After four years of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange, the ReForest project is now getting close to its end. The final consortium meeting brought together partners from across Europe to reflect on achievements, share insights, and discuss the project’s lasting impact.
Since its inception, ReForest has grown beyond a research initiative into a dynamic ecosystem connecting science, practice, and policy. Through the ReForest Platform, Working Groups, and Living Labs, the project has fostered a strong agroforestry community, enabling co-creation, knowledge exchange, and real-world testing of solutions across Europe.
During the final meeting, partners highlighted key achievements, including strengthened collaboration among stakeholders, new data-driven insights on agroforestry performance and ecosystem services, and the development of innovative tools to support decision-making. A strong focus was also placed on translating complex research into practical, accessible knowledge for farmers, advisors, and policymakers.
“ReForest has managed to shift the perception of agroforestry in Europe. One of the key outputs is the description of non-material benefits that we get from agroforestry that can be used to finance these systems.”, said Martin Lukáč from the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, ReForest project coordinator.
By making often-overlooked benefits visible, ReForest contributes not only to scientific understanding but also to unlocking new opportunities for financing and scaling agroforestry systems. As a result, agroforestry is no longer seen as a niche practice, but as a key pathway toward sustainable and climate-smart agriculture in Europe.
Although ReForest has come to an end, its impact will continue. The knowledge, tools, and partnerships developed over the past four years provide a strong foundation for future collaboration and innovation. Project partners will continue to act as ambassadors, supporting the uptake of agroforestry practices across Europe.
The ReForest consortium extends its sincere thanks to all partners, stakeholders, and contributors whose engagement and commitment made this journey possible.
