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Base de données des projets PDR

Training and Information for Forest Owners to Develop Sustainable Forestry

Summary

This Leader project aims to improve the status of the forests in the South Adour region. The project will develop the processing of timber and create the demand by raising awareness amongst potential users such as local authorities and housebuilders

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Background

The forests of the South Adour face many problems: fragmented land ownership, low usage, and poor management. Many have been abandoned and their owners no longer have appropriate forestry skills. Establishing sustainable forests will bring environmental and economic benefits, but the first step was to explain the benefits to owners as part of wider efforts to address the region’s under-development. Funding has been received under both measures 413 and 341.

Objective

Forests mainly produce timber for construction, but it is also possible to produce energy from wood industrially. The combined potential is huge, including the development of agricultural equipment and the creation of a heating network. The main needs are the following: a) to develop the supply and processing of timber; b) to create demand by raising awareness amongst potential users: local authorities, planners, house builders.

Main activities

The creation of sustainable forests would improve the region’s environmental and economic wealth by realising their economic potential. This requires a major effort to raise awareness among the interested parties and encourage them to help establish a regional development plan. An information pack has been produced and distributed to forestry owners. Six regional meetings have been held, at which geographic, administrative and other matters were discussed.

Results & Benefits

The regional meetings have been a success with over 10% of the 7,000 owners participating. Many of those have also joined an owners syndicate. Quite apart from their economic interest, they have displayed a strong attachment to the notion of developing the resources in their region, and this could lead to the establishment of other initiatives.

Lessons learnt

Forest owners who have paid little attention to their management in recent times have a real need of information and training. This project can be compared with the one in Flanders that was presented at a forum in Namur, Belgium.

Project location and other information

Aquitaine / Landes / Pays Adour Landes océanes

Region

Aquitaine

RDP Territory

Hexagone

Total project cost (€)

9 217

Contact name

Pays Adour Landes océanes

Telephone

+33 558 574140

Languages for contact

English, French

At a glance

Country

France

Final beneficiary type

Forester, Public/local authorities

Budget range

< €20 000

Start date:

01/04/2010

End Date:

01/01/2011

Theme / Measure:

• Implementing the LEADER Approach
• Implementing local development strategies
• 413. Quality of life/diversification

Keywords:

Forest management, Governance, Biomass, Landscape, Sustainable development

Last update

15/02/2012