Sophie Conlon
A DELEGATION of French forestry experts, independent foresters, administrators and researchers have toured the Green Triangle to discover how to manage forests in a drying climate.
Led by GROUPAMA Forêts Assurances general director Pascal Mayer the group of 35 met with Minister for Forest Industries Clare Scriven to discuss the state governments management and funding in the forestry region.
Minister Scriven said the visit went well and the group was interested in fire protection.
“They’ve been keen to see what we’ve been doing in terms of fire protection,” she said.
“We talked about the commitment our government has made in terms of upgrading the fire towers, including camera technology.”
Discussion also focused on the investment towards the Forestry Centre of Excellence, which is set to be built in Mount Gambier.
With similarities between the French and Australian forestry sector, Minister Scriven said the visit presented opportunities for future collaborative learning between the countries.
“It is important to share ideas of mutual interest for the growth and development of forest industries in both Australia and France,” Ms Scriven said.
The visit to Mount Gambier was part of a wider national tour, after the French forest industry has faced challenges including unprecedented fires during the 2022 northern summer and the impacts of increasing temperatures and low rainfall.
