Forests currently occupy a large (51%) and constantly increasing (+9,500 hectares per year) area in the South Region. At the end of the 19th century, they occupied a smaller part of the territory, the soils of which were then more threatened by erosion. Significant reforestation and torrential correction efforts have therefore been undertaken. The extension of more or less fragmented forest areas has also been favored by the decline in pastoral activities which nevertheless remain present, as shown in this photo.