France adds new protected forest reserves

June 13, 2026

France has significantly expanded its forest conservation efforts by creating seven new biological reserves and enlarging two existing protected areas. Announced on June 9, the initiative places an additional 157,000 hectares of forest under enhanced protection, supporting the country's objective of bringing 10% of its territory under strict environmental safeguards by 2030.

According to Monique Barbut, France’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, and International Climate and Nature Negotiations, the move will reduce human pressures on sensitive ecosystems while strengthening protection for wildlife habitats and biodiversity.

New forest reserves strengthen biodiversity protection

The vast majority of the newly protected land is located in French Guiana, France’s overseas territory in South America. Approximately 99.5% of the newly designated area falls within the newly established Armontabo Rocky Peaks Integral Biological Reserve, which spans 156,290 hectares of pristine tropical rainforest, dramatic granite outcrops, and rich wildlife habitats.

In mainland France, the newly protected areas cover less than 1,000 hectares combined but represent a diverse range of valuable ecosystems. These include:

• The mountain forests of Bannes-Ravines in the Vosges region
• Mediterranean woodland habitats at Pas de la Lauze in Hérault
• The ancient forest ecosystem of Buronnières in Seine-et-Marne
• High-elevation forests in Chamalière-Peyre-Ourse, Cantal
• Biodiversity-rich woodlands at Chatte-Pendue in Bas-Rhin
• The forests of Twins of Ornes and Vau des Loups in Meuse

French authorities stated that some reserves will remain untouched, allowing natural ecological processes to continue without logging or industrial activity. Others will be actively managed to preserve endangered species and restore sensitive habitats.

France moves closer to its 2030 conservation targets

With the latest additions, areas classified under France’s “strong protection” framework now account for 6.43% of the national territory. These zones impose strict limitations on human activity to ensure long-term ecosystem preservation.

The announcement also increases the total number of biological reserves in France to 276.

The country has set a broader goal of protecting an additional 250,000 hectares of forest by 2030, with approximately 180,000 hectares expected to be secured in French Guiana.

Global momentum behind nature conservation

France’s latest conservation measures align with a growing international effort to protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Governments worldwide are working toward the global “30x30” target, an agreement adopted in 2022 that aims to conserve 30% of the Earth's land and marine environments by 2030.

On World Environment Day, UNESCO announced the addition of 14 new biosphere reserves across 11 countries, including locations in Italy, Mongolia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.

This follows the designation of 26 new biosphere reserves in 2025, part of what UNESCO described as a rapid expansion of its worldwide conservation network.

Biosphere reserves play a critical role in safeguarding biodiversity, supporting scientific research, promoting environmental education, and encouraging sustainable economic development. Today, these protected landscapes cover hundreds of millions of hectares across more than 130 countries.

Environmental protections face challenges in other countries

While many nations are expanding conservation efforts, others are moving in the opposite direction.

In Brazil, environmental organizations have criticized the country's controversial environmental licensing reforms, often referred to as the “devastation bill.” The legislation eases approval requirements for certain development projects, broadens self-licensing provisions, and accelerates permits for projects considered strategically important.

In the United States, environmental policies have also shifted in recent years. Measures introduced under President Donald Trump included opening portions of one of the world's largest marine protected areas in the Pacific to commercial fishing and proposing expanded vehicle access and commercial activities in parts of the national forest system.

These contrasting approaches highlight the ongoing global debate over balancing economic development with environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.