The Forest of Fontainebleau, history's first zone to defend

The Forest of Fontainebleau holds a unique place in environmental history, recognized as the very first "zone to defend."

This designation stems from a long history of environmental activism within the forest, with struggles dating back to the 19th century. Notably, artists like painters and writers were at the forefront of these early environmental battles, advocating for the protection of the forest's natural beauty and ecological integrity.

These historical efforts are now being brought to light in a new book titled "Trees to Defend!" The book, co-created by Patrick Scheyder, a proponent of the Cultural Ecology movement, delves into this often-overlooked chapter of environmental history, detailing the passionate campaigns waged to protect Fontainebleau.

Scheyder's work aims to shed light on the pioneering environmentalism demonstrated by individuals who recognized the importance of preserving natural spaces like Fontainebleau long before such concerns became widespread.