1. Expert trainingWebinars and online workshops with practical examples from forest management, including the first webinar on “Voluntary carbon markets and land use projects in Europe”, scheduled for 17 September 2025.Acquisition of practical skills and support in decision-making.2. Innovation and business opportunitiesPresentation of new business and forest management models that optimize profitability and sustainability.Access to approaches such as Closer to Nature Silviculture and opportunities to enter robust systems such as carbon payments (PES) based on the SMURF model3. Network and knowledge exchangeCommunication with practitioners and managers who have already implemented these approaches.Formation of peer groups and interaction with a consortium of public, academic and private organizations
Why is it important for small forest holdings?The network addresses key challenges: parcelization of ownership, lack of access to new practices and regulations, limited business models. It also offers tools to power the European value ecosystem, including opportunities in carbon markets.
How do you get involved?Registration is done online - free of charge, but access is confirmed by the SMURF consortium based on the information providedAfter approval, you get access to a private portal with exclusive resources.
Latest news and eventsThe 1st European Small Forestry Conference took place from 20 to 22 May 2025 in Rome, organised by SMURF with the support of FAO and Cesefor – Laurus was officially launched.
SummaryLaurus is a free, vetted network specifically designed to support technical experts from forest owner associations in Europe. Through webinars, innovative solutions and valuable contacts, it answers questions such as:How to make small forest holdings more profitable and sustainable?Where to find help with new forest practices and regulations?What new business opportunities can we offer?If you represent such an organisation and want to stay up to date with key innovations and opportunities, Laurus is the place for you.SMURF project website https://www.smurfproject.eu/.Funded by EU 
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