made to the forest stand located in Font Rubí, where post-fire regeneration work was carried out on hyperdense stands, aimed at adapting to climate change. UdL officials explained the work carried out, the sensors used to analyze temperature and humidity, and showed post-fire results.
- Next, a visit was made to the stand located in Can Ponç (Castellgalí, Barcelona), where silvicultural work has been carried out to aid in the floristic and structural diversification of the forest. There, UdL researchers demonstrated the priority measures (with a thinning process, root by root), promoting the presence of pine companion species such as holm oaks and strawberry trees, among other understory species.
- Finally, we accessed the stand located near the previous one (also in Can Ponç), where eco-hydrological forestry work was carried out, including felling along streets aimed at water production. This stand has been sensorized (with data loggers and moisture sensors), allowing real-time measurement of soil moisture at different depths.
The follow-up visit by CINEA was very fruitful, allowing for discussions on aspects related to forest management for adaptation to climate change and the results achieved through the LIFE ADAPT-ALEPPO project.
