News
2013-12-11
Convention signing in Drôme (France)
A network of ponds for the northern crested newt
The LIFE ELIA-RTE project is active in the area of Grane, in the French Departement named Drôme. It aims to create a network of ponds under the high-voltage lines. The presence of the northern crested newt in Drôme is quite remarkable since it is its most meridional area up to now attested. However, this population may be isolated from other cores. It is therefore planned to re-create a network of ponds to promote its dispersion towards the Rhône corridor.
Restoration of dry grasslands
Most of the time colonised by pine trees, calcareous grasslands are also going to be restored in the scope of the LIFE project.
A lot of local stakeholders involved
Local stakeholders involved in the LIFE ELIA-RTE in Drôme are :
- RTE, the French Transport System Operator
- the Ramières national natural reserve
- the Grâne municipality
- the municipality group of Val de Drôme
- the Bird Protection Ligue Association (LPO)
- the consultance office Naturalia
- the CENIsères
- the reptile-amphibian group Rhône-Alpes
In addition, teachers of Grâne developed a pedagogic program focused on pond, its inhabitants and its protection. Indeed, an educational pond was created with RTE budget, to enable children to know better this exciting ecosystem.
An official convention signing
On December 11th 2013, a formal convention signing in the framework of the LIFE ELIA-RTE project took place at the headquarters of the national nature reserve Ramières. Among signatories were RTE representative (Engineering and Development Director of Lyon Centre), landowners representatives (elected from Grane municipality), managers of the RNN Ramières (Communauté de communes du Val de Drôme) and the President LPO-Drôme.
This convention signature now opens the door to pond digging work and restoration of dry grasslands that will take place during 2014.
See also the RTE site on biodiversity : http://www.audeladeslignes.com/reseau-mares-pour-tritons-cretes-23202.