Context

Approximately 1600 wetlands with a surface area of more than 1000 m² have been identified in Vanoise: riparian forests, wet meadows, marshes, peat bogs, springs, lake shores, etc. These cover only 10% of the area but are major reservoirs of biodiversity. The commune of Belleville has the largest number of them in the department, with a total of over 400.

The pressure exerted by human activities on wetlands is leading to their disappearance. The consequences are not only a loss of biodiversity but also a loss of fresh water sources, natural purification stations and water regulation areas.

The initiative

The project aims to develop and manage the marshes and springs, and to preserve and develop this extraordinary natural heritage.
One of the challenges was the shared management of a wetland in Les Ménuires: a ski slope in winter and a marsh the rest of the year. The project brings together different stakeholders and promotes the association of ski area operators and farmers with wetland protection organisations. The objective is also to encourage the integration of environmental clauses to protect wetlands.

Results, limits and enable factors

–  The plugging of drains in the Plan de l’Eau peat bog
–  The digging of drains in the Enverses marsh located in Les Ménuires ski area
–  The restoration and preservation of several wetlands in the Val Thorens and Les Ménuires ski areas
–  The creation with the municipality of Belleville of an interpretation trail with reading tables presenting the interests of the marshes and wet meadows
–  Activities and training for children, mountain professionals and mid-mountain guides