France now dominates Chinese oak log imports
Due to strong demand for Oak flooring and furniture, Oak imports have increased to over 1 million m³ per year in recent years.
China’s Oak imports from France in 2021 were the largest ever recorded at 425,230 m³, up 43% year-on-year.
The top three suppliers of China’s Oak imports were France, the United States and Russia. However, in the first half of 2022, Russia is no longer a major supplier of Oak to China.
Forest fires: the proposals of the Senate to avoid the blaze
The Senate’s information mission is drawing up a report with a list of 70 proposals to arm France against forest and vegetation fires.
The senators propose to redouble efforts on preventive measures, which include legal obligations to build forest fire defense trails (DFCI), surveillance, control of land clearing or awareness. They also demanded a revision of sanctions, such as throwing away cigarette butts.
The tools of the Office National des Forêts (ONF) will also be strengthened by reversing staff cuts, in particular to extend its DFCI missions to all of France. Also, measures will be taken to encourage the recruitment of volunteer firefighters.
The report’s legislative recommendations will be translated into a bill to be submitted to Parliament in the fall.
Newsletter 6 France Valley