The government of France announced the creation of seven new biological reserves and the expansion of two others, adding up to 157,000 hectares under strict protection.
The measure, presented on June 9 by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, and International Climate and Nature Negotiations, aims to place 10% of the national territory under strict protection by 2030.
Minister Monique Barbut explained that the policy seeks “less pressure on natural environments and stronger protection of species and habitats.”
Distribution of the new areas
The majority of the protected surface is concentrated in French Guiana, which contributes 99.5% of the new hectares. In metropolitan France, the reserves add up to less than 1,000 hectares.
With this addition, France reaches 6.43% of its territory under strict protection, with a total of 276 recognized biological reserves. The goal is to add 250,000 additional hectares by 2030, of which 180,000 would be located in French Guiana.
Highlighted reserves
- Rocky Peaks of Armontabo (French Guiana): the largest, with 156,290 hectares of tropical forest and granite peaks.
- Ancient Forest of Buronnières (Seine-et-Marne).
- Mountain Forests of Bannes-Ravines (Vosges).
- Mediterranean Forest Masses of Pas de la Lauze (Hérault).
- High Mountain Forests of Chamalière-Peyre-Ourse (Cantal).
- Areas of great ecological value such as Chatte-Pendue (Bas-Rhin), Twins of Ornes, and Vau des Loups (Meuse).
Some reserves will be subject to natural evolution without human intervention, while others will apply active management strategies to protect vulnerable species and habitats.
International context
The expansion of protected areas in France is part of the global goal 30×30, agreed upon in 2022, which seeks to preserve 30% of the planet’s terrestrial and marine surface by 2030.
Coinciding with World Environment Day (June 5), UNESCO designated 14 new biosphere reserves in 11 countries, adding to the 26 incorporated in 2023. The organization described the expansion as “unprecedented.”
Debate on representativeness
Although the French advance is significant, it generates debate over the unequal distribution between French Guiana and the continental territory. Overseas reserves allow for large extensions, but the protection of European ecosystems faces greater challenges due to urban, agricultural, and industrial pressure.
France is moving towards its 2030 climate goal with the expansion of its network of biological reserves. The effort strengthens the defense of habitats and species, although it poses the challenge of balancing protection between its continental and overseas territories.
In a global context of climate crisis and biodiversity loss, these measures are essential to ensure a more sustainable future.
