The Landes of Gascony Forest, France

The Landes of Gascony Forest, also known as Les Landes, is a vast forested area located in southwestern France, primarily in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region.

About this living lab

This forest has played an important role in the economic and cultural history of the region. Historically, the area was sparsely populated and consisted mainly of wasteland and wetlands. However, beginning in the 19th century, extensive reforestation efforts transformed the landscape into the vast pine forests of today.

The resin, industry and later on the timber industry became the main economic driver of the region. The maritime pine is still harvested to produce paper, energy, lumber, packaging, and more.

A representative company of the area is chosen to represent this territory, with a focus on a specific forest. This forest is currently managed through even-aged monoculture of maritime pine harvested every 40 years, and it has a high socio-economic importance.

At the same time, the forest is also under pressure to increase its resilience against forest fires, storms, and biotic threats while safeguarding biodiversity hotspots such as riparian forests, broadleaved patches, and lagoons.