The AFG participated in the COSE general assembly in Girona.
The Confederation of Spanish Forestry Organisations (COSE) held its General Assembly on the 4th and 5th of June, where the sector analysed the challenges of sustainable forest management to maintain the biodiversity, productivity and regeneration capacity of forests, so that they can fulfil their ecological, economic and social functions. Specifically, the organisations representing forest owners analysed the importance of forest associations to address current fragmentation and establish a network that structures the woodland, responds to abandonment and fragmentation, provides a backbone for the territory and enables forest management.
“With these three things,” they said, “management continues naturally.” “It is essential,” said President Francisco Carreño, “that the owners unite around a common project. And in this sense, COSE plays a fundamental role.”
Associations and forest fires
Furthermore, associations are one of the most effective tools for preventing wildfires because they help to overcome one of the main problems facing Spanish forest ownership: its extreme fragmentation. In Spain, there are millions of hectares of forest land spread among hundreds of thousands of landowners, many of whom have small plots and limited resources to manage their woodlands individually. Through forest associations, it is possible to coordinate actions, share knowledge, access specialised technical advice and launch prevention projects on a much more effective regional scale. Fire knows no property boundaries, so prevention cannot be tackled in isolation, plot by plot.
Associationism and silvicultural treatments
Furthermore, forest associations facilitate the implementation of collective management initiatives, such as silvicultural treatments, joint biomass harvesting, land consolidation and the creation of strategic management areas for fire prevention. They also act as intermediaries with public authorities, channelling funds, simplifying procedures and conveying the region's real needs. Where land ownership is organised, there is a greater capacity to plan, invest and take preventative measures.
Associationism and Social Function
Associations also play a vital social role. They help to keep the bond between landowners and their forests alive, especially in areas affected by depopulation and an ageing population. Often, membership of an association is what prevents a woodland property from being abandoned altogether, providing information, support and motivation to continue managing it. In this sense, the associations help to maintain a network of people committed to the land who act as guardians, experts and carers of the forest.
Associationism and prevention
Finally, forestry associations are a key tool for promoting a culture of prevention. These associations play a vital role in raising awareness and providing training, helping to familiarise landowners and the general public with concepts such as sustainable forest management, preventative silviculture, the sustainable use of forest resources, and the adaptation of forests to climate change. In a context where fires are increasingly intense and complex, the collective organisation of landowners is not merely a matter of sectoral representation: it is a genuine social infrastructure for fire prevention and resilience.
In summary, wildfires are fought with firefighting resources, but they are prevented through management, and management is much more effective when land ownership is organised, cooperates and acts jointly on the land.
A Visit to a Cork Forest
As part of the meeting, on the 5th a visit was made to a cork oak stand to see first-hand the forest management of the stand and the actions required for cork harvesting.
The cork oak stands in the province of Girona are a vital ecosystem. With more than 38 million trees, it is one of the provinces in Spain with the most cork oaks. Their importance is evident in three key areas: the cork industry, ecology and the local economy.
Girona is the historic epicentre of cork harvesting in Catalonia. This activity, concentrated mainly in the Gavarres massif, underpins an industry of great international prestige. The cork harvested is primarily used by the wine industry to produce high-quality natural stoppers.
Cork oak stands are highly specialised ecosystems found in only seven countries worldwide. Their presence is crucial for biodiversity, sustainability and natural protection: the thick bark of the cork oak makes these trees highly resistant to wildfires, protecting the surrounding environment.
The sustainable harvesting of cork generates significant income for the rural areas of Girona, keeping traditional crafts alive and preventing depopulation. Moreover, the cork oak landscape is a major draw for responsible and sustainable tourism in the region.
