The WoodOutDoor (WOD) project focuses on improving knowledge related to the durability properties of solid wood and/or engineered wood products (EWPs), with the aim of developing use recommendations for tropical overseas areas. The development of relevant methods makes it possible to assess and better understand the durability of these materials. This work is based on the analysis of actual biological risks, using new laboratory and field tests conducted at sites with diverse climates, local conditions (pressures and typologies of microorganisms), and use classes (above ground, close to ground, and in ground contact) in French Guiana.
WOD aims to better understand and anticipate the associated degradation mechanisms in order to ensure a more appropriate allocation of wood to its future uses. In this way, the project supports the development and commercialisation of a wider diversity of wood species and materials by optimising value-adding pathways.

The mobility carried out from October to December 2025 made it possible to design and install the various experimental setups on the grounds of the Wood Science Laboratory of the EcoFoG Joint Research Unit in Kourou, French Guiana.

Initial trials were also launched to assess the durability of several tropical wood species in outdoor conditions - (i) exposure close to the ground, (ii) in contact with the ground - and under laboratory conditions - (iii) exposure to drywood termite attacks (Cryptotermes dudleyi).

This project, which falls under the « Bioeconomy » challenge of the PEPR FORESTT programme, aims to enhance the diversity of wood properties and performance through the sustainable valorisation of underused or little-used resources. At the end of this mobility period, collaboration prospects between the two partner laboratories are oriented towards the structuring of a shared “Analysis Platform” dedicated to the assessment of the durability of wood and derived materials, for use in temperate and/or tropical overseas environments. This platform will serve as a partnership and training tool, open to international academic and research institutes as well as to industry, and will facilitate the integration of French researchers (mainland France and overseas territories) into the international scientific community.

Project information

Project leader : Kévin Candelier (BioWooEB, CIRAD, Montpellier, France) ; kevin.candelier@cirad.fr

Main partner : Julie Bossu (EcoFoG, CNRS, Kourou, French Guiana) – julie.bossu@cnrs.fr