A central component of the trip was the joint project meetings with the project partners in Montevideo. The current status of the research activities, obtained results and the next steps of the joint project were discussed and coordinated. Particular emphasis was placed on the further monitoring and evaluation of the field trials, in which selected tree species are being studied under the conditions prevailing in Uruguay. The data collected provide an important basis for assessing the suitability of different tree species and cultivation systems for the sustainable development of the forest-based bioeconomy cluster.
The work programme was complemented by visits to research institutions and wood-processing companies. In parallel with the project activities, the accompanying German-Uruguayan delegation used the trip for discussions with the Uruguayan Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) and the German Embassy in Montevideo. The discussions focused on the importance of bilateral cooperation and the prospects for the further development of the forest-based bioeconomy.
The project trip thus primarily served to advance the practical and scientific development of the joint project. Joint work at the experimental sites, data collection and close cooperation with INIA, LATITUD, and MGAP established important foundations for the next phases of the project. At the same time, the parallel delegation trip provided an opportunity to discuss the research findings and the potential of German-Uruguayan cooperation with representatives from politics, industry and other institutions.
The joint project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Homeland (BMLEH) under funding reference number 2223NR031A.