The application for the classification of the “olfactory and poetic landscapes of lavender” as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was officially launched on Monday. At the foot of the Château de Grignan, lavender producers met for a day considered “historical” by some. If Unesco recognizes these landscapes as belonging to the world heritage, the territory could see its attractiveness increase considerably.
A cultural recognition…
The application is made by producers from three departments: Drôme, Vaucluse and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. They want to recognize the value of lavender in the landscape. Francis Vidal, Grand Master of the Lavender Commandery of Haute-Provence is always amazed by the sprigs: “lavender, it makes you dream! I’ve been a producer for decades and when it’s in bloom, I still stop to contemplate. I am never tired.“
– Theo Metton-Regimbeau
Alain Aubanel, President of the National Union of Producers of Aromatic and Medicinal Perfume Plants, believes that the words “olfactory” and “poetic” are very appropriate for the application: “just smelling a sprig of lavender, we are immediately better. For anyone, even if he is not a great poet, it will bring back images of his childhood. Everyone has a grandmother who put a sachet of lavender in the cupboards!” he smiled.
…and economic recognition
Heritage classified by Unesco means 20% more visitors to the area. This recognition as a World Heritage Site would therefore be a definite economic aid for the sector. Alain Aubanel agrees: “it will allow lavender to be talked about in extremely positive terms, all over the world. It will also sanctuary our cultures, for us it is the assurance of living with dignity from this profession!“
The file to be compiled is complex, there are criteria to be met. The process will be long, it will take at least five years. One of the priorities: to define the precise zone which could be classified. Many elected officials came for the occasion, in particular the president of the Drôme departmental council Marie-Pierre Mouton and the new Drôme environmentalist deputy Marie Pochon. The project is also supported by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.