How we are hoping to develop the natural wealth of our environment

Though the beauty and diversity of the flora, fauna and landscape in the Vallée des Baux are widely recognized and attract much admiration, the threats that hang over this region are worrying. They include

• Water pollution from domestic waste and agricultural chemicals.
• The destruction of hedges and the reduction in size of grassland areas.
• The draining of marshes.
• Excessive and uncontrolled disturbance of wildlife particularly by hunters. The local authorities and the E.U. are well aware both of the exceptional richness of the area, and of its vulnerability, and are currently proposing projects consistent with sustainable development such as the "Parc Naturel Regional des Alpilles" and the Natura 2000 site. A Rocha France is associated with these projects and is an important resource for those evaluating the extent and context local biodiversity.

Alerting decision makers and residents of the region

Visit to Ilon

A Rocha France tries to take into account the perspectives of those who play a central role in the renewing of landscape and biodiversity and in particular those who are living in or near the area. We therefore aim to provide

• Outings to discover the local flora and fauna.
• Exhibitions, conferences and educational materials.
• Advice on the ecological management of land.

Practical steps towards promoting biodiversity

The digging of a temporary pond for amphibians

A Rocha France is involved in the ecological management of the Ilon Estate (250 ha). Practical projects to date have included

• Putting up Roller nest boxes.
• Clearing fields for orchids to grow.
• Digging ponds for amphibians.
• Ecological improvement to the landscape (such as the removal of old fences).
• Controlling traffic on the main access road to reduce significant disturbance to birds and animals.