French Alps Forests History : from an industrial ressources to a picturesque landscape (1850-1945)
Résumé
According to Mountain Partnership “mountain forests deliver ecosystems goods and services to millions of individuals” but are threatened by a growing worldwide multisectoral demand. In response, United Nation’s 2030 agenda incites sustainable management policies. Understanding forests history can help us to design future sustainable forestry.
Situated in the northern French alps, the Maurienne valley is covered by more than 57 000 hectares of diversified alpine forests. Maurienne forests history shows how a mountainous territory has adapted throughout time and climate changes to guarantee forest availability.
Indeed, since the 17th century Maurienne forests were seen and managed as a collective resource used in a durable way to fulfil local domestic and industrial needs. From 1860’s onwards, industrial changes, national forestry regime modifications and rise of tourism modified forests understanding and management. To confront industrial pollution, natural hazard and urban population needs, forest became a common good, in need to be protected.