International Forest Day: Fibre Excellence reaffirms its commitment to sustainable French forests

On International Forest Day, celebrated every year on March 21, Fibre Excellence reaffirms its commitment to sustainable management of French forests and local wood utilization. As a major player in the forestry and wood industry, the group works daily to promote responsible management of forest resources and actively participates in the maintenance and renewal of French forests.

Sustainable forest management is essential for tackling climate change and preserving biodiversity. Fibre Excellence is part of this dynamic by supporting environmentally friendly forestry practices, which both guarantee a sustainable supply of wood resources and preserve the ecological balance of forest ecosystems.

A long-term commitment to the future of French forests

Through its specialized subsidiaries, EnviroFORESTERIE and SEBSO, Fibre Excellence promotes sustainable forestry. The company prioritizes the use of decaying wood and wood from improvement cuts, in accordance with the regulations of the Forest Code, to promote the vitality and renewal of forests. This approach contributes to the smooth running of the forestry cycle, thus ensuring balanced and sustainable forest management.

Fibre Excellence is also committed to promoting the supply of local and certified wood. Today, 90% of the wood used by the company comes from French forests, while the rest comes from sustainably managed European forests. This approach aims to limit the carbon footprint of transport and support the local forest-wood industry economy.

In addition, the company works closely with industry experts, such as the Centre National de la Propriété Forestière (CNPF), to experiment with new forest management methods adapted to the specific characteristics of French forests and current environmental challenges.

Through these initiatives, Fibre Excellence is committed to continuously improving its forest management practices.

Concrete actions to support forests and territories

In 2024, EnviroFORESTERIE will have completed more than 20 Plan Simple de Gestion (PSG), which have helped private forest owners maintain and manage their plots.

One of these plans concerns the Serreblond Forest in Lozère, which illustrates a collaborative approach involving several stakeholders, including the CNPF, the Cévennes National Park, forest managers, and operators.

Located in the heart of the Cévennes National Park, this forest receives special attention due to its ecological and heritage importance. The management plan developed for this forest considers several major issues:

• The protection of natural ecosystems, in particular the Natura 2000 zone “Combe des Cades,” which preserves limestone marshes that are unique in France.
• Preserving historical heritage, with the conservation of the Menhirs des Bondons, thousand-year-old remains that bear witness to the first civilizations that occupied the region.
• The protection of animal and plant species, including the white-clawed crayfish, a protected species living in the region's waterways, as well as the short-toed eagle, an emblematic bird of prey in forest environments, and the two-striped lizard, an indicator of the quality of natural habitats.

Other actions carried out in 2024 demonstrate Fibre Excellence's commitment to sustainable forest management:

• Pine tree harvesting in Ponteils-et-Brésis (Gard): As part of the CNPF's ASEV project, thinning was carried out on 20 hectares of mid-mountain forest. This helps to preserve the balance of the forests while ensuring a sustainable supply of wood. By reducing tree density, this action promotes the growth of the remaining species and natural regeneration.
• Forest marking near Lansac (Hautes-Pyrénées): An innovative abandonment marking project has been implemented on 3 hectares, aiming to transform the forest stand into an irregular one. This technique promotes the coexistence of trees of various sizes, ages, and species, thereby improving the forest's resilience to climate hazards and strengthening local biodiversity.
• Creation of a footpath in Lelin-Lapujolle (Gers): In collaboration with the municipality and the Groupement Forestier des Pyrénées, Fibre Excellence is facilitating the development of a safe footpath on the edge of the forest for pilgrims who take this route each year to reach Santiago de Compostela. This project avoids the risks associated with road traffic while offering walkers a preserved natural setting with a picnic and rest area.

For Thomas Pétreault, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Fibre Excellence: "International Forest Day is a key moment to reaffirm our commitment to sustainable and responsible management of French forests. Our actions, whether they involve drafting Plans Simples de Gestion, technical collaborations, or experimental projects, aim to continuously improve our practices and ensure a sustainable future for the forest-wood industry. Thanks to our concrete actions in the field and our long-term commitments, we are actively contributing to the preservation and enhancement of French forests."

Through its actions, Fibre Excellence contributes, at its level, to shaping the future of the forestry and timber industry by combining economic development and ecosystem protection. The group is committed to reconciling responsible exploitation, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable management of forest resources.