AFrench forestry delegation recently visited the South East to learn from the Green Triangle region.
The visit was prompted by challenges faced by the French forest industry and learning to handle forest management in a drying climate was a central theme.
Challenges include unprecedented fires during the 2022 northern summer and the impacts of increasing temperatures and low rainfall.
The delegation was led by General Director GROUPAMA Forêts Assurances Pascal Mayer and met with Minister for Forest Industries Clare Scriven.
“I welcome the interest of GROUPAMA Forêts Assurances in our forestry operations and in meeting with our industry representatives in Mount Gambier,” Minister Scriven said.
“It is important to share ideas of mutual interest for the growth and development of forest industries in both Australia and France.”
Discussions included the State Government’s $2m upgrade of the Green Triangle’s fire observation towers and the $15m 10-year investment towards the Forestry Centre of Excellence in Mount Gambier.
The centre will be a central hub focusing on innovation, sustainability, and the creation of new market opportunities from Australia and across the globe.
The French delegation, including forestry experts, independent foresters, administrators and researchers, have been visiting the Green Triangle as part of a broader national tour.
The tour aims to improve understanding of forest management, including fire management following the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfire.
The study tour presents opportunities for future collaborative learning due to similarities in management approaches and risk profiles in the forest industries of France and Australia.
“South Australia continues to harness our strengths in forest management, forest conservation policies, sustainable forest management, climate change mitigation, biodiversity and the CO2 market,” Minister Scriven said.
The delegation comprised 35 representatives from government and non-government bodies dealing with wide-ranging forestry matters in France, including policymaking, research, and community engagement.
