FEDER - FCT - REG PROGRAM OF ACTIONS IN FAVOR OF MARES 2019 - CEN NORMANDY SEINE
Kohesio
CONSERVATOIRE D ESPACES NATURELS DE NORMANDIE
Ponds once had many practical uses to meet human needs: domestic uses (water reserve, fish tank for food, laundry), agricultural uses (watering trough for animals, retting of flax and hemp), artisanal uses (basketry) but also for leisure activities (swimming, fishing, etc.). The evolution of agricultural practices (consolidation, drainage, intensification) and the arrival of drinking water in homes have led to a gradual abandonment of ponds and many of them were filled in or filled in naturally. Since 1950, between 30 and 50% of ponds have disappeared in France. The remaining ponds are mostly abandoned. In Normandy, it is estimated that 40% of ponds are threatened in the short term. Today, ponds are once again recognized as special environments with multiple interests. From an ecological point of view, they constitute real reservoirs of biodiversity in which numerous animal and plant species linked to the presence of water can develop and reproduce. As such, ponds constitute a formidable educational tool for educating schoolchildren and the general public about the protection of nature. These environments also constitute an essential link in the blue network, particularly in plateau areas where they are often the only constituent element of this network. Ponds also play a hydraulic role in the regulation and storage of runoff water. They also contribute to water purification and the preservation of hydrosystems through the trapping of sediments, pollutants (pesticides, nitrates, etc.) and their degradation through microbial processes. They have an interest in livestock breeding since they are also used to water livestock in grazed meadows. Furthermore, these environments constitute a strong element of landscape diversification, particularly in areas of intensive agriculture, and a space of relaxation and discovery for the public. Awareness of the need to protect these environments has emerged among several Norman stakeholders (intercommunities, local associations, watershed unions) for several years. Numerous actions in favor of ponds are thus emerging, but in a more or less concerted manner and with objectives specific to each structure and which sometimes do not necessarily go in the direction of improving the ecological quality of ponds. Conversely, other territories do not benefit from restoration and protection actions in favor of these environments. The need to coordinate actions, to mobilize all stakeholders in the territory, to improve consideration of the biodiversity of ponds but also to educate the general public and schools required the development and implementation of a regional plan: the Regional Action Program in favor of Normandy ponds. This program, the challenge of which is to halt the process of degradation and disappearance of ponds in the region was initiated and is supported by the Conservatories of Natural Spaces of Normandy. This request for financial assistance only concerns the Conservatory of Natural Spaces Normandy Seine for the regional animation of the PRAM and its variation on the territory in the departments of Eure and Seine-Maritime. On the other hand, the project described in this technical report (lines of work, objectives and operations) is the result of concerted work common to both Conservatories of natural spaces to be available across Normandy. For territorialized actions, each Conservatory is responsible for implementing them in its territory of competence. For actions across Normandy, the Conservatories work together in complete coherence and complementarity.
Greener, carbon-free Europe / Environment protection and resource efficiency / Protection and enhancement of biodiversity, nature protection and green infrastructure