Macron Vows to Rebuild a ‘Different Kind of Forest’ After Devastating Wildfires

French President Emmanuel Macron pledged Monday to create a “different kind of forest” as he surveyed the charred remains of a massive wildfire in southwest France. “The coming weeks will be tough,” Macron said during his visit, acknowledging the scale of the destruction. The fires, which have ravaged thousands of hectares, have prompted a rethinking of how forests are managed in a warming climate. Yuval Zelnik, a researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, told FRANCE 24 that the traditional approach to forestry may no longer be viable. “We need to shift from simply replanting the same trees to building ecosystems that can withstand more extreme fires,” Zelnik explained. Macron’s call for a “different kind of forest” signals a potential shift in policy, focusing on species that are more resilient to drought and heat. The government has not yet detailed specific plans, but experts say the move is urgent as wildfires become more frequent and intense across Europe.