Forest Sciences Centre of Catalonia (CTFC)

The Forest Sciences Centre of Catalonia (CTFC) is an applied research; forestry training and technology transfer centre located in the Catalonian pre-Pyrenees, in the town ofSolsona,Catalonia, Spain. The CTFC is a consortia formed by the University of Lleida, the Catalan Government, the District Government of Lleida, the Research and Innovation Foundation, the Integrated Rural Development Centre of Catalonia (CEDRICAT) and the County of Solsonès. The CTFC’s mission consists in contributing to the modernization and competitiveness of the forest sector, as well as to the sustainable development of rural areas through research, training and technology transfer to society. The mission of the CTFC is developed through three work programmes: Functionality of agro-forested ecosystems : Expand the knowledge on the functionality and vulnerability of agro-forested ecosystems to predict their responses to global change: Hydrology; Eco-physiology; Ecology and dynamics of communities; Nutrient cycles and carbon sequestration; Biological Diversity; Ecology of the landscape. Multifunctional management of the natural environment: Generate knowledge and technology designed to optimise the management of natural areas: Silviculture and forest modelling; Wood and non-wood forest products and services; Conservation biology;Forestfires and other natural risks; Ecological restoration; Silvopastoralism; Multi-target planning. Governance and socioeconomics of the rural environment: Identify and study the socioeconomic context in which the planning and sustainable management of the rural environment is carried out, in order to contribute to wealth and social welfare: Assessment and promotion of rural areas; Territorial planning; Rural socioeconomics; Public use of natural areas; Forest policy; Ecological and forest economics; Social perception communication.   Scope of Work Research and networks Capacitating and training Technology transference and development Coordination and search of partners and/or additional financing Project Design, Management, Monitoring and Evaluation