Supporting Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the sustainable management of its boreal forest

Context

In 2014, the Territorial Collectivity of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon decided to take back control of the management of its forests, which had previously been handled by the Territorial Directorate for Territories, Food and the Sea (DTAM). This decision marked the start of an ambitious project: to develop a sustainable and multifunctional management plan to preserve, enhance and pass on this unique natural heritage, in line with national forestry policy guidelines.

The first step was a one-off agreement with the ONF, enabling a comprehensive inventory of the forest domain to be carried out in 2014 and priority areas for its future to be identified. Following this assessment, the Collectivité reinforced its commitment by signing an ‘Audiffred’ contract with the ONF on 23 March 2016.

This ten-year structural partnership aims to support Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the protection, conservation and enhancement of its boreal forest, in order to ensure its sustainable and exemplary management for future generations.

Activities carried out

• A comprehensive forest inventory was conducted in 2015 and then in 2017, covering nearly 3,000 hectares, in order to establish an accurate picture of the state of the archipelago’s forests.
• A ten-year management plan (2018-2028) was developed to provide long-term guidance on the protection, use and enhancement of the boreal forest.
• Approximately 25 hectares were reforested on the islands of Miquelon and Langlade, helping to restore the environment and strengthen the resilience of ecosystems.
• Targeted inventories have provided a better understanding of two emblematic species: the yellow birch on Langlade and the Canadian yew on Saint-Pierre.
• Public awareness campaigns have been carried out to raise awareness of the ecology of the boreal forest and strengthen local ownership of this natural heritage.

Project details

The forest of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is experiencing significant decline due to several pressures: the effects of climate change, browsing by white-tailed deer and cottontail rabbits—two introduced species—and the impact of various pests.

Thanks to the actions undertaken as part of the project, the resilience of forest ecosystems is gradually being strengthened, paving the way for the sustainable restoration of this unique heritage.

Expected results

• A comprehensive inventory of the archipelago’s wooded areas, covering approximately 3,000 hectares, providing accurate information on the condition of the forests.
• A 10-year sustainable management plan (2018-2028), now in place to guide the protection and enhancement of the boreal forest.
• Approximately 25 ha reforested in Miquelon and Langlade, contributing to the restoration of degraded environments.
• Nearly 20,000 trees planted by 2025, strengthening the resilience of ecosystems to climatic and biological pressures.
• Studies focused on yellow birch and Canadian yew, two emblematic species, improving local scientific knowledge.
• Increased public awareness of the ecology of the boreal forest, promoting ownership and protection of this natural heritage.

Budget

600 000 €

Partners

Office National des Forêt - ONF (The National Forestry Office)

Beneficiaries

The Regional Directorate for Territories, Food and the Sea (DTAM)

Donor

The Territorial Community of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.