250 forest rangers committed to wildfire prevention

The vice-président recalled the commitment of the Région Sud to youth and environmental protection: "With the Garde Régionale Forestière and Garde Régionale Marine schemes, nearly 300 young people are committed to prevention, patrolling the forest massifs and marine ecosystem, as well as preserving regional biodiversity as a whole." This highly symbolic ceremony marked a passing of the torch and involvement in protecting the territory's forests and biodiversity.

A NOBLE AND DEMANDING MISSION

François de Canson praised the vocation of these committed young people: "Your badge is not just a badge. It is a commitment. It is an oath of vigilance and transmission. This initiative, far from being mere protocol, symbolises a strong regional determination to preserve an invaluable natural heritage. Since 2018, the Région has invested more than €35 million in the 'Guerre du Feu'. This effort aims to address the increased risks linked to climate change and human carelessness." The 250 forest rangers deployed this year were trained in mapping, orientation, behavioral communication, biodiversity, and first aid to ensure an effective and reassuring presence on the ground. These young sentinels roam the massifs of Luberon, Sainte-Baume, Mercantour, Maures, Calanques, Port-Cros, and Verdon. Their role is to speak, explain, guide, reassure, and alert. "You will walk in the forests of our childhood, watch over the landscapes of tomorrow. These forest rangers embody hope and exemplary conduct. Supported by a proactive region that 'does not wait for an emergency to act,' they are the new ambassadors of the territory. This scheme, which has become a benchmark, is being copied elsewhere in France and inspires other guard bodies, whether for the mountains or the coastline. You are the sentinels of our nature, the guardians of the living," concluded François de Canson, emphasizing the human and poetic dimension of their mission.

In the presence of:

Georges BOTELLA, vice-président of the commission biodiviersité, mer et littoral, Parcs naturels régionaux, Hassan SAMR, headmaster of the lycée, Jacky GERARD, président of the Entente Valabre, Jean BACCI, senator of Var and patron of the class of 2025.