Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) encompass a range of goods and services that share a common characteristic: they are rooted in rural areas and present in all Spanish forest ecosystems. Resin, cork, aromatic and medicinal plants (AMP), pine nuts, mushrooms, truffles, chestnuts, and honey have high potential for job creation linked to the bioeconomy. According to the latest data published by ICIFOR-INIA-CSIC, the economic impact of NTFPs can account for up to 75% of the value of timber, with both types of uses being compatible. It is also estimated that over 150,000 rural jobs could be generated from NTFPs.
In this context, IMFOREST arises to promote forest bioeconomy through the development, innovation, and sustainable management of these products. To this end, the productive potential of the set of bioproducts and services associated with NTFPs will be identified, sustainable management tools will be designed, and innovative projects will be carried out to address the threats associated with climate change and rural abandonment.
This initiative will also work on the development of legal and governance tools to generate resilient green jobs, promote productive networks, and contribute to the fight against depopulation. IMFOREST will promote capacity building, encouraging participation and gender equality.
During the project’s implementation period, which will end in December 2025, a series of actions will be carried out, including the creation of online viewers, characterization and monitoring applications, innovative and demonstrative projects, as well as the inclusion of NTFP-producing areas in the PEFC Sustainable Forest Management Certification. More than 800 people will benefit from this project, which aims to create new jobs, with special attention to young people under 35, women, and individuals over 45 residing in rural areas.
With an impact that spans job creation, knowledge dissemination, and the promotion of sustainable practices, IMFOREST represents a significant step towards a stronger and more equitable future for rural areas and the environment in Spain.
Project Partners
The project is composed of the Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia (CTFC) as the coordinating partner, the Forest Services and Promotion Center Foundation and its Industry of Castilla y León (CESEFOR), the Confederation of Forest Owners’ Organizations of Spain (COSE), the Institute of Forest Sciences of INIA-CSIC, and the Spanish Association for Forest Sustainability (PEFC ESPAÑA).
IMFOREST is supported by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO) within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR), financed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
