More than two thirds of the territory is based on a 235-million-year-old sandstone substrate that determines the type of vegetation, hydrography and landscapes. The PNR is marked by an important forest cover of 62% of which 49% of state statute. Important fauna and flora linked to remarkable ecosystems (acidic moors and peat bogs, forests, sandstone streams, traditional orchards with high stems, rocky outcrops) characterize the PNR.
This territory is also marked by an exceptional cultural heritage with the convergence of multiple influences (the architecture marked by the use of natural resources and in particular pink sandstone, the archaeological heritage, the regional language and culture, the places of memory of major conflicts).
The PNR is marked by an important forest cover (of 62% of which 49% is of state statute) with important fauna and flora. This territory is also marked by an exceptional cultural heritage with the convergence of multiple influences (the architecture marked by the use of natural resources and in particular pink sandstone, the archaeological heritage, the regional language and culture, the places of memory of major conflicts). The PNR has 85,000 inhabitants. More than two thirds of the territory is based on a 235-million-year-old sandstone substrate that determines the type of vegetation, hydrography and landscapes.
Principales valeurs et résultats du site
The important fauna and flora are linked to a diversity of ecosystems: acidic moors and peat bogs, forests, sandstone streams, traditional orchards with high stems, rocky outcrops. The site in a few figures: 84,000 inhabitants on 128,000 hectares; 81,200 hectares of forest, nearly 63% of the Park’s territory – 2,350 hectares of orchards; Highest point: the Grand Wintersberg 581 m; 1 natural reserve of 335 ha; 5 Natura 2000 sites (12% of the territory); 4 integral forest reserves (515 ha) including a cross-border; 1,200 km of watercourses; 111 municipalities of which 2/3 in Bas-Rhin and 1/3 in Moselle; 41 castles listed or listed as historic monuments; 1 citadel; 28 museums and equipment; 5 works of the Maginot line; 110 historical monuments; 2,600 km of marked hiking, horse riding, mountain biking and cycling routes, of which 1,700 km are made by Club Vosgien.
At the specific level, the species taken into account are stable or increasing. Ecosystem services are preserved through the proper functioning of the types of supporting ecosystems. Ecological continuities are either restored or undergoing restoration. Cultural heritage is preserved thanks to strong targeted actions.
Déclaration de l'EAGL :
It is an old park already well established in its territory with a real will of participation of the elected ones. All the stakeholders are associated and it appears a good adhesion of elected officials and populations. In the pre-assessment document, the park often insists on the aspects of consultation from the drafting phase until its implementation. The park’s charter has already been revised several times, it is a real “territorial project”. On the other hand, discrepancies were highlighted between the ONF and the PNR, which might be a weakness in relation to the nomination file, but the rapporteur stresses in his report that this should be solved by drawing up and signing an agreement between the PNR and the ONF. This information has been confirmed by the Director of the PNR.
The presence of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve testifies to the high natural and cultural heritage value of the PNR territory. Three major ecological sets are highlighted in relation to ecosystem services: forest, water and sandstone basement wetlands, grassland and orchards. The planning of the different areas clearly leads to their protection and enhancement; For this, the PNR crosses sustainable economic development with the good management of biodiversity and cultural wealth. It is noted a strong sense of belonging of the inhabitants to the territory, it is certain that the actions of the park play a big role and that in return this feeling of belonging helps the park. With regard to the identification of values, criterion 2.1, deserves to be better structured in order to highlight the remarkable characteristics of this territory. With regard to local economic development, criterion 2.4 “understanding the social and economic context”, the PNR should also enrich its file in order to highlight sustainable economic activities with the protection and enhancement of biodiversity. The Park has a very good capacity of dialogue in sometimes difficult contexts, for example its approach to go through the economy to value and develop the natural forest is an excellent initiative.
Threats are both desertification of some areas with closure associated with over-frequenting and over-exploitation of others. This is an important challenge that the park is aware of and tries to control. Given its age, the PNR has had the time to test and find the right management methods that it adapts over time, in particular according to the economic constraints, the perception and the expectations of the inhabitants. A concerted evaluation system makes it possible to monitor the effects of the action of the park on its territory. At the specific level, the species taken into account are stable or increasing. Taking into account biodiversity and naturalness is effective when managing forests, agricultural areas, rivers and wetlands. Ecosystem services are preserved through the proper functioning of the types of supporting ecosystems. Ecological continuities are either restored or undergoing restoration. Cultural heritage is preserved thanks to strong targeted actions. The same is true of the know-how that the PNR protects by valuing them. Most aspects of protections are associated with heritage and / or economic development actions. It is this approach which explains the good states of conservation despite strong pressures.
The EAGL considers that the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park has achieved all the standards of Pillar 4 of the Green List.
Reviewer Statement
Verification of the conformity of the necessary documents (conformance of format and form) and availability in COMPASS.
Verification of consistency of document dates
Verification of good use of COMPASS Portal by EAGL; Verification of used of panorama and protected portal.
First analysis done 05/07/2017 based on audio file of EAGL meeting of 10/03/2017 and sent by EAGL the 25/04/2017 and final validation 20/10/2018
