October 30th 2023
Have you ever heard of Natura 2000? But did you know that it is the largest coordinated international network of protected areas! Launched 30 years ago, the Natura 2000 network aims to conserve natural habitats and protect species of fauna and flora that are representative of European biodiversity.
In France: the network of Natura 2000 sites covers 13% of the metropolitan land surface, which is the equivalent of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region or 10 million football pitches. For the marine part, it is the equivalent of 18 million football pitches!
At the heart of this conservation initiative, the Beauregard Plateau stands out as one of the five Natura 2000 sites within the Thônes Valley Community of Municipalities (CCVT). These sites are carefully chosen for the rarity and fragility of their environments and the species they shelter. Unlike national parks, the preservation of the Beauregard Plateau relies on a voluntary approach, offering each local stakeholder the opportunity to actively contribute to the safeguarding of biodiversity.
The Natura 2000 site of the Beauregard plateau
The Plateau de Beauregard extends over 4 municipalities: Thônes, les Villards-sur-Thônes, La Clusaz and Manigod. This site is a special conservation area. It extends over 413 hectares and includes 12 habitats of community interest including spruce-sphagnum peat woods, bulrush peat bogs, low peat bogs, ferruginous rhododendron moors, spruce-cranberry forests and alkaline peat bogs.
To summarise, there are 46% coniferous forests, 23% meadows, 10% marshes, low marshes and peat bogs, 9% alpine and sub-alpine grasslands, etc.
These habitats are home to 3 species of community interest (two insects: the Blue of the Sanguisorbe and the Checkerboard of the Succise and a moss: the Shining Hypnum) and 9 plant species with a protection status (national or regional). The site offers a remarkable ecological wealth. Among the protected plant species, we can mention: the Alpine Trichophorus, the round-leaved and intermediate-leaved Drosera, the hairy, pauciflorous and mire sedges.
The site is also home to two habitats protected by biotope protection orders: the Follières plateau (74 ha, created in 1986) and the Colombière peat bog or Beauregard peat bog (11,24 ha also created in 1986).
| Did you know? A prefectural biotope protection order (APB or APPB) is an order issued by a prefect to protect a natural habitat, or biotope, housing one or more wild and protected animal and/or plant species. |
Natura 2000 actions on the Beauregard Plateau
The Plateau de Beauregard site is managed by the Community of Communes of the Thônes Valleys.
Examples of actions carried out within the framework of Natura 2000
The preservation of the Plateau de Beauregard is characterized by concrete and committed actions aimed at preserving its fragile ecosystem. These initiatives are carried out in collaboration with local stakeholders.
Peatland Restoration
Problem : Past drainage of peatlands has altered this unique ecosystem.
Action: As part of the Natura 2000 contracts, restoration actions have been implemented. The watercourse was diverted to prevent cattle from trampling the peat bogs when watering. This measure guarantees the preservation of the richness of the peat bogs by promoting the regeneration of natural habitats.
Sustainable agricultural practices
Problem : Dairy farming is a predominant activity on the Beauregard Plateau. Action: Agro-environmental measures (AEM) have been implemented in collaboration with farmers. The installation of fences and watering troughs limits the trampling of wetlands. In addition, late mowing is scheduled to promote seed dispersal and bird nesting, thus contributing to the preservation of environments of faunal and floral interest.
Sustainable Forest Management
Problem : Forest management practices impact biodiversity.
Action: Islands of senescence have been defined in the Natura 2000 contracts. This initiative allows certain forest areas to evolve naturally without human intervention, thus promoting the preservation of species dependent on these particular environments.
| Did you know ? A senescence island is a forest area on which trees can complete their entire natural life cycle until they collapse and completely decompose. They are created with the aim of favoring species dependent on these particular environments. |
Installing a Weather Station
Problem : In-depth knowledge of weather conditions is crucial for sustainable management.
Action: In 2023, a further step towards preservation was taken with the installation of a weather station on the Lachat chalet in partnership with the municipality of Thônes. This initiative will allow a better understanding of climatic parameters, thus facilitating the implementation of adaptive measures for the conservation of biodiversity.
Uprooting of the Goldenrods
Problem : Goldenrod, an invasive plant, threatens the diversity of ecosystems.
Action: An action of uprooting the goldenrods was undertaken to control the proliferation of this invasive plant. This measure aims to restore the ecological balance by limiting competition with other native plant species.
Awareness and animation
Awareness-raising plays a central role in the Natura 2000 approach on the Beauregard Plateau.
From 2021, nature outings supervised by mid-mountain guides allowed participants to discover the forest of our massifs and the nocturnal life of animals, explore Natura 2000 sites and observe the Bearded Vulture. Nearly 300 people were able to benefit from these outings.
Nature camps are organized on the plateau every summer to raise awareness among young people about protecting the environment and are supervised by the Wood and Forest Ecomuseum and the Entertainment and Leisure Center.
Various awareness sessions for tourism professionals and mountain guides are taking place. These afternoons in the field allow professionals to pass on their knowledge of wildlife as well as to disseminate good practices to be respected in sensitive environments.
Conferences open to the general public also take place throughout the year on various themes such as birds of prey, biodiversity in Haute-Savoie or the disturbance of wildlife in winter. Do not hesitate to consult our calendar to be informed of upcoming conferences.
