Saving bees and lavender

For decades, L’OCCITANE Group has championed biodiversity and sustainable farming in Haute-Provence, particularly in the cultivation of lavender, a symbol of the region’s natural heritage. In 1977, the first lavender harvest was reserved specifically for L’Occitane en Provence, marking the beginning of a deep, long-term commitment to this iconic plant. Just a few years later, in 1981, the brand launched its first lavender eau de toilette, further establishing lavender as a cornerstone of its identity. Today, the brand works with two cooperatives and one distillery in the region. It has contributed to the creation of the Haute-Provence fine lavender protected designation of origin (PDO) label and has become one of the main purchasers of this labelled product. However, this emblematic plant now faces mounting threats from climate change and harmful pests like the Cicadella, which spreads a harmful bacterium capable of destroying entire lavender fields.

A green commitment

To combat these challenges, since 2012, the L’OCCITANE Group has supported the Lavender Endowment Fund, sponsoring the Green & Lavandes programme. This initiative funds research and development for ecological solutions to safeguard lavender farming – from reducing energy consumption during distillation to improving waste management throughout cultivation and harvest. For example, the Lavande Blanche selection programme is fully funded through the Lavender Endowment Fund.

Keeping bees safe at harvest time

At the heart of these efforts lies a frequently overlooked but vital concern: protecting bees. Bees are essential pollinators, and their well-being is closely tied to the health of lavender ecosystems. Unfortunately, traditional lavender harvesting methods can pose a serious threat to these pollinators. This is where the innovative bee escape board, or chasse abeilles, comes in. These devices help guide bees away from harvesting machinery, significantly reducing bee mortality. Developed through the Green & Lavandes programme, bee escape boards are now being distributed to lavender producers to keep bees safe during harvest.

Bee-saving in numbers

The results speak for themselves. In just two years (2017–2018), 66 harvesting machines across France were equipped with bee escape boards. Each machine head can save an average of 20,000 bees per hectare. During the critical first week of the lavender harvest, one board can protect up to 400,000 bees, the population of approximately 10 hives.

Partnering for biodiversity

This initiative is part of a broader biodiversity strategy developed in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with which the L’OCCITANE Group has partnered since 2016. This partnership has led to initiatives such as L’OCCITANE Fund support for the Red List of Mediterranean ecosystems and the creation of the Group’s biodiversity strategies. These strategies have a focus on sustainable sourcing and regenerative agriculture, including the protection of endemic species, such as Haute-Provence’s treasured lavender.

Protecting pollinators, preserving Provence

By protecting bees, the L’OCCITANE Group is doing more than enhancing lavender farming – it is also reinforcing the ecological fabric of Haute-Provence. Through innovative, science-based action, the Group continues to lead the way in preserving both pollinators and the planet’s natural beauty.

Join the movement

The future of lavender and its pollinators depends on all of us. You can play a part in protecting this delicate ecosystem by supporting the vital work of the IUCN Red List and other biodiversity conservation initiatives. Every action counts, whether it involves spreading awareness, supporting sustainable products or contributing to efforts that safeguard endangered species. Let’s work together to keep our lavender fields vibrant and our bees thriving for generations to come.