Like other Mediterranean forests, the Corsican forest is associated with transhumance and pastoralism, both activities which have greatly decreased. Timber sales are too low to compensate for management expenses and the development perspectives of marketable production (picking of berries, mushrooms, aromatic plants) or hunting are limited. The social justification for public expenditure in favour of the Corsican forest must be found in the non-market services linked to leisure activities and the protection of the environment. But can the protection of the forest and tourist facilities be compatible? Is it possible to offer tourist facilities which respect biodiversity? Can we face the tourist pressure while preserving natural equilibriums? Must we welcome everybody or limit access? These are the difficult issues that the representatives, public authorities and citizens are confronted with. The research work carried out in Bonifatu brings factual data and areas of reflection in order to define a strategy of sustainable development in the Mediterranean mountainous area.