Maritime Alpine forest: a common roadmap to protect a shared asset

The prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Laurent Hottiaux, presented the roadmap resulting from the Forest Assizes. This document sets out actions to be taken until 2035 to strengthen biodiversity, organize the timber sector and support territories in facing climate change. Ecosystem services and the interdependence of territories structure this strategy.

The closing of the Forest Assizes marks a step in building a shared project. The prefect Laurent Hottiaux recalled that “our forest is in danger. It is our common good and we must protect it.” This approach is based on a strong conviction: the forest provides essential services to the entire Maralpin territory. The roadmap recalls that 67% of the department is forested and that these areas play a major role in air quality, water regulation, prevention of natural risks and carbon capture.

The exchanges conducted since February brought together elected officials, state services, timber sector actors, associations and outdoor activity professionals. Four workshops structured this work: biodiversity, forest renewal, timber mobilization and environmental education. The prefecture points out that 95 participants contributed to this shared assessment and the identification of operational action levers.

The roadmap presented at the Prefectural Palace organizes these proposals around four axes. Actions focus on solidarity between territories, regulatory adaptation, renewal of forest populations, sylvo-hunting balance, structuring of the timber sector and communication around forest uses. The prefect stressed the need for deployment from the start of the new school year, with oversight ensured by the departmental directorate of territories and the sea. The final version will be published in September 2026, after final adjustments with partners.

This roadmap addresses several identified vulnerabilities. State services point out that the aridification of the Mediterranean climate leads to deterioration of forest populations and an expected decline of 15 to 20% in water resources in the coming years. The pressure from ungulates, health crises such as bark beetles and exploitation difficulties linked to topography further intensify these tensions. The timber sector remains underutilized, with annual extraction estimated between 20 and 30% of natural growth.

A broader interest

The prefecture highlights collegial governance to monitor actions and guarantee cross-cutting between the four axes. The prefect announced that a signal would be sent to ministries to obtain necessary support, particularly on regulatory and financial aspects. Institutional, associative and professional partners join this oversight, alongside the Alpes-Maritimes department and the South Region.

The initiative undertaken in the Alpes-Maritimes is already generating interest beyond the territory. The Massif Committee wishes to share this experience with other departments. The inter-ministerial delegate for forests, timber and its uses expressed her support and plans a forthcoming visit.

The roadmap now opens a phase of implementation. The actors brought together around the Assizes are called upon to continue their mobilization to transform this collective work into concrete actions. The prefecture recalls that the Maralpin forest protects territories and structures their balance. Its preservation requires lasting cooperation between local authorities, professionals and users.