In the Var, a dog browsing at the foot of a tree is not necessarily looking for truffles. It can detect Hermann’s tortoises, a protected species, so that they can be sheltered from a brushcutter. The method is used in the Massif des Maures, devastated by fire in August 2021. The disaster had revived criticism about the functioning of the nature reserve of the Plaine des Maures, itself partly charred, whose existence had was then called into question by its detractors.
Forest fire protection schemes (DFCI) have been the subject of intense tension. “The tensions were linked to the methods used to clear the undergrowth, explains Rémi Luglia, president of the National Society for the Protection of Nature (SNPN), an association which took over the management of this high place of biodiversity this summer.. The scientists asked for gentler, manual methods, where the service providers preferred to use, out of habit, heavier and relatively indiscriminate machines. With these techniques, everything is crushed, even the pebbles”.
“For us, the challenge deserves it”
According to the specifications drawn up by the prefecture, this new manager must reconcile the “biodiversity issues with those of the defense of the forest against fires ». « Firefighting is a major subject andthere is no opposition in principle from environmentalists to the DFCIresumes Rémi Luglia. This post-fire moment is precisely the opportunity to bring all the players back to the table, to review the positioning of the structures or the time when the work is being done. It is interesting to work in a way that has a minimal impact on biodiversity. Technical solutions exist. This may have a higher cost. But, for us, the challenge deserves it”.
In the Port-Cros National Park, also in the Var, this dialogue is already well established. Project manager for the public establishment, Éric Serantoni has become accustomed to participating in field meetings that bring together scientists, elected officials and firefighters to prepare the necessary work.. “At one point, we had a little trouble talking to each other, we were seen as annoying, he slips. It takes time, but we got to know each other and talk. Today, they are partners. » And each agreed to take a step towards the other.
The park has thus ceded land to winegrowers, in order to partition the island of Porquerolles with vines. Its agents have also carried out selective cutting of highly flammable gable pines to make way for hardwoods. To mark their investment in a potentially divisive topic, conservationists have also invested in equipment to tackle incipient fires. “The DFCI in a protected area is possible, continues Eric Serantoni. But everyone has to understand the stakes. The day there is a fire, it is the firefighters who risk their lives. »