Toute l'actualitéAt Reforest'Action, the diversity of our solutions meets the diversity of the needs of forests, with common objectives: to make forests more resilient, to develop their multifunctionality, and to preserve and develop the carbon and biodiversity sinks of tomorrow. In this way, Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) plays an essential role in achieving global objectives relating to climate, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, and is fully in line with our environmental and ecological ambitions and those of the foresters with whom we work. Reforest'Action frequently uses this method as part of its ecosystem regeneration projects in temperate zones.
Respecting and imitating the natural cycle of the forest
In practical terms, ANR is a method of regenerating forest ecosystems that involves intervening in existing forests that are showing signs of regeneration, but which are insufficient on their own to guarantee the renewal of the forest and the maintenance of its ecosystem services. This is a gentle method of silvicultural management that respects the natural cycle of the forest, the soil and existing biodiversity. It makes the most of what already exists to preserve and strengthen the forest heritage, making it more diverse and resilient in the long term.
As part of an ANR project, the forester helps the forest to regenerate under optimum conditions. The aim is to encourage the growth of seedlings and juvenile trees of different species that are already naturally present in the soil, and to provide them with the light and space they need to develop in the best possible way. While taking care to maintain minority species to preserve the diversity of the forest, work is also carried out to promote the species best adapted to local conditions and climate change. To do this, the forester will carefully observe the evolution of the forest and, over time, carry out various types of forestry work (clearing, scrub clearance, pruning, maintenance of access roads and enrichment of islands, etc.) that will enable the most promising seedlings to grow thanks to the increased space and light.
A complementary solution to reforestation
In our projects, the choice between the planting method or the ANR method depends on the type of forest plot and the history of the forest to be restored. In France, and more generally in Europe, the challenge is to deal with the biotic and abiotic degradation of forests, rather than deforestation, which involves leaving plots of land bare. Given the increasing frequency and severity of natural and climatic hazards, where the situation permits, ANR appears to be the most appropriate method for restoring degraded forests. The funding of ANR work also makes it possible to encourage longer silvicultural cycles and more progressive, sustainable management. It is therefore common for Reforest'Action to support ANR projects in temperate zones.
Preserving and developing carbon and biodiversity sinks
This method also focuses on preserving biodiversity and the carbon storage function of soils and above- and below-ground biomass throughout the process, by avoiding clear-cutting and bare soil. Thanks to artificial intelligence models and cutting-edge technologies based in particular on satellite imagery, Reforest'Action is now able to estimate above-ground and underground biomass at a given moment and deduce the carbon stored on our ANR projects. With a view to projecting and measuring impact, our ANR projects are designed as genuine projects to preserve carbon sinks and biodiversity.