News

The MEDSEA Foundation has officially joined 73 other international organizations in signing the Camargue Red Alert, a collective call to action to safeguard the Camargue wetlands in France. As a foundation committed to the conservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems, including wetlands, this initiative reinforces our dedication to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and unsustainable infrastructure projects. 

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN CAMARGUE? 

The Camargue, a Natura 2000 site and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is under increasing threat from infrastructure developments, including the proposed construction of an Extra High Voltage (EHV) power line spanning 65 kilometers and crossing critical ecological areas. This project poses significant risks to biodiversity, including over 400 bird species, as well as the region's agricultural and cultural heritage. 

The MAW - the Mediterranean Alliance of Wetland - in a press release, strongly advocates for alternative solutions that align with sustainable development goals, emphasizing the pivotal role wetlands play in climate adaptation, carbon sequestration, and flood regulation. Wetlands are not only vital for biodiversity but also for supporting the livelihoods of communities that depend on these ecosystems. 

By signing the Camargue Red Alert, we join forces with environmental, research, and advocacy groups to call for the protection of the Camargue’s ecological integrity and a thorough evaluation of sustainable alternatives.  

THE ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF CAMARGUE IS AT RISK 

The Camargue, a unique wetland area in southern France, is facing significant environmental challenges due to increasing infrastructure projects. The most pressing concern is a proposed extra-high voltage (EHV) overhead power line that would span 65 km across this ecologically sensitive region. This project, consisting of 180 pylons, threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of the Camargue's ecosystem, which is home to exceptional biodiversity including 400 bird species, representing 75% of France's total bird species. 

The proposed EHV line would cross and impact numerous protected areas, including four Natura 2000 sites, a UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve, a Ramsar site, the Coussouls de la Crau National Nature Reserve, and the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue. The project poses a significant threat to wildlife, particularly birds, as it would intersect key migration routes and daily movement paths. The risk of fatal collisions is high, especially for vulnerable species such as birds of prey, flamingos, and waders. Additionally, the project would have a substantial impact on the iconic landscapes of the Camargue, potentially damaging its visual and cultural identity, which are crucial for the region's tourism industry. 

This investment, estimated at 300 million euros and due to be commissioned in 2028, is designed to meet the growing electricity needs of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.This project is in line with the objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.  

‘’The signatories fully support decarbonisation, but refuse to see it at the expense of biodiversity. Nature is our ally in tackling climate change: wetlands are major carbon sinks. They also play a key role in dealing with extreme events by acting like sponges: they absorb irregular rainfall, reduce flooding and recharge groundwater during periods of prolonged drought’’. 

See press kit.