Technological forestry innovation for sustainable management

RetechFOR Project

The RETECHFOR Project (Technological and Territorial Network for Forest Monitoring and Environmental Disaster Reduction as Levers for the Development of the Forest Bioeconomy) is an ambitious initiative promoted by the Autonomous Communities of Castile and León and the Canary Islands.

Its main objective is to contribute to reducing the damage caused by forest fires and other environmental disasters through the application of innovative technologies. In particular, RETECHFOR is committed to the advanced digitization of the forestry sector, the integration of aerial and satellite platforms with high-precision sensors, and the intensive use of data analytics to improve forest land management.

Transformation of the forestry sector

In a context of climate change and increasing pressure on natural ecosystems, RETECHFOR proposes a structural transformation of the Spanish forest management model, creating new economic and social opportunities in rural areas.

Through collaboration between regional governments, research centers, technology companies, and local communities, the project seeks to promote a sustainable bioeconomy based on forest resources, technological innovation, and environmental conservation.

Solutions for resilient ecosystems

RETECHFOR was born out of the urgent need to modernize the forestry sector, one of the sectors most affected by the effects of climate change. Faced with the growing threat of forest fires, the project offers technology-based solutions to strengthen the resilience of ecosystems and protect rural communities.

The project is aligned with the objectives of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR) and with strategic national missions related to the environment, digitalization, and sustainable development.

Key objectives for innovation and digitization in the forestry sector

RETECHFOR's approach focuses on five key specific objectives:

Introduce enabling technologies, such as data analysis and artificial intelligence, into forest management.

Leverage existing infrastructure such as the Canarias Stratoport for HAPS & UAS and the ISSEC center.

Promote a national industry in aerospace and earth observation technologies.

Improve the digitization of forestry processes, including inventories, silviculture, traceability, and fire prevention.

Promote the creation of ecosystems for innovation and technological entrepreneurship in rural areas.

Environmental, economic, and social impact

The expected results of the project are numerous and cover various areas:

In the environmental field

Improving forest health, reducing carbon emissions, and post-fire restoration.

Economically speaking

Development of the forest bioeconomy, creation of new job opportunities, and strengthening of the rural productive fabric.

Socially

Creating quality jobs, combating depopulation, gender equality, and retaining talent in rural areas

An integrated ecosystem for forest innovation

One of the fundamental pillars of the project is the creation of an integrated ecosystem of collaboration and innovation. A platform is proposed that connects all actors involved in forest management: public administrations, companies, research centers, universities, and citizens. This ecosystem is based on open collaboration, knowledge transfer, data interoperability, and the active participation of all stakeholders. The project's Technical Office will be responsible for promoting and coordinating this collaborative environment.

Collaborate Build and promote trust Stimulate creativity Value and encourage creativity Promote experimentation with pilot projects Contribute to the ecosystem Support companies and entrepreneurs

RIS3 and its relationship with Retechfor

Castile and León’s Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (RIS3) (2021–2027) is a science, technology, and innovation plan designed to transform the economy and society into a more digital, sustainable, competitive, and inclusive model. This strategy fosters an innovation ecosystem where companies, universities, research centers, and government agencies collaborate to develop solutions to society’s major challenges, with the fundamental goals of improving people’s lives and strengthening the region’s productive fabric.

The financial contribution for this strategy amounts to 14.421 billion euros, with the aim of driving the transformation of the region’s economic model. It is one of the most ambitious public-private partnerships in the region, a strategy designed to enhance the efficiency of public and private investments in order to sustain Castilla y León’s technological development.

The strategy is structured around three main priorities that serve as drivers of transformation for the economy and society of Castile and León:

First, Castilla y León— a region known for its high quality of life—is committed to innovation in areas directly linked to people’s well-being, such as the agri-food sector, social and health services, the bioeconomy, and experiential tourism.
The second initiative, " Castilla y León: Carbon-Neutral and Fully Circular," promotes the development of sustainable solutions in energy, mobility, eco-innovation, and the use of natural resources, thereby consolidating the transition to a green economy.
The third priority, Castilla y León: A Commitment to Smart Manufacturing and Cybersecurity, focuses on industrial digitization, the application of advanced technologies, and the strengthening of digital security.

Directly linked to progress on these three priorities, five flagship initiatives have been approved. Based on public-private partnerships, these initiatives aim to drive major transformative projects in our region in the fields of the bioeconomy, health, cybersecurity, aerospace, and housing.

The RetechFOR project is fully aligned with the three major strategic priorities of RIS3: a region with a high quality of life; one that is carbon-neutral and fully circular; and a commitment to smart manufacturing and cybersecurity. As for the five flagship initiatives of RIS3, the Bioeconomy initiative is the one that specifically addresses forest management—a tool for retaining the population, conserving natural areas, and preventing natural disasters.