The prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Laurent Hottiaux, launched the Forest Conference this Friday at the Prefectural Palace in Nice. The goal: to bring together elected officials, professionals, and associations to define an action plan by June to address climate, economic, and environmental challenges.
In a department where 67% of the territory is forested, the forest is becoming a strategic issue. Gathered at the Prefectural Palace, local elected officials, state representatives, wood industry professionals, environmental associations, and economic stakeholders have initiated a series of work sessions aimed at developing an operational roadmap before the summer.
For Éric Lefebvre, departmental director of territories and the sea, the forest in Alpes-Maritimes is a major issue. “The forest in Alpes-Maritimes constitutes 67% of the territory,” he recalls. It represents a biodiversity reservoir, a carbon sink, and a tool for natural risk prevention, notably avalanches and landslides.
A forest weakened by climate
However, it is also weakened by climate change, droughts, and fires. “It is essential to protect it so it can continue to provide its services,” he emphasizes.
The prefect Laurent Hottiaux stresses the necessity of arriving at concrete measures. “These conferences must lead us to contemplate a common program for the forest,” he states. He reminds us that Alpes-Maritimes have experienced record heat episodes and that such phenomena are expected to become more frequent.
The discussions also focused on the mobilization of local wood, the adaptation of tree species, forest regeneration, risk prevention, and conflicts of use. “Inaction is a risk,” noted a speaker at the round table, highlighting the rapidity of the climate shock the forests will face.
The work will continue with thematic workshops on April 2, 2026 at the prefecture. A closing session is scheduled for June 12 at the Palais des Rois Sardes in Nice, with the presentation of a departmental action plan.
