France Protects 157,000 Hectares of Forest in 2026

France is protecting forests the size of a small country, and it's part of a growing global movement to save wild places.

On June 9, 2026, France announced seven new biological reserves and expanded two existing ones. Together, they safeguard 157,000 hectares of forest across the country and its territories.

The largest by far is the Armontabo Rocky Peaks reserve in French Guiana. This 156,290-hectare expanse of tropical rainforest and granite peaks accounts for nearly all the newly protected land.

Back in mainland France, eight smaller reserves gained protection. They range from mountain forests in the Vosges to Mediterranean woodlands in Hérault, covering ancient forests and high-altitude landscapes.

"In concrete terms, this translates into less pressure on natural environments and stronger protection for species and habitats," says Monique Barbut, France's minister for ecological transition and biodiversity. The government plans to leave some reserves untouched while actively managing others to protect vulnerable species.

These additions raise France's "strong protection" coverage to 6.43% of its territory. Strong protection means human activities are tightly restricted to let ecosystems thrive naturally.

France now has 276 biological reserves total. The country aims to protect an additional 250,000 hectares of forest by 2030, with 180,000 hectares earmarked for French Guiana.

The Ripple Effect

France isn't alone in this conservation push. Countries worldwide are working toward protecting 30% of Earth's land and sea by 2030, a commitment made in 2022 that scientists say is critical for biodiversity.

UNESCO just designated 14 new biosphere reserves across 11 countries on World Environment Day, June 5. That followed 26 new reserves added the previous year in what UNESCO called an "unprecedented expansion."

These reserves now cover hundreds of millions of hectares across more than 130 countries. They protect biodiversity while supporting research, education, and sustainable development.

The momentum matters because not every country is moving in the same direction. Brazil recently passed legislation easing environmental protections, while the United States has opened protected marine areas to commercial fishing.

France's announcement shows that progress is possible when governments commit to conservation goals, creating protected spaces where forests can thrive for generations to come.

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