Cork oak: an economy in favor of biodiversity

Co-organized by Forêt Modèle de Provence, Domaine de Baudouvin and Lou Rodou Valettois, the event offered many new features, including numerous activities for children, building on last year's strong attendance (3,000 people), to highlight an industry that is unfortunately gradually fading from the area. Indeed, 100 years ago, 10,000 tons of cork were harvested per year, and the region had 150 companies and more than 2,000 employees. Today, only two companies, 5 employees, and an association managing 15,000 hectares of cork oak forests (ASL Suberaie Varoise) remain, producing 200 tons of cork per year. For professionals: "it is urgent to relaunch this local industry with its many benefits for biodiversity and the relocation of a historic economy for the region." The 8th edition brought together many institutional partners (Département and Région Sud), around forty exhibitors including the last cork company in Var, numerous wood craftsmen, and the mobile sawmill Farfadets Wood, which was the victim of a theft in July. Thanks to the major mobilization led by Forêt Modèle de Provence, people were able to leave with their planks sawed on-site and on demand (at a pay-what-you-wish price). In addition, the organizers presented an exhibition on biodiversity. At noon, an aperitif was offered by Lou Rodou Valettois.