The LIFE ADAPT-ALEPPO project (LIFE20 CCA/ES/001809), supported by SUDOE SOCIAL FOREST (S1/2.4/E0079), recently held a conference in Carcelén on adapting Aleppo pine forests to climate change, with a focus on how these strategies could be applied to Mediterranean oak forests. The event was made possible thanks to the Carcelén City Council, who provided the venue.
The conference kicked off with opening remarks from Carcelén’s Mayor, Antonio Moreno, along with Miguel Ruescas, a Forestry Engineer, and Professor Daniel Moya. Following the introductions, researchers Asunción Diaz, Maria Vázquez, and Laura Blanco shared preliminary findings from the LIFE Adapt-Aleppo project, showcasing their work on Aleppo pine stands. Their presentation highlighted data collected from 42 stands (covering nearly 200 hectares) where four adaptive forest management techniques were being tested: assisted migration, eco-hydrology-based silviculture, structural and floristic diversification, and post-fire regeneration. Early results suggest these methods are improving forest development and ecosystem health. You can learn more about the project here: https://lifeadaptaleppo.agrestaweb.org/.
Laura Arnal then discussed the SUDOE SOCIAL FOREST project’s (S1/2.4/E0079) resilience work in pastures and Aleppo pine forests. A key outcome of this project is a new tool that can analyze resilience and detect changes in important forest areas across the SUDOE region using satellite data.
Later in the day, Professor Juan Bellot shared insights on managing Mediterranean oak forests for improved structure, growth, and biodiversity. His talk emphasized the delicate balance of thinning intensity, noting that while it can be beneficial, it can also have negative impacts if not done carefully.
Professor Rafael Navarro wrapped up the presentations with a discussion on the challenges of managing holm oak forests, particularly in the face of increasing uncertainty and disturbances like high mortality, fires, and pests. He advocated for a shift towards a “forestry of disturbances” approach.
The day’s presentations concluded with a panel discussion, moderated by Professor Antonio del Campo, focusing on the potential for applying LIFE Adapt-Aleppo’s findings to holm oak forests. Panelists Rafael Navarro, Miguel Ruescas, and Javier Hermoso explored the current state of oak stands, current management practices, and the information that forest managers need from scientific research.
To end the day, a technical visit was made to La Hunde (Ayora, Valencia). Here, a monitored experimental plot developed by the UPV was visited. Antonio del Campo and Laura Blanco explained to the attendees what this experience consists of and the results achieved, among other aspects of interest.
Specifically, this is a plot that was established in 2012 in a Quercus ilex stand with the aim of quantifying the effects of the treatment on the eco-hydrological functions of the forest (Carbon, Water, Fire, Eco-resilience). To this end, various reservoirs and eco-hydrological flows have been monitored since its implementation until now, the data from which have been part of several national and international projects and various scientific publications. The objective of this plot
The attendees (around 30 people, covering the maximum permitted capacity) were part of different sectors: technicians, researchers and forestry companies.
Approximately 30 people attended the conference in person, filling the venue to capacity. An additional 43 individuals had planned to join online, but unfortunately, technical difficulties disrupted the live stream. Due to the high interest in the conference (the first presentation alone had 119 views), recording of the presentations are available online. You can access here: