The main object of the Champ du Feu RBD is the conservation of peaty environments of national interest as well as a set of Montane grasslands associated with centuries-old pastoral activities that are still alive. This gives the reserve a landscape as well as ecological interest. This means that the site is very touristy year round and the reconciliation of the different uses of the park with the priority objectives of conservation of the remarkable natural heritage is crucial. The interest of RBD lies mainly in its open environments and in its wetland complex, both of which are closely associated.
The creation of the Managed Biological Reserve « Réserve Biologique Dirigée » (RBD) of the Champ du Feu is based on the intent to preserve the biological wealth of the site. The interest of RBD lies mainly in its open environments and in its wetland complex, both of which are closely associated. The priority objectives set for the RBD of the Champ du Feu (management plans of 1993 and 2016) concern the conservation of species and ecosystems of peat bogs, low marshes and “culms” (complex of heathland and mountain grasslands). The site of the RBD was chosen and delimited to integrate the heathland and grasslands present on this mountain part, as well as all the peaty environments.
Major Site Values & Outcomes
The natural habitats of the site have been characterized and mapped in different studies. With regard to the most remarkable habitat of the site, the peat bog, the types of habitats which compose it are: Active high peat bog. CORINE Biotopes code 51.1 / Natura 2000 code 71110 * (priority habitat type); Transitional peat bogs. CORINE Biotopes 54.5 code / Natura 2000 code 7140; Low swamp in Calamagrostis: Code CORINE Biotopes 54.4.
The management plan and monitoring evidence highlights the particular contribution made by this site to the national network in terms of present habitats; it highlights the taxonomic and functional groups benefitting from the managed reserve. The site remains an open environment, while maintaining various activities. The protection status of certain species is effectively respected. The evolution of habitats is generally favorable, however monitoring pressures on the site can be improved.
Site visit report (14-15/11/2016)
EAGL statement:
The EAGL stresses exemplary governance that fits perfectly with the spirit of the green list. The stakeholders interviewed were unanimous on the quality of the functioning of the Management Advisory Committee (Comité consultatif de gestion – CCG) and all fully supported site’s application for the green list. It should be noted that the GCC operates as a laboratory of good governance and concerted territorial management whose experiences are dispersed locally and have a resonance and a broader impact than the only perimeter of the biological reserves for which it is solicited.
Management plan does not include criterion 2.3 on understanding the threats and the challenges that affect the main values as regards the possible consideration of the potential impacts of climate change. The manager indicated that impacts of climate change are particularly predictable for the peat bog but this is not at risk in the medium term and no action is yet envisaged. Stubble conditions are a priori less likely to be affected. A paragraph will have to be added to the management plan on the subject of climate change.
In addition, with respect to criterion 3.6 on management, access, use of resources and visits, the provisions listed below concerning the regulation will have to be incorporated in the interministerial decree for the approval of the new management plan : hunting of small game is forbidden; the feeding of game, and any device of attraction of the game are forbidden; motor vehicle traffic is allowed only for activities provided for in the management of the reserve (works, pastoral activities, studies) and access to concessions with the limitations provided for in the clauses; ATV and horse traffic is prohibited on the RBD outside marked trails; any form of camping or bivouac is forbidden; the creation of new marked routes in the RBD is forbidden. The EAGL considers that the RBD Champ du Feu will be able to reach all the standards of Pillar 3 of the Green List by the end of 2017 subject to taking into account the remarks formulated above.
Stakeholders interviewed on the subject confirmed that the delineation of the site corresponds to the values and issues identified and allows their long-term conservation. It should also be noted that the high level of use of the site presents an undeniable opportunity to communicate to the public on the results of habitat conservation. This aspect would benefit from being strengthened.
Following the review of the application of the Champ du Feu Biological Reserve, the EAGL commended the outstanding efforts of the team of managers for the conservation of the values of the site and emphasized the quality and completeness of the file. On the basis of these elements, the EAGL unanimously voted in favor of including the Champ du Feu Biological Protected Area on the Protected Areas Green List.
Reviewer Statement
Verification of the conformity of the necessary documents (conformance of format and form) and availability in COMPASS.
Conformity of process: Self assessment; Site visit program; Report of audit; Used of panorama and protected planet; Stakeholder feed-back; Action plans; EAGL decision, discussion, vote;
Verification of consistency of document dates
Verification of the independence of the EAGL evaluator / the candidate
Verification of good use of COMPASS Portal by EAGL
Verification of used of panorama and protected portal
First analysis done 05/07/2017 and final validation 20/10/2018
