Context
The Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon is located in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d´Azur. The goal of the Parc is to protect the natural, cultural and landscape heritage of the South of France while participating in the economic and social development of the region. Today, the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon faces many challenges (climate change, water pollution, etc.) which endanger biodiversity.
In order to protect its fruit tree heritage, the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon is setting up projects for the conservation, promotion and multiplication of old and local fruit varieties, and promotes as well practices associated with diversified arboriculture.
Supported project
Since 2019, the L'OCCITANE Foundation has supported the Verdon Regional Natural Park as part of its program to conserve old varieties of apple and pear trees of local interest. The project consists in analyzing the genotypes of the fruits in order to identify varieties. It also aims to train and transmit the know-how linked to agro-ecological practices in order to promote diversified fruit production and the restructuring of old orchards in collaboration with local producers.
Thus, the Verdon PNR responds to agricultural issues linked to climate change, and contributes to improving knowledge of the fruit tree heritage of Verdon. Thanks to the conservation of these old varieties of fruit trees and the promotion of fruit agroforestry, it contributes to the preservation of biodiversity.
Some figures
In total, 300 trees will be planted and 40 varieties will be conserved thanks to this project in 2020.
2020 Budget 10 000 euros
Final goal 40 preserved varieties
History
Project supported since 2016
Since 2016, the L’OCCITANE Foundation has supported the Verdon Regional Natural Park projects on the theme of the conservation of cultivated varieties. On this date, the Foundation had committed with the PNR du Verdon to support a project on the theme of planting hedges on the Valensole plateau with old and rare varieties of fruit trees. The project aimed to plant hedges of fruit trees of old varieties on the plateau in order to regulate the climate and fight against erosion while preserving biodiversity and ensuring activity for farmers.
Following with this previous theme, the Foundation committed in 2019 to this new conservation project for old fruit trees.
Total budget 46 640 euros
Final goal 100 preserved varieties
