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🇫🇷 France /Environment & Climate

France Unveils 438 Million Euro Forest Plan Amid Climate Crisis

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • France is preparing a new forest plan and allocating 438 million euros to address climate change impacts like fires and drought.
  • The plan aims to bolster forest renewal and adaptation efforts in response to increasingly severe weather events.
  • The government is also increasing the budget for the "Fonds vert" to support local climate adaptation initiatives.

France is launching a comprehensive new plan for its forests, backed by a significant budget of 438 million euros, to combat the escalating threats of wildfires and drought exacerbated by climate change. The initiative underscores the critical role of forests as natural defenses against environmental shifts.

Minister Delegate for Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefèvre, stated that substantial funds are earmarked for forest renewal in the upcoming budget. While details of the plan, set to be unveiled Tuesday by Minister of Ecological Transition Monique Barbut, remain under wraps, Lefèvre confirmed the significant financial commitment. He highlighted that the "Fonds vert," a fund designed to help communities adapt to climate change, will see its envelope grow to 1 billion euros.

The forest is on the front line against climate disruption (...) and what was unthinkable a few years ago, that is to say that the forests north of the Loire are experiencing such episodes of drought and fires, has unfortunately become possible.

— Mathieu LefèvreMinister Delegate for Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefèvre, describing the severity of climate change impacts on French forests.

Lefèvre pointed to the increasing vulnerability of forests, even those in northern France, to drought and fires, conditions previously considered unthinkable. He noted that the ONF (National Forestry Office) recently extinguished three fires in the Forest of Chantilly. "We must continue to adapt," Lefèvre emphasized during a visit focused on biodiversity protection. Minister Barbut had previously announced plans to convene stakeholders, businesses, and financiers for a major investment plan for French forests.

We must continue to adapt.

— Mathieu LefèvreMinister Delegate for Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefèvre, stressing the need for ongoing adaptation measures in forest management.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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