From 21 July to 1 August, the Centre for Forest Science and Technology of Catalonia (CTFC) carried out a pilot test as part of the Interreg SUDOE BIO4RES project, focusing on innovation in the mechanisation of forest biomass harvesting. The objective: to improve forest resilience and advance fire risk prevention and management in the SUDOE (Southwest Europe) area.
The action was carried out across borders on both sides of the Cerdanya region, specifically in the municipalities of Lles (Catalonia) and Er (France), strengthening cooperation between territories.
During the trial, LiDAR technology was used to quantify forest biomass before and after silvicultural treatment. In addition, the performance of two types of forestry machinery (skidders) was compared: the Equus 175N, with a clambunk and crane, and the Camox F175, with two drums. This comparison allows progress towards more efficient and sustainable mechanisation in forest management.
At the same time, the technical team of the Union Grand Sud des communes forestières, another partner in the project, assessed the impact of the intervention on biodiversity using the Potential Biodiversity Index (PBI), in order to evaluate and minimise the effects on the forest’s ecosystem services.
The BIO4RES project seeks to consolidate the viability of fire prevention plans by valorising the extracted biomass, contributing to the development of more resilient forests without sacrificing their ecological, economic and social functions.
