Case Study Areas (CSAs)

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Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Mik2001

1. Overall Description of the Case Study Area

Valle Camonica is a large Alpine valley in northern Italy (Lombardy region, Brescia province), spanning approximately 127000 hectares and including 41 municipalities. Its elevation ranges from 200 m to over 3500 m, resulting in diverse ecological zones and forest types, such as mixed submontane forests and high-elevation coniferous stands. Forest cover extends over 69,000 ha (about 60% of the area), predominantly composed of conifers like Norway spruce and European larch, with significant areas of chestnut and riparian forests. Forest ownership is largely public (around 70%), and forest governance is coordinated by the Comunità Montana through six Forest Consortia and a PEFC certification scheme. The forest management planning tool (PAF) spans 95,000 hectares, integrating forest and pasture management and serving multifunctional goals—ecological conservation, productivity, and local development.

Culturally and environmentally important, Valle Camonica was the first Italian site inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list (Rock Drawings of Valcamonica) and includes a UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve. Around 55% of the territory is within protected areas, including Natura 2000 sites and the Adamello Regional Park.

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2. Main Challenges Related to Environmental, Social, and Economic Sustainability

Environmentally, climate change is already altering forest dynamics: increasing temperatures, droughts, and extreme events—such as the 2018 Vaia storm—have damaged forest ecosystems, especially vulnerable monocultures of Norway spruce. These changes threaten biodiversity, forest health, and soil stability, while ongoing habitat fragmentation from infrastructure development further compromises ecological connectivity, despite the high percentage of protected areas.

Socially, the valley is experiencing rural depopulation and demographic ageing. Traditional forest-based practices are in decline, and the loss of intergenerational knowledge weakens the bond between communities and the landscape. Abandoned lands, especially at higher elevations, are increasingly overrun by shrubs, affecting biodiversity and increasing fire risk. Although tourism is growing, it remains seasonal and unevenly distributed, limiting its capacity to support local economies year-round.

Economically, forestry remains underdeveloped due to structural constraints. Difficult terrain and high harvesting costs reduce profitability, and much of the local timber is sold as low-value biomass. The forest certification system, while extensive, adds limited market value due to weak demand and limited processing capacity in the region. Public support exists but is often undermined by bureaucratic hurdles, fragmented land ownership, and a lack of skilled workers—factors that continue to limit the valley’s economic resilience and sustainable development.

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Photo credit: Internal archive

1. Overall Description of the Case Study Area

The German case study area (CSA) is located approximately 25 km south of Freiburg im Breisgau and encompasses the community of Münstertal. As a rural community, Münstertal is characterized by extensive forest cover, with forests occupying approximately two thirds of its total area, amounting to around 4,615 hectares. In addition, about 1,900 hectares of meadows and pastures shape the landscape and contribute to the distinctive character of this Black Forest valley. With approximately 2,600 hectares of municipally owned forest, Münstertal ranks among the largest forest-owning municipalities in Baden-Württemberg. The community-owned forest forms the core of the case study area (CSA). To expand the forest area within the CSA, additional state-owned forests managed by ForstBW were included. In total, the CSA comprises 5,220 hectares of forest.

The forests are managed in two main silvicultural systems. The majority of the area, 82%, is managed as even-aged stands, while the remainder is managed as continuous cover. With a share of 35%, beech is by far the most common tree species in the CSA, followed by spruce at 23%, and fir and Douglas fir, each at approximately 15%. Overall, the proportion of deciduous trees 46% and coniferous trees 54% is roughly balanced.

Forest management in the study area is based on the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the forest development types for Baden-Württemberg (WET). These guidelines apply to forest stands with comparable silvicultural starting conditions, similar natural (successional) development, and objectives.

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2. Main Challenges Related to Environmental, Social, and Economic Sustainability

Extreme drought years such as 2018 and 2019 have caused significant damage to the forests within the CSA, particularly affecting older fir stands located at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes. Fir bark beetle infestations have compounded these effects, leading to extensive dieback. As a result, nearly one-third of harvested timber is unplanned salvage. While efforts to adapt include planting drought-tolerant species such as oak, cherry, and chestnut, regeneration is often hindered by excessive browsing due to insufficient hunting controls. Roughly 30–50% of the community forest urgently requires transformation. While in general, all stands within the CSA are considered to be at risk due to climate-induced impacts.

The high proportion of unplanned salvage logging in recent years has led to much of the harvested fir being of low quality and difficult to market profitably, with significant volumes exported to China. In addition to the limited marketability of large and damaged fir assortments, production costs are high, as approximately half of the logging operations in the municipal forest require the use of cable logger systems. These economic pressures are further intensified by a growing shortage of skilled labour and fluctuating demand for roundwood. Combined with the increasing uncertainty caused by climate change, these factors make long-term economic planning progressively more challenging.

The extensive forested areas within the municipality serve as a fundamental component of the local landscape, providing essential ecological, cultural, and economic functions. As such, the municipality has the responsibility to maintain a diverse ecosystem, to utilise a regional and renewable resource, and to ensure the accessibility and quality of the forest as an important recreational space. However, implementing necessary forest transformation measures often leads to local conflicts, especially when changes affect popular hiking areas. While timber production remains a key objective, the rising importance of ecosystem services like water protection and recreation is reshaping forest priorities, making social consensus and long-term vision increasingly critical.

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Photo credit: Internal archive

1. Overall Description of the Case Study Area

Mosqueruela is a municipality in northeastern Spain, in the province of Teruel (Aragón), within the Gúdar-Javalambre region, at an average altitude of 1,450 meters. The climate is mountainous continental, with cold winters, mild summers, and moderate precipitation. The municipality spans approximately 26,500 hectares, 60% of which is forested land, mainly composed of Pinus nigra and Pinus sylvestris. Forest ownership is 67% private and 33% public.

With around 550 inhabitants, Mosqueruela faces severe demographic decline and ageing, limiting generational renewal and economic dynamism. The local economy is based on extensive livestock farming, forestry, and stone quarrying, complemented by the growing relevance of rural tourism, mycology, and hunting, which diversify income sources and strengthen the multifunctional role of forests.

Despite its high forestry potential, large areas remain underused and lack active management. Timber harvesting still relies on traditional methods, making Mosqueruela one of the few places in Spain where these persist. The municipality serves as a valuable case study to understand why some resource-rich territories show limited forest development and to explore strategies for more sustainable and climate-resilient forest management in depopulated rural areas.

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2. Main Challenges Related to Environmental, Social, and Economic Sustainability

Mosqueruela faces significant challenges in terms of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Environmentally, the municipality holds a large forested area, yet much of it is overaged, overly dense, and lacks active management. This increases its vulnerability to wildfires, pest outbreaks, and the impacts of climate change. Although its timber resources have high potential as renewable assets, the absence of planning and sustained utilization limits their contribution to the ecological resilience of the territory.

On the social level, Mosqueruela is affected by severe depopulation and an increasingly ageing population, which compromise generational renewal, the continuity of traditional forest uses, and the viability of new initiatives linked to the natural environment. The scarcity of local labor further weakens the social fabric and poses a serious obstacle to maintaining forest-related activities over time. In addition, the fragmentation of forest ownership—particularly in private lands—hinders the development of coordinated and collective forest management strategies.

Economically, the municipality is still largely dependent on traditional, low value-added sectors. However, in recent years, ecosystem-based services such as extensive livestock farming, mycology, hunting, and nature tourism have gained importance, offering opportunities for diversification and territorial revitalization. Nonetheless, the local forest value chain remains poorly developed, limiting the ability to transform natural capital into quality employment and sustainable economic returns. This situation highlights the urgency of promoting a more professionalized and innovative model of forest management, aligned with circular bioeconomy principles, capable of generating long-term viability, enhancing ecosystem services, and contributing to demographic stabilization in rural areas.

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Photo credit: Gorm Kallestad / NTB

1. Overall Description of the Case Study Area

The case study area is located in Sandefjord municipality, in Vestfold County in the southeast of Norway, covers around 422 km² and includes an extensive coastline, fjords, and 124 islands. Forests occupy around 60% of the municipality, forming a varied lowland Nordic ecosystem dominated by Norway spruce and Scots pine. The area has a mild, humid continental climate heavily influenced by the Gulf Stream, with warm summers and relatively moderate winters. Sandefjord is the most populous municipality in the county, with about 66,758 residents and a strong service- and knowledge-based workforce. Forests support both timber production and high recreational value, while the municipality balances forestry, agriculture, tourism, and conservation across a mosaic of production stands, nature reserves, and mixed-use landscapes.

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2. Main Challenges Related to Environmental, Social, and Economic Sustainability

Sandefjord faces several interconnected sustainability challenges. Environmentally, climate change is driving warmer winters, more frost–thaw cycles, and increased vulnerability of forests to pests such as bark beetles and pathogens like root rot. Extreme rainfall events heighten erosion and flood risks, while intensive harvesting can reduce biodiversity, limit regeneration, and strain ecosystem services. High moose populations further hinder regrowth by heavily browsing young trees.

Socially, forests are central to recreation and public well-being, yet intensive forestry can reduce landscape quality and limit the perceived natural value of local areas. The forestry sector also struggles with an ageing workforce and low recruitment of young professionals, threatening long-term capacity for sustainable management.

Economically, forestry competes with tourism, agriculture, and conservation for land use, creating tensions between production goals and maintaining attractive landscapes. Climate-driven shifts in species suitability may reduce yields, pushing forest owners to adapt through more resilient species, updated management strategies, and diversification into ecosystem services and non-timber values.

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Photo credit: Internal archive

1. Overall Description of the Case Study Area

The Zărnești region is located in central Romania, in southeastern Transylvania, southwest of the big city of Brașov. It covers an area of 208.74 km². The municipality of Zărnești is the primary town in the case study area, with a current population of around 22,000 inhabitants – an 8% decrease compared to the previous census. It is a popular starting point for tourists wishing to explore one of the most beautiful natural protected areas in Romania, Piatra Craiului National Park, which has its visitor centre located in Zărnești.

Animal husbandry, grazing, and mountainous agriculture are traditional practices in the region. The town of Zărnești is surrounded by forested areas, making timber a vital local resource. Key activities include logging, sawmilling, and wood-based manufacturing. Facilities for pulp and paper production form a significant industrial presence, with a history dating back to 1852.

Zărnești exemplifies well the Romanian Carpathian landscape, characterized by hills and mountains covered with forests and pastures. The Bârsa Fierului Valley is one of the most representative watersheds in the area, spanning over 20,000 hectares – 70% of which is forested. A substantial portion of this forested land belongs to the municipality of Zărnești. The dominant tree species along Bârsa Fierului are common beech (Fagus sylvatica) and spruce (Picea abies), found in both pure and mixed stands. Most forest stands are over 60 years old and grow under highly productive to moderately productive site conditions.

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2. Main Challenges Related to Environmental, Social, and Economic Sustainability

Climate change in the area is marked by increasingly frequent extreme weather events, including strong winds, droughts, heat waves, floods, and landslides. These phenomena can lead to widespread forest disturbances such as pest outbreaks and windthrows, which further threaten forest health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration capacity. An additional environmental challenge in the CSA is the presence of industrial activities, which continue to pose risks to air and water quality.

The socio-economic development of the region, coupled with its proximity to the major city of Brașov, has led to a gradual shift away from traditional rural livelihoods. The town of Zărnești has seen an 8% drop in population since the last census, which may impact workforce availability and community vitality. Active involvement of local citizens in sustainability initiatives is a long-term challenge.

The economic environment faces several challenges, starting with the frequent changes to legislation governing economic activities, which create uncertainty for local enterprises. The lack of a business incubator leaves startups and innovators without critical support. Traditional sectors like timber and paper industry face modernization pressures. Tourism dependency to Piatra Craiului National Park makes it vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations. Moreover, the absence of formal mechanisms for cross-sectoral and sectoral collaboration among local entrepreneurs hinders the development of joint projects. The shortage of specialized personnel capable of managing and implementing projects funded by external bodies (e.g., European Union) may limit regional growth opportunities.