If we were you we would go there! In our Alps, where you are connected with the great outdoors. Biodiversity is rich and varied. It is in certain places protected in order to preserve natural habitats, those of flora and wild fauna. Respecting this heritage means working for the future of our protected species, plant or animal, the most emblematic of which is the bearded vulture.
Natura 2000 zones
Natura 2000 is the network of the most remarkable natural sites in Europe. It contributes to the preservation of biological diversity on the territory of the 27 countries of the European Union. It also ensures the maintenance of natural habitats and habitats of wild flora and fauna.
These areas preserve the nuclei of biodiversity and ecological corridors.
The animals can thus move freely in these corridors of communication between the "hearts of nature".
Where are these protection zones?
Two Natura 2000 zones are present in our territory and are the subject of recommendations:
The Natura 2000 zone of the Bargy massif, which concerns the municipalities of Marnaz, Mont-Saxonnex, Le Reposoir and Scionzier.
The Natura 2000 zone of the Aravis massif, which concerns the municipalities of Magland, Nancy-sur-Cluses and Le Reposoir.
The Bargy and Aravis massifs are classified as special protection zones. In particular, they are home to pairs of bearded vultures, a protected and emblematic species of the Alps.
The bearded vulture
Our ancestors granted the Bearded Vulture demonic powers: yellow eye circled in red, small goatee around the beak, rust-colored and white plumage, 3 meters wingspan ... He was considered a ferocious beast, representing a danger to herds and animals. humans! His red circle around his eye was the sign of the demon and his dripping chest seemed to be proof that he was bathing in the blood of his victims!
This is how he was wiped off the map of the Alps with gunshot, poisoning and kidnapping of eggs and chicks from the nest!
At the time, we did not know that the Bearded Vulture only feeds on bones and that it colors its chest with red mud to show other Vultures that it is master of its territory.
Conservatory of natural spaces of Haute-Savoie
Asters is the Conservatory of natural spaces of Haute-Savoie. Its mission is to preserve and enhance the natural heritage of Haut-Savoyard. Associative structure with a technical vocation, it carries out inventories and appraisals of natural environments.
The association leads the Action plan in favor of the Bearded Vulture in the French Alps.
Asters and the reintroduction of the bearded vulture
Since the 70s, Asters has been involved in the bearded vulture reintroduction and conservation program in the Alps. At the time, a handful of enthusiasts with a pioneering spirit knew how to be daring.
They released the first French birds in the mountain of Bargy, at Reposoir, in 1987.
In Haute-Savoie, 31 birds were reintroduced between 1987 and 2001, but the challenge of the reintroduction program is to promote natural reproduction which will have to take over from reintroductions to constitute an autonomous population..
Despite difficult beginnings, where it was necessary to both know the vulture, define its method of reintroduction and overcome the many failures, this reintroduction program is today a success. The species is now able to reproduce in its natural environment and independently.
