Working Together for Healthy Forests

At the “Bark Beetle Detection Dogs Graubünden” sponsor event held in April 2026 in Domleschg, the focus was on a topic that highlights just how multifaceted modern forest protection is today. Specially trained dogs help detect bark beetle infestations at an early stage, enabling targeted action to be taken.

The approach is as simple as it is effective. The dogs are trained to recognize the characteristic scent of the bark beetle. This allows infested trees to be identified even before visible damage occurs. This provides a crucial time advantage in dealing with the pest. Training takes place in stages and under real-world conditions in the forest.

Initial results indicate that the method has great potential. Several teams are already in operation or undergoing training. At the same time, data is being collected on an ongoing basis to further improve the method and establish it for the long term.

As part of the event, Pignaverde was able to make a tangible contribution. A check for 9,000 Swiss francs was presented to the Borkenspürhunde association for the “#08/4 Tracking Dogs Anco & Dyson” project, funded by the Hotel Laudinella. By sponsoring this sustainability project, Laudinella is actively contributing to the protection of our mountain forests.

For Pignaverde, the project exemplifies a forward-looking approach to forest management. Innovative solutions that build on nature’s inherent capabilities make an important contribution to sustainable management and the protection of our resources.

On behalf of Laudinella and Pignaverde, we would like to thank the Borkenkäferspürhunde Association for their efforts, and we are following the project’s progress with great interest.