xavier

France

Introduction

In 2020, the association Kerbouzier responded to the call for projects of the Melgven town hall (3400 hab), near Concarneau in Cornwall, for the exploitation of the former municipal campsite, a plot of more than one hectare. Their idea is to create a third tourist place with unusual and ecological accommodations, open to all. Based on an ecotourism project, Kerbouzier’s goal is to create links, raise awareness and train tourists and locals on the ecological transition, by offering an immersive experience in a place that demonstrates sobriety and low tech where biodiversity is preserved. During the year, Kerbouzier is a living place available to local residents and associations (participatory garden, events…) but also and above all a training ground for eco-construction. In 2022, the development of the land began with the creation of a nursery garden, which supports activities around nature and ecology. The first “straw hut”, lightweight straw/earth/wood accommodation is built during participatory construction projects.

Presentation of the project

After more than 10 years in the tourism sector and concerned about environmental issues, Pauline Lesueur and Damien Romani-Cortes decided to create an eco-tourism project as part of a sustainable approach. Their project, chosen by the Melven City Council to revive the former campground, they formed an association and surrounded themselves with a passionate local team with skills complementary. The land, located 5 minutes walk from the village of Melgven, 30 minutes by bike from the beaches and Concarneau, is then an opportunity to develop a tourist activity in rural areas. The Kerbouzier project immediately created a craze in the territory. To date, the association has 200 members and around 10 volunteers who are active in the garden, construction sites and events.

The project
The Kerbouzier Third Place is fully in line with an eco-tourism approach around these 5 principles:

• Tourist welcome dedicated to the welcome of hikers, cyclists and new ways of traveling roaming (e.g. the development of upgraded vans);

• A natural environment in a wooded site, support for learning agroecology through a shared feeder garden;

• Unusual accommodation, made of natural materials, training materials for eco-construction (wood, land and straw) and the organization of learning trips in participatory sites (conducted by 2 vocational trainers);

• Integration into the territory and the relationship with local inhabitants
• The friendliness and the cultural animation.

Thanks to the LEADER European Funds and the financial support of the City Hall of Melven, several actions the following shall be implemented in 2022:

• The first reception facilities were built by volunteers (dry toilets, communal kitchen, trinquette bar and pizza oven)

• The nursery garden was created by Axel’s expert hands, who was hired to design it and animate it with members;
• the first unusual accommodation (paillourte) was built as a shared construction site during in summer. A memorable construction site that has brought together many locals and visitors around the site;

• The first festive events livened up the place throughout the summer.

The idea is to build a new straw hut every year through paid stays in training of eco-construction. The accommodation thus built will be progressively rented out tourism to generate revenue and ensure the sustainability of the third-place project.

Kerbouzier is a third place for experimentation and demonstration of low tech, in connection with Low Tech Concarneau Lab. The site serves as a laboratory to experiment with sobriety and energy autonomy. Facilities within the site are intended to conserve resources (materials, energy, water), in particular through the use of bio-based materials, re-use, installation of sanitary facilities and “low” cooking tech” (solar oven, rocketstove, etc.). Water resources are also the focus of attention: the economy and recovery with the implementation of Keyline design.

An active promotion of the development of biodiversity on the site is undertaken through the creation of ponds, agroforestry practices, biodiversity reserves, fruit hedges diversified and the vegetable garden.

Below is a report from France3 Bretagne on 2 third places in Cornouaille including Kerbouzier in the first part.

https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/bretagne/finistere/quimper/video-pourquoi-les-tiers-lieux-se-multplient-ils-en-bretagne-2839316.html

The emblematic character of the project

The project meets several of the LEADER strategy’s objectives: to support the ecological transition and to experiment with new forms of tourism reception. It combines a sobriety approach, work to promote biodiversity, local partnerships with the local community and associations, the integration of the inhabitants into the project and the experimentation of a new economic model. Work on educating people about the green transition should gradually spread. A collaboration with Quimper’s AFPA through the DEFFINOV (Third Learning Places) project, starting in 2024, will extend this educational impact to a wider audience, including young people. This eco-construction training with AFPA also aims to help local job seekers acquire new skills. Other campgrounds may be in demand for this new type of accommodation. Activities and training on eco-construction and agroforestry will continue on the site. The design of an educational path will allow visitors to discover the garden and understand the different facilities, in order to share experiences. The elected officials hope that Kerbouzier will spark momentum by linking projects, associations, local residents and holidaymakers. The project can also lead to a reflection on urban planning and new ways of living in rural and coastal areas.

Pictures

Participatory site eco-construction of a straw house

The first straw hut built in 2022 – Greenhouses of the nursery garden

Kerbouzier, Tiers-lieu touristique et apprenant en éco-construction

CORNOUAILLE

BRETAGNE – Melgven, Finistère sud

France

Introduction

Representation of the diversity of Europe and its Member States in the form of a garden. A Europe united in the diversity of its cultures and traditions. A Europe to be traveled by a sensory path to discover how what seemed a utopia after the end of the Second World War could be achieved with a huge challenge, guaranteeing lasting peace for Europeans and solidarity between its peoples. A polyphony of cultures that come together under a common project that is constantly evolving and that needs to be preserved in the face of nationalist threats that are being constructed to discredit European values. A garden as a place for the development of new ideas through an educational exercise that allows us to learn about our history as Europeans. A metaphor for Europe where different paths intersect, showing our multiple origins. A small commune in the Marne region that has been able to raise awareness about the privilege of being European and the importance of preserving the environment. An invitation to discover the privilege of being European.

Presentation of the project

The Garden of Europe is an example of Leader’s contribution to the development of rural areas. A project led by this small municipality of 144 inhabitants of the Marne Department (France), which wished to show two issues of our time: the need to preserve biodiversity and the promotion of the feeling of belonging to the European Union. An awareness raising action with a “bottom-up” approach, which manifests itself through a sensory and educational path, two concepts, which are part of our daily lives but which seem to escape us by fear, ignorance or simply detachment. Biodiversity and Europe, two realities that need the commitment of all Europeans so that they can leave a better future to future generations at a time when Europe is defining the biodiversity strategy for 2030 in the context of the Green Deal, in a context of claiming national sovereignisms and Europe’s mistrust, which is often blamed for all our ills. This project aims to raise awareness of the importance of solidarity between nations, because the European community could not have been built without dialog and respect among all. A project that raises awareness of democracy as a foundation that we must all preserve. Two alleys that cross like a braid, surrounded by large patches of blue perennials, old yellow kilometer markers that represent the Member States, the capitals and the distance from Haussimont, arranged chronologically from the entrance to the European club. Blue and yellow are the symbols of the European flag. Interpretive materials with the major dates of the construction of the European Union, its history, its geography and its institutions allow to better appropriate this common good. But this project is not alone. It is part of the municipality’s commitment to the protection of the environment and biodiversity: ‘Le Labyrinthe des Cépages’, place of discovery of the vineyards of France, ‘Le Parc des Latitudes’, where plants act and evolve in response to global warming, ‘Le Verger Participatif’, an educational support through the planting of old varieties. Leader participates in this project with other public contributions because environmental protection is one of the objectives of the Leader strategy 2014-2022 of the LAG Pays de Châlons en Champagne and environmental education through the transmission of knowledge is one of the eligible operations of the program.

The emblematic character of the project

The biodiversity of a garden and the diversity of Europe are part of our wealth. Europe, “the only feasible Utopia,” as the writer Javier Cercas defined it. While the European institutions are a forum for debate and decision-making between the Member States, the garden also symbolizes a space for reflection and the construction of utopias based on the divergent ideas of one another, which have in common, to establish barriers to nationalism and to guarantee permanent peace and harmony between peoples, while respecting the specificities of each. Here is a project carried out by a small village with great ambitions: to bring Europe closer to the rural environment. The shape of the garden in spirals that intersect as a metaphor of the diverse origins of each of us, but also as a meeting point in a path that has no beginning or end… but constantly evolving. Here is a project that aims to offer a sensory and educational experience for all generations by playing with the symbolic character: the garden. The garden as a space for reflection, debate and the construction of “real utopias”. If biodiversity is under threat, if Europe is in crisis, this project brings a breath of fresh air to raise awareness among men, women and young people about the importance of preserving nature and believing in Europe as a destiny. The Leader European Congress is a showcase for this project, so that other regions can also build their own gardens and claim the need for an open, united and united Europe in its diversity.

Pictures

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xM00O6yEa_v9hCAV-f_git3xjRcCYJRu/view?usp=drive_link

Commune de Haussimont

Pays de Châlons en Champagne

Grand Est

France

Introduction

The association “Les Courens: Partager le patrimoine” (“The Courens: Sharing the heritage”), which was set up in 2017 as part of the Social and Solidarity Economy, has been running a cultural and tourist development project in the commune of Beaumes-de-Venise for the past three years. It is actively involved in promoting the local heritage on the Courens plateau, the southern foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail massif. One of the sites on which the association is working is LE VERGER CONSERVATOIRE. A programme of action has been in place since 2017 to develop a conservation and remembrance area, as well as an eco-responsible and experiential tourism offer. The orchard was created on abandoned terraces planted with centuries-old olive trees. After a first year devoted to rehabilitating the terraces (clearing undergrowth, rebuilding the dry stone walls), the question of water resources arose. The project presented here involves introducing the public to sustainable water pumping systems in the Mediterranean area. The aim is to experiment with pumping water from the Aubune spring in a way that is energy-efficient and has a smaller environmental footprint.

Presentation of the project

The association “Les Courens : Partager le patrimoine” is based in the commune of Beaumes-de-Venise, in the Vaucluse. One of the sites on which the association works is LE VERGER CONSERVATOIRE. Since 2017, a programme of action has been in place to develop a conservation and remembrance area, as well as an eco-responsible and experiential tourism offer. Following the restoration of the terraces, including the rebuilding of dry-stone walls and planting, the question of water arose. The terraces have no irrigation system, and the Aubune spring located 150 m below the conservatory orchard is the only water resource available. Against this backdrop, the association has developed a new initiative that meets 2 objectives: – Develop sustainable and experiential tourism in the area, – Cover the water needs of the conservatory orchard The work carried out : – Set up water pumping and circulation systems, – Introduce the public to sustainable water pumping systems with a view to spreading them throughout the region, – Enhance the value of the site by offering new training courses and themed tours. There are 2 main aspects to this project: – transporting and storing water to irrigate the conservatory orchard, – passing on know-how about the local heritage linked to water resources to the general public. For this project, the LEADER has provided funding for a post to lead these discovery and transmission initiatives. It has also funded the creation and implementation of 3 water transport scenarios: – Mobile pump powered by photovoltaic energy, – Hydraulic ram system, – Animal traction on the backs of Provence donkeys.

The emblematic character of the project

In order to understand the emblematic nature of this project, it is necessary to start from the construction of the association. Mobilized since 2017 on the rehabilitation of terraces, it perfectly illustrates the notion of partnership. Their steering group is now composed of public institutions such as the Mont-Ventoux NRP, the Communauté d’Agglomération Cove, but also of the establishment of local formations, associations, businesses and cooperatives. Their current governance flows from this: sharing and collaborative. The issue of heritage preservation and presentation is a priority in our rural areas, knowledge is being lost and landscapes are being affected. Through their project for a conservatory orchard, Les Courens kept reflecting on the place of man in this landscape, which He shaped to produce, then abandoned because it was too difficult to exploit. The project highlighted in this candidature addresses a universal theme: water and water management. Reinforced by the successive years of drought, the approach and the reflections they carried out during this project enabled them to come up with a project for cooperation with an Italian LAG on the ecosystem role of the restoration of fallow terraces. This project addresses both the following issues: – environmental: landscape management, fire prevention, water management, – societal: rediscovery of the use of terraces: dry stone know-how, agriculture: creation of fairly paid employment. Water, terraces and eco-tourism is therefore a project that aims to be spawned on other territories, through the techniques implemented for the irrigation of terraces but also through the governance and public-private partnerships created by the association.

Pictures

https://www.lescourens.org/about-3

Association « Les Courens »

GAL Ventoux

Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur (Région SUD)

France

Introduction

The Pavillon des Radiophoniques is a nomadic, innovative structure; a listening room offering a literary and musical experience that resonates with the area it covers. Up to 10 users share a simultaneous listening session of a chosen title, headphones on, lasting between 5 and 15 minutes, with the environment – indoors or outdoors – providing the backdrop. Designed by internationally renowned French designer Matali Crasset, the Pavillon des Radiophoniques is conceived as an open, welcoming, surprising, memorable and inclusive space. It’s a poetic space to share, a place for mediation, discussion and exchange, a link to the book. The Radiophoniques – extracts from novels, short stories and poetry, with original music and soundscapes – to be heard in the Pavillon are recorded by the Compagnie Maâloum’s artistic team, accompanied by the talents of other guest artists, actors and musicians from the region.

Presentation of the project

CIE MAÂLOUM: A REGIONAL COMPANY In 2017, after 10 years in business, Cie Maâloum was given a new lease of life, with a new artistic direction led by a close-knit, ambitious group of artists with a clear aim: to share literature and music in the region that surrounds it, i.e. the Vaucluse – and more specifically the Ventoux-Comtat Venaissin, Avignon and Sorgues du Comtat areas. Maâloum is a collective of five artists: Jérémy Cardaccia, musician, and four actorsMaxime Le Gall, Julie Minck, Aude Marchand and Rémi Pradier. Together, they select novels or short stories and create readings aloud accompanied by original musical creations: the Lectures musicales. They have realised that, while digital culture is potentially accessible to everyone with just a few clicks, this accessibility is relative: there is a cultural digital divide. Only the initiated have access to it. Drowning under the mass of virtual cultural and artistic offerings, many of us no longer know what to chooseToo many choices, no editorial line and no well thought-out projects. Following this lonely listening experience, the idea of a place for collective listening was born, a mobile place for broadcasting and meetings, an innovative place for mediation and sharing, a unique place that invites new digital cultural practices: the idea of the Pavillon des Radiophoniques was born. OVERALL OBJECTIVE: – To create a shared experience that brings together literature, a sound creation, a region, a designed structure and users of all profiles. The Pavillon des Radiophoniquessillonnera 6 places of the territory of the GAL Ventoux, it will be in free access for the public: 6 x 1 week. Through meetings with its technical team and the members of the programming committee, the Ventoux LAG has helped to create a wider network for this project. It is above all the LEADER funding that will enable this project to become a reality: the creation of new radio stations and the creation of the Pavilion. The support provided by the technical team greatly simplifies the grant application process.

The emblematic character of the project

Access to culture for all, in all its diversity and creativity in our rural areas, is a key part of the Gal Ventoux’s strategy. This project offers a new way of looking at literature: in new places, outside the walls and by listening to it. The fact that it is open to everyone makes it an innovative project. It offers a new approach to reading. The scheme is transferable to all areas, and artistic creation is adaptable to all subjects. Literature offers an infinite range of themes.

Pictures

Les radiophoniques

As the project is still in progress and the sketches are not yet copyright-free, I can’t send you any visuals at this stage.

Compagnie Maaloum

Ventoux

Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’Azur (Région SUD)

France

Introduction

Tired of waiting long seconds for hot water when you turn on the tap? HWQ Concept has come up with an innovative solution to this daily problem!

No more wasting energy waiting desperately for hot water to arrive, no more wasting energy with HWQ Concept, which has launched a project to research and develop the “HotWaterQuickly” device to solve this problem.

Presentation of the project

The project is located in the commune of La Bresse, in the Pays de Remiremont et de ses Vallées region.

The project is a response to a specific problem: when we turn on a tap to get hot water, we generally wait a long time before being served. This discomfort is also at the root of a major waste of drinking water and energy, which has a direct impact on our environment and our purchasing power.

Current distribution methods have major drawbacks, especially when it comes to distribution in collective buildings, where the hot water production system is shared by all, and therefore a long way from the tapping points.

Based on a process patented by Mr PERRIN David, the project involves researching and developing a device known as “HotWaterQuickly or HWQ”, which will provide an effective solution to all these problems.

The aim is to integrate the system and put it into service in a block of around 25 flats, for full-scale testing and fine-tuning. The system consists of a powerful motorised pump, a programmed controller, a variable speed drive, flexible pipes, small high-pressure sections and specific pressure regulators.

This essential stage will enable the correct operation and reliability of the product to be validated and the standardisation, industrialisation and marketing phases to be set in motion.

The LEADER programme supported the project with funding of €29,131.29. The LEADER grant was used to finance the purchase of equipment, the printing of 3D prototypes, patenting, Hydréos validation, the installation of the automated system and remuneration.

The emblematic character of the project

This project is part of the LEADER strategy of the Pays de Remiremont et de ses Vallées LAG under action sheet 2: “Reducing our ecological footprint in the Pays”. More specifically, this project corresponds to the type of operation “Support for renewable energy and energy saving projects where the technical quality is not available in the area”.

This project responds to a real challenge in our LEADER strategy: reducing the ecological footprint and supporting projects, particularly in the field of energy saving. The environment is a key focus of our LEADER strategy.  The HWQ Concept project is an innovative solution that will save more money than existing processes.

The project as such could not be transferred to other LAGs. However, the method of assisting project leaders in their search for funding, as well as the sharing of experience and support for entrepreneurship and innovation, are relevant topics that could be transferred to other LAGs.

Pictures

HWQ CONCEPT

GAL du Pays de Remiremont et de ses Vallées

Grand Est

France

Introduction

After a fire in 2018, the shared processing workshop of the SICA des produits fermiers de Vaour had to close its doors. Its renovation has made it possible to modernise the facility and improve the energy performance of the equipment and building. The reopening of the facility will encourage cooperation between the many local players involved in food processing and help to maintain their activities in the area.

Presentation of the project

This project meets the needs of the region in a number of ways:

– it supports economic players in a disadvantaged area, and more specifically activities geared towards the local market: local businesses and local outlets in short circuits (direct sales, local shops, community catering)

– It supports the agricultural and agri-food sector, which is important to the region. It also facilitates the transfer and takeover of existing businesses

– it supports a collective project and promotes closer links, complementarity and partnerships between players

– it offers a high-performance value-adding tool for producers and the possibility of making preserves, enabling surplus production to be put to good use The support provided by the LEADER programme has enabled 47% of this project to be financed, thereby enabling a high-quality work tool to be maintained in the area. This tool is necessary for the production of the 7 structures currently involved in the project. New partners are expected to join soon.

The emblematic character of the project

This project addresses a number of issues facing the region:

– Employment: it supports the production of numerous agricultural businesses and helps to maintain jobs in the area.

– The short circuit issue: it enables local agricultural production to be developed with local outlets

– The issue of project governance: with a cooperative system that benefits several structures and creates synergies.

– The issue of energy efficiency, with investments being made in this area. It is interesting to see how a project, in this case the renovation of a production building, can take a global approach and seek a virtuous solution at different levels: employment, food, governance and the environment.

This project could be transferred to other regions to share experiences:

– on the mode of governance

 – to promote a concrete solution for local producers.

Pictures

SICA des produits fermiers de Vaour

GAL Albigeois Bastides

OCCITANIE

France

Introduction

The commune of La Capelle and Masmolène has not had any shops for several years now, despite strong demand for these services.

The plan was to convert part of the village hall into a Bistrot de Pays, while retaining a room for use by associations.

Presentation of the project

The commune of La Capelle et Masmolène (population 450) has not had any shops for several years now.

The renewal of the population (25% in 5 years), the tourist appeal of the area

(Pays d’Uzès, development of the pond path, climbing, etc.) and rapidly changing consumer habits meant that the commune needed to strengthen the level of local services.

In addition to the actions already undertaken (making communal buildings available for hairdressing or co-working activities), the aim was to open a Bistrot de Pays, which is intended to be a space for eating out, selling local produce and providing services for the local population (parcel relay).

The fact that part of the multi-purpose hall will be dedicated to this activity also means that local associations will be able to play a part in the project. A survey was carried out prior to the project to find out the needs and habits of future users of the premises (125 responses).

The building’s central location in the village means that tourists can reach the main points of interest in the commune on foot (between 5′ and 20′), including the pond, rock climbing, Romanesque chapel and restored mill.

A study by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry showed the interest and viability of this space insofar as the municipality initially made the premises available free of charge.

The LEADER programme financed the improvements and the purchase of the equipment needed to install the kitchen.

Without this funding, the local authority would have had to take out a loan, and the project would certainly not have seen the light of day due to its high level of debt.

Several months after opening, the managers were awarded the Bistrot de Pays label. The place continued to be developed with the creation of a pergola. It has become an emblematic place in the village, with numerous events organised on a regular basis (match broadcasts, Halloween evenings, etc.).

The emblematic character of the project

The creation of the Bistrot de Pays in La Capelle and Masmolène contributes to the LAG’s strategy in a number of ways:

– By creating a space for social cohesion and services to the population, which no longer existed in the village;

– By combining in a single building the functions of a town hall, a multi-purpose hall and a local bistro, thereby creating synergies between local and regional players (residents, elected representatives, farmers, tourism professionals and associations);

– By highlighting a natural and landscape cultural heritage that is already well known (Natura 2000 pond, climbing wall) or yet to be discovered (chapel, mill, Gardois garrigues, etc.).

Pictures

https://www.midilibre.fr/2023/11/02/le-capmas-troisieme-bistrot-de-pays-labellise-dans-le-gard-11555714.php

Commune de la Capelle et Masmolène

PETR UZEGE PONT DU GARD

OCCITANIE

France

Introduction

Creation of an establishment using bio-sourced materials and bearing the “Café de Pays” label, comprising a café with a licence IV and a small snack bar, offering local services and events to meet the needs of local residents and visiting tourists.

Presentation of the project

Creation of a multi-service venue with a café, restaurant, parcel relay point, press, grocery shop, local crafts, exhibition and cultural events in partnership with associations and the intercommunal community.

It will be awarded the “1000 Cafés” label, an operation that provides guidance and support for the future manager, as well as specifications for the management of the café.

The café will be located close to the town hall, in the heart of the village for easy access. It was designed by the municipal team well in advance of its construction, and a survey of local residents helped to clearly define their needs (frequency of use, type of need, etc. 79% of respondents wanted a café/grocery/multiservice outlet). Village associations and shopkeepers were also involved, with the aim of ensuring that the village of 750 inhabitants enjoys a good quality of life together, between conviviality and service.

The project will result in a building that complies with standards and is built using tried-and-tested, durable materials. The project management team has taken operating costs into account from the outset of the project, in order to deliver a building that is energy-efficient, easy to maintain and has obvious architectural qualities in terms of design (rationality of spaces and operation) and integration into the chosen site, taking account of its specific features. The Commune is committed to sustainable development, which involves optimising the technical solutions chosen to minimise the building’s impact on the environment, particularly in terms of energy savings, greenhouse gas emissions and user health: eco-construction, eco-design and comfort.

The project involves the construction of a positive energy building.

The project includes the creation of a café, which will offer a multi-service area: grocery store, local produce, parcel relay, small services, a common room and catering, which will also enable associations to offer their activities and continue the village’s socio-cultural dynamic.

LEADER has made it possible to carry out this project, not only by providing funding but also by putting us in touch with co-funders.

The emblematic character of the project

This site meets the LEADER priorities in our strategy, with its diversified activities, which will enable the different generations, locals and tourists… to mix and get to know each other and thus live together better.

It will also facilitate the integration of new arrivals.The services on offer will be useful to everyone and will encourage users to move to this place where they can exchange ideas and find a social and cultural link.

What’s more, the choice of an eco-construction building using bio-sourced materials makes this project exemplary in terms of our LEADER strategy.

Social cohesion is one of the key LEADER priorities for our region, as is respect for the environment and the development of new buildings.This project can easily be transferred to other LAGs, as eco-construction is becoming more widespread and the creation of a multi-service centre with the help of a label such as “1000 cafés” can quite easily be set up elsewhere.

Pictures

Commune de Garrigues Sainte Eulalie

PETR UZEGE PONT DU GARD

OCCITANIE

France

Introduction

Creation of an accrobranche park equipped to offer activities for a wide range of audiences (young children, young people, groups, locals, tourists). The park enhances the environment and raises visitors’ awareness of its resources by combining fun and sporting activities in the great outdoors. Based on an approach based on environmental education and sustainable development, the “Air de Nature” Forest Park uses a sensational sporting activity to recreate the link between man and nature.

Presentation of the project

Near the Vallabrix quarry, on the edge of the Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie inter-municipal forest, the SCOP has created the Air de nature adventure park in 2020. It’s based on a former sand quarry, exploited for over 100 years, where nature has reclaimed its rights.

It offers 3 hectares of activities, 10 courses for 120 play workshops. A restaurant and picnic area.

The park is made up of three play areas: first steps (2 to 10 year-olds without PPE – personal protective equipment), small steps (2 to 10 year-olds with PPE) and adventure (11 to 88 year-olds). It has been equipped to offer activities for a wide range of audiences (young children, young people, groups, locals, tourists). What’s more, the aim is to provide a fun and sporting activity in the heart of nature, enhance the value of the environment and make visitors more aware of its resources (installation of dry toilets, sorting bins, etc.). Based on an approach to environmental education and sustainable development, the “Air de Nature” Forest Park was a sensational sporting activity designed to recreate the link between man and nature.

The Park was open during the 2020 summer holidays from 9.30am to 7.30pm, 7 days a week. All Saints’ Day holidays, weekends, Wednesdays and public holidays from 10am to 6pm. 

The advantage of the activity is that it is aimed at all ages and fitness levels (children (from two years old), juniors, adults, holidaymakers or locals, groups, schools, leisure centres, holiday villages, companies, works councils).

This project has diversified the local family offer; boosted and increased the region’s economic and tourist appeal; promoted sustainable green tourism; developed partnerships with local players, etc.

The project was made possible by LEADER funding and networking with local tourism stakeholders.

The emblematic character of the project

This project is a LEADER priority for our region, as we have a high proportion of second homes and a large number of tourists. It is therefore vital to be able to adapt to this summer phenomenon, which is a major source of income for the area, while preserving our heritage and creating new offers for local people throughout the year.

Respect for the environment is also a key LEADER priority for our region.

Lastly, this project has created 3 seasonal jobs and 2 full-time jobs in 2020, which will be continued in subsequent years. The project has been sufficiently profitable to enable new services to be provided in the park (games, educational workshops, ancillary activities).

To be successful, this type of project needs to be supported by the local authority (in this case by making the municipal forest available), in addition to subsidies for the costly development and acquisition of equipment.

This type of project could be transferred to other areas wishing to develop an EEDD (environmental education and sustainable development) approach through a sports and leisure activity. The park’s educational project aims to engage its public in a reflection on the issues involved in protecting the local natural heritage. All LAG territories wishing to promote green tourism that is sustainable, responsible and sensitive to respect for the environment.

Pictures

SCOP Air de nature

PETR UZEGE PONT DU GARD

OCCITANIE

France

Introduction

BiodiverCiné is a young festival born out of a desire to raise public awareness of local and societal biodiversity issues in an entertaining, artistic and… scientific way! The Pays Loire Beauce and its local councillors have decided to implement an overall strategy to preserve and improve local biodiversity over a 10-year period (2021-2031). This strategy is based on 4 axes:

– Area I: diagnostics and studies

– Area II: Raising awareness among local stakeholders

– Area III: operational actions

– Area IV: monitoring actions

As part of Axis II, Pays Loire Beauce is launching the BiodiverCiné festival over 3 years (2021-2023). This festival combines artistic and scientific perspectives in order to raise awareness of a particular theme linked to biodiversity. Audiovisual, performing arts and scientific cultural players are joining forces to work with the Pays Loire Beauce to raise awareness of biodiversity.

Presentation of the project

Firstly, the Pays Loire Beauce’s local development strategy for the LEADER 2014-2022 programme period has its roots in the challenges of the ecological and energy transition.One of the objectives of this strategy, entitled “Energy, water and biodiversity at the heart of a territorial dynamic, driving the energy and ecological transition”, is to take into account the impact of climate change on our society, and then to address the challenges of biodiversity, which include preserving environments and habitats in order to protect species of flora and fauna.With this in mind, we got together to set up a project to raise public awareness. Our idea was to organise a festival that would promote biodiversity as a central element of environmental issues, while adding artistic, entertaining and scientific aspects. So we approached a number of cultural and scientific partners. Initially, we turned to the Valimage association, which would take care of the audio-visual side of the festival, programming a number of short films, including a work by an artist. Secondly, we joined forces with the Fous de Bassan theatre company! To include a performing arts component with the creation of a show. Finally, on the scientific side, we approached a number of associations renowned for their expertise and knowledge of environmental issues, namely Hommes et Territoire, FREDON and Loiret Nature Environnement.These associations took it in turns to lead a debate on biodiversity during the BiodiverCiné festival.LEADER also played a crucial role in coordinating the various players in the area, encouraging them to work together to develop a joint project. This collaborative approach has been a key factor in our success, mobilising local resources, harnessing diverse skills and creating synergy between local players. LEADER played a key role by providing financial support, which enabled us to expand the scope of our project. As a result, we were able to extend the festival to nine towns in the area, reaching a much wider audience. As a result, we’ve been able to design a project that goes beyond the boundaries of individual communes, reinforcing the unity of the Pays Loire Beauce area.

The emblematic character of the project

This project is central to the local development strategy of the Pays Loire Beauce. Our strategy is underpinned by the challenges of ecological and energy transition. We need to adapt our lifestyles to meet the challenges of climate change.The BiodiverCiné project represents the local authority’s response to changing behaviour in order to meet the environmental challenges.These challenges represent the future, and for us they are a priority, which justifies their inclusion as a fundamental pillar of our strategy, making them a priority for LEADER. The BiodiverCiné project stands out for its mission to raise public awareness. Our major challenge was to provide in-depth knowledge of environmental issues, climate change and, more specifically, the benefits of biodiversity for our region. The reproducible nature of our project makes it an ideal application for other LAGs. Our festival was spread over nine municipalities, which meant that we had to put in place a replicable methodology. As a result, we have drawn up a roadmap that can serve as a guide for other LAGs wishing to organise a similar event in their own area. This would enable awareness-raising initiatives to be disseminated on a much wider scale.

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Pays Loire Beauce

Loire Beauce

Centre-Val de Loire