Dear Model Forest community,
Our active participation in the SMURF program is moving forward with its first key phase: the detailed mapping and documentation of the current state of small forest holdings in Western Macedonia. This phase is of fundamental importance, as the data we collect from you—the forest owners and managers—will serve as the foundation for developing tailored solutions and policies that respond to the real needs of our region. Through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and assessments, we will document ownership structures, management practices, economic challenges, and the opportunities you face in your daily work. This information will allow us to create an accurate and comprehensive “identity document” for our forests, which will be used to promote fair policies, funding mechanisms, and innovative tools at both the national and European levels. Your personal experience and knowledge of the local forest landscape are invaluable and essential to the accuracy, reliability, and ultimate success of this crucial effort. We invite you to stay informed about the next steps and to actively participate in this process, so we can ensure that the voice of Western Macedonia is heard loud and clear.