The need for large herbivores
in French & European ecosystems
The first objective is to demonstrate the need for the presence of large wild herbivores in French and European ecosystems. And we were the first to do so, following in the footsteps of Holland, Romania, Spain, Croatia and more recently Germany (2013).
The spectacular improvement in the natural environment demonstrates, if proof were needed, just how important the presence of wild animals is. Thanks to their remarkable ability to adapt to the harshest conditions, they alone are capable of enhancing a meadow or forest. What’s more, they enrich it because, unlike domestic ungulates, they can use all the plants available, from the poorest grass to the richest legume.
Wild animals are the only animals capable of making the most of a meadow or forest, thanks to their remarkable adaptations to the harshest conditions.
Wildlife
as a driver of sustainable economic activities
The second objective is to use wildlife as a driver of sustainable economic activities.
Species are disappearing at such a rate that the question of the survival of Europe’s large fauna is well and truly raised. In Europe, one mammal species in six is threatened with extinction and one in three is in decline. The Pyrenean ibex (Capra pyrenaica), for example, became extinct in France and Spain in 2000!
In Europe, one in six mammal species is threatened with extinction and one in three is in decline
But agricultural abandonment is opening up large areas everywhere. The return of large fauna would represent a very interesting solution for their maintenance and the establishment in these fragile areas of new economic activities, respectful of the environment. The Monts d’Azur Reserve is one such example.
Enjoy magical moments with animals that are part of our cultural heritage.
A sustainable tourism pilot project in France Ecological accommodation
Finally, the Mont d’Azur Wildlife Reserve project is largely based on a simple observation: ecotourism and holidays are not incompatible as long as we develop this new form of sustainable and responsible tourism.
To achieve this, we need to encourage people to think about their holidays differently, but we also need to be able to welcome the first tourists in the best possible conditions.
This is why our project is one of the pioneers of ecotourism and ethical or ecological travel.
Find out here about the different axes that have led the Monts d’Azur Reserve project to develop in order to welcome tourists in new and sustainable conditions.