Part of the BioRural Success Stories Blog Series
Across Europe’s rural landscapes, communities, cooperatives, and innovators are putting bio-based solutions into action—strengthening local economies, protecting the environment, and promoting circularity. As part of this movement, the BioRural project began by documenting eight real-life success stories—from Greece to the Netherlands—demonstrating how small-scale initiatives in agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, bioenergy, and biomaterials are already delivering tangible results.
As the project evolved, more inspiring examples were identified by BioRural partners and added to the BioRural Toolkit, creating a growing repository of replicable and scalable solutions tailored to rural contexts. These success stories serve not only as proof of concept but also as practical roadmaps for stakeholders looking to turn rural areas into sustainable bioeconomy hubs.
This blog post is part of a thematic series spotlighting selected cases by the bioeconomy sector. In this edition, we highlight success stories focused on forestry and natural habitats—showcasing how rural actors are managing woodland resources, preventing forest fires, restoring biodiversity, and utilising natural ecosystems for both ecological and economic benefit. These efforts demonstrate how nature-based solutions can support a thriving and balanced rural bioeconomy. Let’s explore them below!
Wood waste processing company Druplat
In Latvia, chemically treated wood waste often ends up burned improperly or discarded in landfills, harming the environment. Druplat addresses this issue by collecting, sorting, and crushing recyclable wood waste to produce high-quality fuel chips, reducing landfill dependency and generating sustainable energy. Metals and non-recyclable materials are carefully separated and sent for further processing, ensuring quality control and machine protection. Wood chips are supplied to industries for chipboard production or heating. Currently, Druplat is developing a prototype process to convert wood and textile waste into innovative wood chip blocks, advancing regional sustainability and supporting a circular bioeconomy.
ŽIPO Lenart d.o.o.
Also in the Bioeconomy theme: food & agriculture
ŽIPO Lenart d.o.o. is a diversified agricultural enterprise managing 870 ha of land in Slovenia, with a strong focus on sustainable beef cattle breeding and crop production. It operates two facilities for Simmental bull progeny testing and houses over 1,300 cattle. The company has modernized its grain drying and storage using green energy solutions, enhancing its competitiveness and environmental contribution. ŽIPO has also invested in four rooftop solar power plants (190 kW total), reinforcing its commitment to renewable energy. Through its patented product line, Lenabox, it offers chopped, dust-free straw bedding and includes it in its Lenamix feed for calves, supporting animal health and efficient farm management.
Forest silviculture for fire prevention at an ecotourism resort
Also in the Bioeconomy theme: bioenergy
Monte Holiday Ecoturismo (MHE) is an eco-tourism resort in the Sierra de Madrid, managing 27 hectares of Mediterranean forest. In 2018, manager and forest engineer Antonio Gonzalo initiated a self-protection plan, revealing extreme fuel accumulation (60–70 t/ha), well beyond safe thresholds. In collaboration with emergency services, he updated the forest management plan to include thinning for fire risk reduction. At the time, MHE’s district heating relied on commercial woodchips. Gonzalo proposed using low-grade biomass from forest thinning instead. A new boiler was installed in 2023 to accommodate this material. Initial operations focused on the resort’s perimeter, using local machinery to gather and process biomass into hog fuel. Though not cost-saving, the approach offsets fuel expenses and significantly enhances wildfire resilience.
OXYGEN OF AGRAFA Social Cooperative Enterprise of Collective and Social Benefit (Koin.S.Ep.)
Oxygen of Agrafa is a Social Cooperative Enterprise combining sustainable forest management with community-led development in the biodiverse Agrafa region. Its core activities focus on maintaining and restoring historical forest trails, enhancing safe access for hikers, and promoting eco-tourism. By engaging local residents in trail work and drawing on traditional knowledge, the cooperative generates employment and fosters environmental stewardship. It operates under circular economy principles, encouraging low-impact tourism while protecting ecosystems. Through cultural events and environmental education, Oxygen of Agrafa raises awareness of biodiversity and sustainable forestry. Future plans include certifying local agri-food products to further support regional circular economy goals.