Base de données des projets PDR

This Leader project aims to cultivate cork oak plantations in order to revive and consolidate the cork industry in the region. Improving their management will also involve awareness-raising activities and bring long-term benefits for local industry.

Since 2006, the association ‘Le Liège Gascon’ has been working to revive the use of cork oaks. This important natural resource, symbolic of Marensin, has been largely unused since cultivation was abandoned in the middle of the last century. To halt the decline, cork producers from the Landes formed the ‘Le Liège Gascon’ association. Their partnership with the local forestry authority has meant that a cork industry is now returning to the region.

The aim of the project is to maintain cork oaks in the region and improve their management in order that they can make an important contribution to the future development of the region. For this project integrated funding has been received under two measures: 413, Quality of Life / diversification and under measure 323, Conservation and funding of the rural heritage.

This project involves various activities including: a) awareness-raising initiatives; b) the organisation of cork harvesting; c) the development of cork oak plantations; d) obtaining management advice about the consolidation of the industry; e) the re-establishment of cork oaks in the region.

Developing a viable cork industry will have a positive long term benefit on local industry, as well as maintaining the planting of cork oaks, improving the growth of maritime pine, and the quality of the local landscape. Nearly 7,000 kilos were harvested in 2009 over 9 days, together with 151 litres of acorns. 2,000 saplings were planted in December-January 2010/11.

The project has highlighted the need to ensure appropriate training of harvesters, and the need to continue to raise awareness among owners concerning the prospects for the industry.

France-Aquitaine

Aquitaine

Hexagone

9 680

https://www.leliegegascon.org

Lucie Jeansonnie

leliegegascon@wanadoo.fr

+33 614 554161

French