Head of the Regional Nature Reserves Project at the Parks, Natural Areas and Biodiversity Department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) Regional Council
In the context of the PACA region, could you describe in a few words the main characteristics of the natural heritage and the associated issues in terms of biodiversity?
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region has the highest biodiversity of all the regions of Metropolitan France. In addition to its special habitats, it also possesses habitats described as being “of an ordinary nature”, especially in and around urban areas and on farmland, which help to connect up sites and to enable species to benefit from ecological corridors that meet their requirements for feeding or breeding.
So the region supports a wide variety of flora: 4000 species, 511 of which are protected (out of a total of 4900 species in the whole of France), and 86 species that are endemic to the region. There are also 245 breeding species of birds (out of 312 in France), 23 species of reptiles (out of 37 in France), 16 species of amphibians (out of 35 in France), and 114 species of mammals (out of 134 in France). This exceptional natural capital means that the main stakeholders in the region have a responsibility to preserve it in order to provide the inhabitants with a better quality of life.
In the context of the PACA region, could you describe in a few words the main characteristics of the natural heritage and the associated issues in terms of biodiversity?
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region has the highest biodiversity of all the regions of Metropolitan France. In addition to its special habitats, it also possesses habitats described as being “of an ordinary nature”, especially in and around urban areas and on farmland, which help to connect up sites and to enable species to benefit from ecological corridors that meet their requirements for feeding or breeding.
So the region supports a wide variety of flora: 4000 species, 511 of which are protected (out of a total of 4900 species in the whole of France), and 86 species that are endemic to the region. There are also 245 breeding species of birds (out of 312 in France), 23 species of reptiles (out of 37 in France), 16 species of amphibians (out of 35 in France), and 114 species of mammals (out of 134 in France). This exceptional natural capital means that the main stakeholders in the region have a responsibility to preserve it in order to provide the inhabitants with a better quality of life.
Mediterranean temporary ponds (MTPs) are a characteristic habitat in the South of France, protected by the EU Habitats Directive because they are undergoing severe declines around the Mediterranean basin. In the PACA Region in particular, what is their current state of health and what are the prospects for the future of these habitats?
In the same way as everywhere else, although they are sometimes subjected to even greater pressures in other places around the Mediterranean, the state of health of MTPs is not as good as it could be. Anthropogenic activities of an economic nature have had a severe impact on these places, which were originally little known or misunderstood. Overall, the same is true for wetlands in general, whose numbers are in decline. In addition, the effects of climate change are beginning to be felt in these extremely fragile ecosystems.
The Tour du Valat Regional Nature Reserve is characterised by the presence of many ponds, a high proportion of which are MTPs. On the scale of the PACA Region, does this site constitute an important factor in the context of the obligations that have been set for France by the Habitats Directive for this habitat? What are the other important sites for MTPs in the PACA Region?
Maintaining these very specific, biologically diverse, rare and fragile sites is one of the priorities of regional policy. Following on from the Tour du Valat RNR, the listing in 2012 of the Regional Nature Reserves of the Domaine de l’Ilon, in the former Baux marshes, and the Gorges de Daluis, are proof of this commitment.
Temporary ponds are found above all in the Camargue, in the Rhône delta. There are some known sites in the foothills of the Alps, and elsewhere mainly in the Plaine des Maures.
Apart from MTPs, what are the other issues, assets, threats at the Tour du Valat RNR in terms of biodiversity, in relation to the PACA Region?
The major assets of the Tour du Valat RNR are:
- To have protected a mosaic of iconic Camargue habitats (sansouires, enganes [Salicornia scrub], temporary ponds etc);
- Keeping in good condition a site which is essential for hosting migratory birds;
- To have succeeded in setting up an economic activity (agropastoralism) under conditions that are highly compatible with the preservation of these open habitats. A fruitful combination of economic activity and a protected area, to their mutual benefit.
In what way does the PACA Region contribute to the protection and/or management of the natural heritage of the Tour du Valat, directly or indirectly?
In the first place, by enabling the Voluntary Nature Reserve to become a RNR since it took responsibility. Also by providing technical and financial support for the management of this reserve, in that each year the Region funds 60% of the costs of wardening, upkeep and surveillance of the site. Lastly, by including the Tour du Valat in the network of Provence Alpes-Côte d’Azur RNR, which will come into being in 2013, if the time can be found to implement and organise it!
Joint responses from Espoir Bouvier and Annabelle Jaeger, PACA Regional Councillor responsible for biodiversity.