Description du sujet de thèse

The present structure of forests is the result of a long history, even as it must anticipate a changing future. In the midst of this transition, this thesis project begins by examining the influence of pre-industrial activities on forest ecosystems and on the structure of forest ownership in Western Europe. Preliminary results show that in the vicinity of pre-industrial forges in Wallonia, there were more forests in the 18th century, more old-growth forests today, fewer young coniferous plantations, a greater abundance of geophytes, and a higher concentration of cadastral parcels in the present day—interpreted as a sign of the persistent concentration of forest land ownership. The thesis aims to refine these initial findings and, ideally, to extend them to France and to other industries.

The analysis of the past will provide a foundation for better understanding the current fragmentation of forest land—an essential factor in developing a causal analysis of the heterogeneous responses of private landowners to current public forestry policies, particularly as a function of the degree of forest land fragmentation. The thesis will thus open a field of research into the differentiated adoption of management practices aligned with the requirements of the energy transition, climate change mitigation, and forest adaptation to climate change.

Contexte de travail

The PhD project will be part of the research dynamic of the Paris School of Economics and will sit at the intersection of several academic networks. It aligns fully with the School's ongoing effort—embodied by the OSE Chair—to open up economics to the natural sciences. For the doctoral researcher, this effort will foster closer collaboration with experts in remote sensing, history, and biology/ecology. These connections will be partly structured around the host laboratory's affiliation with INRAE. Existing relationships with the Forêt.Nature association, the Department for Analysis of the Natural and Agricultural Environment (Walloon Region), and the Department of Nature and Forests (Walloon Region) will provide both streamlined access to data and significant research impact for forest managers. Additional collaborations are being developed on the French side to expand the study area.

Contraintes et risques

The PhD work will involve attending the required doctoral courses as part of Doctoral School 465 and the Paris School of Economics. Regular travel is expected, both within France and internationally (in Europe and beyond). These trips will serve purposes such as data collection, engagement with field stakeholders, and dissemination of results at international scientific events. A good command of English is essential, and proficiency in an additional language is considered an asset. As part of fieldwork, the position requires the ability to accompany and collaborate with forest-sector professionals (forest managers, loggers, biologists) in their day-to-day activities. The research project demands strong technical skills, particularly in advanced statistical methods and the processing of spatial data. Prior experience working on forest-related issues in Europe is a significant advantage.