News
2014-05-26
Agreements signature in Britanny
In close collaboration with RTE (the French transmission system operator), the LIFE ELIA is active on 8 sites in France, in very different regions and in distinct contexts.
On May 23rd, 2014, two agreements were signed before the press and 30 people in Brasparts (Brittany, Finistère Department). These agreements were signed between RTE and local partners and can be considered as essential for the success of the LIFE project ELIA.
Importance of local partnerships
RTE, as ELIA in Belgium, does not own the lands under the power lines. To carry out actions that will last, it is essential to establish partnerships with the landowners, managers and users of these lands.
Looking for quality partners
In the early phases of the project in Britanny (July 2012), the LIFE team ELIA and RTE have relied on the experience and knowledge of the Regional Nature Park Armorique.
On this basis, two potential partners were contacted to further develop on site actions : the Agricultural and Forestry School of Nivot and the Departmental Federation of Hunters of Finistère (FDC29). These future partners have responded positively to our request and discussions have been initiated.
If this initial step can take time, it is nevertheless essential to ensure relationship sustainability.
Working towards a common objective
Successive meetings have helped to refine the project by defining work areas, potentially feasible actions and actions timing. These elements were detailed into a draft convention.
Actions on site consist in the creation and restoration of forest edges, and installation of pasture infrastructure.
Signing of agreements during the French national Nature festival
Conventions on which the partners agreed were signed Brasparts. This outcome is the result of quality work provided by the staff of LIFE ELIA team, RTE and local partners. The signing session has ended by tasting Belgian-Brittany products. It can bee seen in the video https://vimeo.com/96673901.
Towards future partnerships
A partnership involving hunters, teachers and a regional natural park does not appear as an easy task when starting a project. But the dialogue helps to find common ground at the service of biodiversity and more widely to nature conservation. Each partner found motivation and will to work together.
Let's bet that this achievement will trigger other partnerships under high-tension lines.