June 26, 2009 – Resin tapping is an integral part of Spain’s forestry history and remains an activity with significant economic, environmental, and social potential for many rural areas. However, for decades, information on production, the market, profitability, and available resources has been scattered, hindering decision-making and limiting the visibility of a sector that is strategic for the bioeconomy.
With the aim of reversing this situation, the RetechFOR project has revitalized, updated, and substantially improved theNational Observatory of Natural Resins, an open-access digital platform that has become the primary hub for professionals, companies, government agencies, researchers, and forest owners involved in the resin value chain.
A shared space for the entire industry
The Observatory was conceived in 2023 as part of the GO RESINALAB project, with the aim of bringing together the most relevant information on resin production in Spain in a single platform. Through the platform, users can access databases, technical publications, industry information, analytical tools, and resources designed to facilitate decision-making.
The initiative aims to address a long-standing need in the sector: to provide reliable, up-to-date, and accessible information that will foster a better understanding of the realities of the resin industry and promote its future development.
Much more than just a digital platform
One of the key features of the Observatory is that it combines technical and economic data with opportunities for participation and collaboration. In addition to featuring a geographic viewer with regional data and a potential map identifying more than 650,000 hectares suitable for resin tapping, the platform provides resin tappers and landowners with tools to estimate the profitability of their operations.
In addition, we have an extensive network of specialists who help keep the content up to date and ensure the quality of the information provided.
A community of experts dedicated to the bioeconomy
The Observatory has successfully built a community of more than 60 experts and partner organizations from various fields related to natural resin. This network is one of the project’s key assets, as it fosters the exchange of knowledge, scientific and technical cooperation, and the identification of new opportunities for the sector.
The regular meetings organized by the Observatory have become a leading forum for sharing experiences, presenting projects, and connecting professionals from different regions and even other countries who are interested in the development of the Spanish resin industry.
Boosting a sector with growth potential
Spain continues to face a shortfall in miera production and needs to increase its supply capacity to meet the demand of the domestic industry. In this context, having access to transparent information and support tools is key to identifying growth opportunities and strengthening the sector’s competitiveness.
The Observatory contributes precisely to that goal by highlighting the value of resin harvesting as an activity that creates jobs, helps retain the local population, and promotes the sustainable use of forest resources, while also reinforcing its role within the bioeconomy and the transition toward more sustainable production models.
After several years in operation, the platform has established itself as the leading resource for the resin industry in Spain, demonstrating how digitalization and cooperation can serve as key tools for driving the development of traditional forestry activities with a clear path forward.
