**Located in the heart of the Millevaches Regional Nature Park in Corrèze, the [Peyrelevade](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/projects/2720) project aims to reconstitute a diversified forest while respecting the natural growth and renewal processes of forests. Reforest'Action chose the [Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR)](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/anr-expertise-thibaud-poulain) method to enhance 14,700 trees within this natural conservation site, which is part of the Natura 2000 protected areas network. Sasha Pinot, project manager for France at Reforest'Action, provides insight into why this method was chosen, its advantages, and the expected benefits of implementing the project within the framework of climate change adaptation.**

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### What does the Peyrelevade project, in the Limousin region, involve?

_Sasha Pinot :_ This natural regeneration project aims to revive a diverse forest ecosystem while meticulously honoring the natural processes of growth and renewal. Today, 14,700 trees of diverse species including Douglas fir, larch, spruce, fir, and oak are being nurtured through meticulous care and effort. Ultimately, this forest in the making will contribute to local economic development, supporting the timber industry. Restoring this degraded ecosystem will help preserve the forest atmosphere and its picturesque landscape. Home to a rich biodiversity, this forest will also contribute to carbon storage and play a role in combating climate change. Located in the heart of the Millevaches Regional Nature Park in Corrèze, Limousin, this natural site holds a special place within the Natura 2000 network, a European initiative dedicated to conserving habitats and species of importance.
 
### What history does this forest have?

_Sasha Pinot :_ Both plots have been planted with Douglas fir, spruce, and Scots pine for the past 35 years. They intended to undergo clear-cutting in the years to come, to harvest the wood produced, and then to be replanted following the same intensive pattern. Clear-cutting involves abruptly opening up an area, resulting in the long-term destruction of many natural habitats essential to certain species. In most cases, it also involves the use of heavy machinery, which destroys soil life by compacting and plowing large areas. 

![Peyrelevade-1.jpg](/uploads/Peyrelevade_1_d8761206cf.jpg)
 
### How is the implementation of an ANR project necessary to restore it?

_Sasha Pinot :_ One of the primary objectives of this project is to halt the forest degradation caused by strict and simplified forest management practices. By embracing a gentler approach, such as Assisted Natural Regeneration, landowners choose not to disrupt the forest's delicate balance. To achieve this, they observe natural processes and only intervene when necessary, in specific areas. Movement within the plots is restricted to designated paths to prevent unnecessary soil compaction. This method not only allows natural cycles to unfold but also enables the silviculturist to reduce their workload, as much of the forest's maintenance is carried out naturally.  
 
### How were the species chosen for the project?

_Sasha Pinot :_ The project promotes a variety of tree species, such as Douglas fir, larch, spruce, fir, and oak, each serving multiple functions. These species are selected from both hardwood and softwood groups and are chosen for their excellent adaptation to the site conditions. Intending to achieve 80% natural regeneration, the project also fosters the growth of other species already present in the soil through their existing seeds.
 
### What's the difference between the ANR method and conventional silviculture?

_Sasha Pinot :_ Today, French forests confront numerous threats, notably those stemming from climate change. In response to these challenges and as a departure from conventional silviculture practices, the proprietors of the Peyrelevade plots have opted to transition towards Assisted Natural Regeneration.

The main distinction between intensive forestry and Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) resides in ecological succession. In a natural forest, the process begins with the germination of a select few trees. As the canopy matures and closes, conditions of shade and humidity become conducive to the development of more delicate forest species in the understorey. This understorey strengthens the ecosystem's structure, facilitating the establishment of plants over the long term until they reach maturity. Occasional disturbances, such as storms or natural die-offs, then stimulate the vitality of the ecosystem. A natural forest represents a mosaic of these stages, amalgamating diverse functional groups that mutually support one another.

In contrast, within intensively managed forests, vulnerable trees are typically planted on bare ground, thereby exposing them to various risks such as drought, flooding, and wildlife damage. Often comprised of only one or two species, these forests exhibit a simplistic environmental structure characterized by a singular stratum. Upon reaching maturity, all trees are harvested, necessitating a complete restart of the cycle. Such artificial forests lack resilience to disturbances and significantly curtail the environment's capacity for natural evolution.
However, it is imperative to enhance the resilience of our forests to ensure the continuity of their ecosystem services. Through the decision to honor the natural cycle of their forest and embrace ANR management, the proprietors of this project significantly enhanced their forest's capacity to withstand diverse threats.
 
### How will the forest, restored through Assisted Natural Regeneration (RNA), be more resilient in the face of climate change?

_Sasha Pinot :_ This will be the case on five levels:
- The enhancement of ecosystem stability is notable. Without the disruptive effects of clear-cutting, natural forests maintain a consistent vegetation cover, yielding numerous benefits. Minimal fluctuations in humidity and temperature prevail, as the soil remains shielded from direct sunlight and air currents. The intricate structure of the ecosystem endures, serving as a habitat for a myriad of species, each fulfilling its unique role. The absence of habitat destruction fosters the proliferation of diverse life forms. 
- Trees derive added benefits from supplementary resources. Depending on the species, roots extract water from various depths. The diversity of these root systems enables the exploration of a broad spectrum of water sources, crucial during periods of escalating drought. Moreover, this subterranean complexity contributes to soil structuring, mitigating erosion.  
- The diversity of tree species aids in regulating pests and diseases, which are primary contributors to forest degradation. Predominantly, these issues arise in stands with limited species diversity, as they lack natural predators. In a diversified forest, all species—including animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms—compete, thus restoring equilibrium between predators and prey.
- Game damage will be minimized. Trees grown from natural seedlings are considerably less appealing to wildlife than those raised in nurseries.  
- In the long term, the forest will yield greater profitability. A diverse array of tree species ensures a harvest, even in the event of disease affecting one species. Additionally, the fertility of the environment is sustained through a dynamic cycle of organic matter, with minimal impact on the soil.

### Why talk about sustainable forest management when it comes to ANR?

_Sasha Pinot :_ By choosing Assisted Natural Regeneration, landowners cultivate high-quality wood while preserving a diverse and thriving biodiversity within the ecosystem. 

Living, productive forests naturally form across the globe, independently of human intervention. Nature provides the necessary seedlings and optimal conditions for their growth, while the diverse flora and fauna maintain a delicate balance against diseases and pests. In the natural cycle, when a tree reaches the end of its life, it falls, creating space for new growth. Young trees from natural regeneration take advantage of these openings, thriving until the canopy is restored. The Assisted Natural Regeneration (RNA) method respects these intrinsic natural principles while favoring the growth of the most beneficial trees.

The species present in the Peyrelevade stand have organically developed. A significant portion of them is local, with genetics finely attuned to the specific conditions of the region. Over time, the stand undergoes natural evolution, favoring only the most competitive and adaptive species.

Numerous instances in the region showcase owners aligning their management practices with natural processes. Situated at the heart of the Millevaches Regional Nature Park, the Peyrelevade project actively contributes to this network, gradually restoring the French forest to its historical state. Its PEFC certification serves as additional confirmation of its commitment to sustainable management, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the forest's multifunctional role. The PEFC label assures the stringent adherence to precise regulations by all forest stakeholders, including owners, operators, and forestry contractors.

To obtain the PEFC label, various commitments must be upheld, including promoting a diverse array of tree species, abstaining from fertilizer use, safeguarding soil integrity, preserving local fauna and flora, and maintaining dead trees, essential for biodiversity promotion.
 
### How does RNA contribute to sustainable wood production? 

_Sasha Pinot :_ The overarching goal of the Peyrelevade project is to establish a diversified, multifunctional, and resilient forest, while simultaneously benefiting the local economy. 

Unlike conventional silviculture, timber is not harvested from a large area in a single block. The forest's intricate structure calls for more regular, localized harvesting. For instance, rather than harvesting an entire parcel every 80 years, the silviculturist opts to selectively remove only the finest trees every 5 years. Despite the differing approaches, the financial returns remain nearly identical. However, under Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) management, the silviculturist benefits from more consistent income.

Implementing this method requires the expertise of skilled tradespeople, and sizable trees must be transported to specialized, smaller sawmills tailored for such operations. These ANR conversion initiatives not only create employment opportunities but also inspire younger generations to acquire and revive traditional knowledge. 

Moreover, Corrèze, being a heavily forested region with ample rainfall and a temperate climate, provides an ideal environment for forest development. Given these favorable conditions, the wood yielded by the Peyrelevade project will be of exceptional quality, thereby benefiting the entire local industry, including forest managers, loggers, and sawmill operators. 
 
### Une gestion forestière en RNA permet-elle de séquestrer autant de carbone qu’une gestion classique ?

_Sasha Pinot :_ The Peyrelevade project stands out notably for its carbon sequestration capabilities. Similar to conventional plantations, the trees continuously sequester carbon throughout their lifespan. This carbon is responsibly stored when the wood is utilized in construction or furniture. Additionally, the ANR method offers an added advantage over traditional silvicultural practices: the preservation of soil carbon. Unlike forests that export their entire production, this type of forest allows for the unimpeded growth of undergrowth and retention of deadwood. As this organic matter decomposes, the carbon it contains remains within the soil, preventing its release into the atmosphere, a common occurrence after clear-cutting and plowing.

It should be noted, however, that while carbon storage is a good indicator for studying climate change, it cannot be used to judge the quality of a forest. For instance, an intensive Douglas-fir monoculture will sequester more carbon on the same surface area than a diversified forest. Yet it is not sustainable, and its ecological value and resilience are much lower.
 
![Peyrelevade-2.jpg](/uploads/Peyrelevade_2_100b04280f.jpg)
 

**As Assisted Natural Regeneration harnesses existing resources to preserve and fortify forest heritage, fostering long-term diversity and resilience, it emerges as particularly pertinent in the face of climate change. However, for ANR initiatives to materialize, funding is essential, notably from companies eager to contribute to forest restoration. Swiss Life Asset Managers exemplifies this commitment by supporting the Peyrelevade project showcased in this article. Across France, Reforest'Action is spearheading ecosystem regeneration endeavors rooted in the Assisted Natural Regeneration method, thanks to funding from dedicated corporate partners.**


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"Assisted Natural Regeneration allows forests to be more resilient in the face of climate change": an interview with Sasha Pinot

**Between 2017 and 2022, Yagasu and Reforest'Action worked together to restore 415 hectares of mangrove in the north of the Indonesian island of Sumatra by planting more than a million mangrove trees of six different species. In November 2023, an audit carried out by Reforest'Action highlighted the excellent recovery of the mangroves and the wide range of socio-economic benefits generated by the project for local communities.**

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## Five years working to restore the mangrove

Initiated in 2017 in the provinces of North Sumatra and Aceh, Indonesia, the project was spread over four planting seasons for a total of five years, during which 260 plots of degraded mangrove were restored over a total area of 415.6 hectares. Consisting mainly of deforested riverbanks, coastal areas and abandoned fishponds, these plots were selected by our local partner Yagasu near 29 villages on the west coast of Sumatra.

![IMG20231120164535.jpg](/uploads/IMG_20231120164535_6bbbbaa638.jpg)

The aim is to regenerate mangrove forests where they have been deforested or severely degraded by the conversion of land to oil palm monoculture, and to help convert former intensive aquaculture ponds into natural mangrove areas or silvofishery ponds with moderated fishing activities. The planting of mangroves enables the original ecosystem to be reconstituted, along with its services such as fixing unstable soils and combating erosion and rising water levels. Because the existence of mangroves improves water quality and helps increase fish production, planting around or inside the ponds serves the dual purpose of maintaining the structural integrity of the ecosystem and providing a sustainable source of food for aquatic life.

![IMG20231122113205.jpg](/uploads/IMG_20231122113205_aafc5347bf.jpg)

## The conclusions of the audit carried out by Reforest'Action

A total of 1,040,478 mangrove trees were planted in the field after being produced in nurseries designed for the project. The diversity of species, which is essential to the quality and sustainability of mangrove restoration operations, was particularly observed through the selection of 6 different mangrove species adapted to the environment: Rhizophora spp, R. Apiculata, R. Stylosa, R. Mucronata, Avicennia and Ceriops. 
Thanks to the meticulous measurements carried out during the audit mission conducted by Reforest'Action in November 2023, the overall average survival rate of the trees for all the different seasons of the project was determined to be 89.88%. The plots are now in vigorous health and growth, and free of any plant disease.

![IMG20231122114442.jpg](/uploads/IMG_20231122114442_dd6632535d.jpg)

## A wide range of socio-economic benefits generated by mangroves

### Raising community awareness of the valuable resources provided by mangroves

Over the five years the project has been running, it has directly benefited 4,552 people and indirectly 9,104 people. The mangrove restoration campaign led by our project implementer Yagasu has not only generated employment in the nurseries and planting operations but has also created income-generating socio-economic activities for local people. These include the creation of traditional batik fabrics using mangrove ink, the production of foodstuffs (crisps, crackers) from mangroves, and the practice of silvofishery, which exploits the natural fish resources (fish, prawns, crabs) of these forests by creating natural ponds within them.

![IMG-28763939 (5).jpg](/uploads/IMG_28763939_5_6eb90e170c.jpg)

By becoming aware of the benefits provided by mangroves, local communities are more inclined to adopt a conservation approach to these precious forests, and to contribute to their protection, in particular by setting up community patrols to survey the mangroves and report any deforestation activity.

### Creating local commercial channels

In terms of market opportunities for the production of batik and food products, Yagasu is working with communities to create genuine local commercial channels and raise awareness among consumers from local populations and visiting tourists. As far as silvofishery is concerned, Yagasu facilitates transactions between producers and end consumers through local intermediaries. 

Women's communities in particular benefit from these socio-economic programmes, which contribute to the development of their skills and their financial independence. In fact, the income generated by the socio-economic activities within the women's groups is equivalent to an increase of around 15 to 20% on their pre-project income.

![IMG_7727.jpg](/uploads/IMG_7727_7f64aa026c.jpg)

![DSC01584.JPG](/uploads/DSC_01584_aea4f5f18e.JPG)

### Developing ecotourism to boost the local economy

In addition, the project is also enabling the development of ecotourism infrastructures and educational activities, such as nautical tourism, culinary tourism and tourism based on awareness of mangrove ecosystems. In Pasar Rawa, in particular, the ecotourism programme is generating employment for villagers and contributing to the local economy, while promoting a better understanding of the importance of mangrove conservation.

![DJI_0576.jpg](/uploads/DJI_0576_dc277a52c5.jpg)

**The project run by Reforest'Action and Yagasu in Sumatra between 2017 and 2022 has thus contributed not only to the restoration and conservation of mangrove ecosystems located in two provinces of the Indonesian island, but also to the creation of profound socio-economic impacts among local communities by promoting sustainable livelihoods and their economic resilience.**

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Sumatra: economic resilience depends on environmental restoration

**At Reforest'Action, the diversity of our solutions meets the diversity of the needs of forests, with common objectives: to make forests more resilient, to develop their multifunctionality, and to preserve and develop the carbon and biodiversity sinks of tomorrow. In this way, Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) plays an essential role in achieving global objectives relating to climate, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, and is fully in line with our environmental and ecological ambitions and those of the foresters with whom we work. Reforest'Action frequently uses this method as part of its ecosystem regeneration projects in temperate zones.**

## Respecting and imitating the natural cycle of the forest
In practical terms, ANR is a method of regenerating forest ecosystems that involves intervening in existing forests that are showing signs of regeneration, but which are insufficient on their own to guarantee the renewal of the forest and the maintenance of its ecosystem services. This is a gentle method of silvicultural management that respects the natural cycle of the forest, the soil and existing biodiversity. It makes the most of what already exists to preserve and strengthen the forest heritage, making it more diverse and resilient in the long term. 

As part of an ANR project, the forester helps the forest to regenerate under optimum conditions. The aim is to encourage the growth of seedlings and juvenile trees of different species that are already naturally present in the soil, and to provide them with the light and space they need to develop in the best possible way. While taking care to maintain minority species to preserve the diversity of the forest, work is also carried out to promote the species best adapted to local conditions and climate change. To do this, the forester will carefully observe the evolution of the forest and, over time, carry out various types of forestry work (clearing, scrub clearance, pruning, maintenance of access roads and enrichment of islands, etc.) that will enable the most promising seedlings to grow thanks to the increased space and light. 

## A complementary solution to reforestation
In our projects, the choice between the planting method or the ANR method depends on the type of forest plot and the history of the forest to be restored. In France, and more generally in Europe, the challenge is to deal with the biotic and abiotic degradation of forests, rather than deforestation, which involves leaving plots of land bare. Given the increasing frequency and severity of natural and climatic hazards, where the situation permits, ANR appears to be the most appropriate method for restoring degraded forests. The funding of ANR work also makes it possible to encourage longer silvicultural cycles and more progressive, sustainable management. It is therefore common for Reforest'Action to support ANR projects in temperate zones.

## Preserving and developing carbon and biodiversity sinks
This method also focuses on preserving biodiversity and the carbon storage function of soils and above- and below-ground biomass throughout the process, by avoiding clear-cutting and bare soil. Thanks to artificial intelligence models and cutting-edge technologies based in particular on satellite imagery, Reforest'Action is now able to estimate above-ground and underground biomass at a given moment and deduce the carbon stored on our ANR projects. With a view to projecting and measuring impact, our ANR projects are designed as genuine projects to preserve carbon sinks and biodiversity. 

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Assisted Natural Regeneration, a solution for preserving and developing carbon sinks and biodiversity over the long term

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Conscient de sa responsabilité dans la préservation du bois, ressource essentielle à son activité qui est présente dans 25% de ses produits, Castorama s’est engagé à utiliser 100% de bois et papier issus de forêts gérées durablement d’ici 2025, l’enseigne est aujourd’hui à plus de 90%. La sensibilisation des collaborateurs aux enjeux environnementaux et notamment à la préservation des forêts est très présente chez Castorama à travers l’organisation de conférences internes, de sessions d’acculturation au développement durable, à la participation à des défis sportifs permettant la plantation d’arbres… Castorama contribue également à des projets de reforestation et de plantation. Début 2023, l’enseigne a créé une forêt urbaine à proximité de son magasin de Marseille Saint-Loup, en collaboration avec Reforest’Action. Ce type d’initiative contribue à la lutte contre le changement climatique et permet de renforcer la biodiversité.

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Restaurer les écosystèmes terrestres à grande échelle en recréant les meilleures conditions pour leur permettre d’être stable dans la durée dans un contexte climatique et sociétal en pleine transformation.

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Photo de l'évolution de la régénération en 2023

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Châtaignier

Chêne sessile (rouvre)

Érable sycomore

La forêt de Boursault est un massif vieillissant ayant été victime de nombreux aléas l’ayant affaibli. On peut citer le dépérissement des chênes, ou encore la propagation de la chalarose parmi les frênes. Un champignon pathogène qui se propage par les feuilles, jusqu’à ce que l’arbre dépérisse. Malgré ces aléas, le massif montre des signes de régénération naturelle. L’opportunité de consolider le peuplement de manière plus douce pour l’écosystème forestier. Aujourd’hui, 95 600 arbres sont donc aidés par des travaux sylvicoles. Les dégagements protègeront les plants. Des regarnis viendront compléter ces travaux et le tout diversifiera le peuplement. Cela permettra le retour d’une biodiversité riche et varié. Par ailleurs, les arbres stockeront du carbone, participant ainsi à la lutte contre le changement climatique.

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Preservation of local biodiversity by providing suitable habitats and resources.

Contributes to the mitigation of the greenhouse effect and influences precipitation patterns and the local microclimate.

Influences the quality and integrity of the soil-water system, and the cycling of water and nutrients.

Supports human well-being, by providing resources, income, education, and supporting recreation and heritage.

The Boursault forest is an ageing massif that has been the victim of numerous hazards that have weakened it. These include oak dieback, and the spread of chalarosis among ash trees (a pathogenic fungus that spreads through the leaves until the tree dies). Despite these hazards, the massif is showing signs of natural regeneration. This is an opportunity to consolidate the stand in a way that is gentler on the forest ecosystem. Today, 95,600 trees are being helped by silvicultural work. Clearing will protect the seedlings. Replanting will complete the work and diversify the stand. This will enable the return of a rich and varied biodiversity. The trees will also store carbon, helping to combat climate change.

Bénéfices estimés des arbres plantés ou préservés

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Actualités de Reforest'Action

"Assisted Natural Regeneration allows forests to be more resilient in the face of climate change": an interview with Sasha Pinot

Sumatra: economic resilience depends on environmental restoration

Assisted Natural Regeneration, a solution for preserving and developing carbon sinks and biodiversity over the long term