At the beginning of February 2025, players in the wood industry in the Ploërmel region met in Carentoir, Morbihan, to discuss the missions essential to their sector. The meeting brought together various stakeholders determined to strengthen the role of wood in local sustainable development.
The meeting brought together a number of key players, including Marine Darteyre-Dano, project manager for the Pôle d'Équilibre Territorial Rural (PETR), which has been playing a key role since its establishment in 2022. Her participation once again underlined the importance of the issues discussed and the institutional support given to the sector.
The main purpose of the meeting was to define and announce the objectives of the wood industry in the region. Among these, promoting the use of local wood and enhancing the value of forest resources are of paramount importance. Wood is not only a renewable and environmentally-friendly material, it is also at the heart of the energy and economic transition that the Ploërmel region wishes to make.
One of the main themes discussed was the inclusion of private forests, through the grouping of small forest owners. This approach aims to unite these players around common initiatives, in order to increase the efficiency of wood management and marketing. In addition, a dedicated effort to raise awareness among local owners and companies to meet and collaborate on forest renewal has been strongly encouraged. This is essential to ensure that sustainable management practices are adopted consistently and deliver economic as well as ecological benefits.
Collective reflection on the future of forests plays an important role in these discussions, especially with the challenges imposed by climate change. This proactive strategy is essential if we are to envisage a sustainable forest that can continue to provide long-term energy, economic and environmental benefits.
The PETR du pays de Ploërmel, which comprises 56 communes, covers a total forest area of 30,327 hectares. This extensive forest cover requires particular vigilance to ensure optimal management and preservation of these vital resources.
The priority actions identified include greater involvement of the local community in the development of the timber industry and the sustainable management of forest resources. This commitment is essential to ensure that forest wealth makes a significant contribution to local economic dynamism, while guaranteeing respect for the principles of sustainable development.
All in all, this meeting in Carentoir was a decisive step in affirming the place of wood as an essential lever for regional development, and in consolidating the synergies between different players around this ambitious local project. The players present renewed their commitment to working together to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for the future of the wood industry. This collective approach promises to revitalize local initiatives and highlight the sector's potential to actively contribute to a more sustainable future.
