Context
The Valensole Plateau is a small agricultural region in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence facing many challenges. An area where lavandin and durum wheat can be grown in the Provence-Alpes Côte d'Azur region, its agricultural landscapes also make it a popular tourist attraction. Classified as a Natura 2000 site, it also hosts many heritage species directly dependent on particular agricultural practices and systems of production. However, the Valensole plateau is now facing a number of challenges (climate change, water pollution, etc.) that threaten its biodiversity.
Supported project
The L'OCCITANE Foundation supports the agro-ecology project of the Verdon Regional Natural Park. The project aims to plant hedgerows made up of traditional fruit tree varieties on the Valensole Plateau. Planting hedgerows actually serves multiple purposes, such as climate regulation, erosion control, habitats for wildlife and pollinators, fruit production, and more. This project helps to preserve biodiversity while ensuring activity for farmers.
Some figures
This project aims to plant 1860 trees as hedgerows, tree lines and isolated trees, using 31 different traditional fruit tree varieties. These trees are home to many iconic animal species such as the Iberian Gray Shrike or the Little Owl.
2019 budget 12 000 euros
2019 goal 31 preserved varieties
History
Project supported since 2017
Total budget 26 640 euros
Total goal 122 preserved varieties
Since 2017, the support of the L'OCCITANE Foundation has allowed for the planting of 6970 trees across the equivalent of over 10 km of hedges, helping to preserve 122 different tree varieties and raise awareness amongst more than 500 people.
