Dronecoria, founded by Lot Amorós of Elche, Spain, is applying drone technology for dispersion of pelletized seeds for reforestation. He and his team were awarded $20,000 for their innovative development of a seed-coating method, which is critical for their approach to large scale, low-cost direct sowing of native seeds for ecosystem restoration.

3,000 hectares of pure or mixed cork oak plantations have been created through a Rural Development Programme implemented by the Junta de Castilla y León (regional government).

The programme, costing 5.5 million euros, has seen the creation of some plantations of pure cork oak (Quercus suber) and others mixed with holm oak (Quercus ilex).

The advances in mechanization, genetic improvement and some silviculture techniques that were innovative at the time and are now considered almost universal, have allowed species such as poplar, eucalyptus or pine to become profitable forest products in Europe, and with a promising future in the context of the new bio-economy.

Over the last few decades, forestry activities have undergone considerable technical evolution based on the incorporation of specialized machinery and technology.