An interactive tool for analysing the ecological, productive and sustainable management potential of beech forests in northern Spain
The LIFE Haya – Hardwood For The Home project presents the new geographic viewer, an interactive and accessible resource designed to facilitate the analysis of the main forestry aspects linked to the sustainable management and enhancement of beech forests.
This viewer has been developed as a specialised cartographic tool that allows forest managers, technicians, researchers and interested members of the public to explore the beech (Fagus sylvatica) ecosystems in northern Spain in depth.
Through an intuitive visual experience, management that is close to nature is promoted, consistent with the objectives of the LIFE project: conservation, responsible use and adaptation to climate change.
Key features of the viewer
The viewer allows you to consult multiple relevant thematic layers that provide a comprehensive view of the territory:
- Project demonstration stands: location of areas managed according to Close to Nature Forestry criteria.
- Distribution of beech forests in Spain: visualisation of the area dominated by Fagus sylvatica in the area of action.
- PEFC-certified beech forests: identification of beech forest stands with PEFC sustainable forest management certification.
- Timber stock trends (1985–2023): comparison of cumulative timber volume to assess growth, biomass accumulation and carbon storage potential.
- Estimated net annual growth: calculation of timber growth per hectare per year, useful for production planning.
- Historical disturbances: layers showing events such as fires or logging, key to adaptive management.
