France has taken a significant step toward its 2030 environmental targets by adding 157,000 hectares of forest to its network of protected areas. On 9 June, the government announced the creation of seven new biological reserves and the expansion of two existing ones, bringing the total number of such reserves to 276. The initiative is part of a national strategy to place 10 percent of French territory under what the government calls “strong protection” — zones where human activities are tightly restricted to preserve ecosystems.
The vast majority of the newly protected land — roughly 99.5 percent — lies in a single reserve in French Guiana, France’s overseas territory in South America. The Armontabo Rocky Peaks integral reserve covers 156,290 hectares of tropical rainforest and granite peaks, accounting for nearly all of the announced area. In contrast, the eight reserves in metropolitan France collectively protect under 1,000 hectares, spanning diverse landscapes from the mountain forests of Bannes-Ravines in the Vosges to the Mediterranean woodlands of Pas de la Lauze in Hérault.
Diverse Forests, Different Management Approaches
Other newly protected sites include the ancient forest of Buronnières in Seine-et-Marne, the high-altitude forests of Chamalière-Peyre-Ourse in Cantal, and the ecologically rich forests of Chatte-Pendue in Bas-Rhin, Twins of Ornes, and Vau des Loups in Meuse. According to the Ministry of Ecological Transition, some of these reserves will be left to evolve naturally without logging or other exploitation, while others will be actively managed to protect vulnerable species and habitats.
“In concrete terms, this translates into less pressure on natural environments and stronger protection for species and habitats,” said Monique Barbut, France’s minister for ecological transition, biodiversity and international climate and nature negotiations. The expansion raises the share of French territory under strong protection to 6.43 percent, up from previous levels.
France’s broader forestry goal is to bring 250,000 additional hectares under protection by 2030, of which 180,000 hectares are earmarked for French Guiana. This aligns with the global 30x30 target — a commitment agreed in 2022 to conserve 30 percent of the planet’s land and sea by 2030.
Global Context: Progress and Setbacks
France’s move comes amid a mixed global picture for nature conservation. On World Environment Day (5 June), UNESCO designated 14 new biosphere reserves across 11 countries, including sites in Italy, Mongolia, the Philippines, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. This followed the addition of 26 new biosphere reserves last year, which UNESCO described as part of an “unprecedented expansion” of its global network. Biosphere reserves aim to protect biodiversity while supporting scientific research, education and sustainable development.
However, not all countries are moving in the same direction. In Brazil, environmental groups have condemned the so-called “devastation bill,” which became law last year despite fierce opposition. The law eases environmental licensing requirements, expands self-licensing for some projects, and fast-tracks developments deemed strategically important. Meanwhile, under Donald Trump, the United States has opened one of the world’s largest protected marine areas in the Pacific to commercial fishing and proposed new vehicle access and commercial activities across parts of the national forest system.
In Europe, the balance between development and conservation remains a contentious issue. The European Commission has warned Albania over a Trump-linked resort project in a protected area, highlighting the ongoing tensions between economic growth and environmental safeguards. As France pushes ahead with its forest protections, the continent watches to see whether other member states will follow suit or face similar pressures.
