More than 260 species of migratory birds have been recorded there. This wetland area nicknamed “the little Camargue” is classified “Natura 2000”. It has even been targeted since 2019 by a prefectural order for “biotope protection”, prohibiting any human and domestic animal presence. Between Nice and Saint-Laurent-du-Var (Alpes-Maritimes), the mouth of the Var is however being “ransacked” by diggers, denounces a collective of environmental associations.
Since the fall, a project has been carried out on the right bank to “give back to the river its hydraulic capacities for the purposes of protection against floods”, according to the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes which itself authorized it. But, “despite their justification, these works obviously contravene the precautionary measures” of this space, support the Collectif citoyen 06, Capre06, Terre bleue, Green, Adda 06, Greenpeace, Attac 06 and CCFD-Terre solidaire 06 .
A “radical upheaval of the biotope”?
The associations fear a “radical upheaval of the biotope” so machines are “creating trenches” in the bed of the river. They recall that several appeals have been made against his work with the prefect, including one for “excess of power”.
And renew their call. “Urgently, we ask the Joint Syndicate for Floods, Planning and Water Management [Smiage, qui assure la maîtrise d’ouvrage]to strictly and without delay comply with the regulatory obligations to protect this Natura 2000 area and the 2019 decree”.
In a response sent Thursday afternoon, the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes ensures that the site, which must end “between March 15 and 31”, has been the subject of precautions taken to “not disturb the natural cycle » of the fauna present on the site and « thus promote its conservation ».
“In the context of the general interest”
“The Smiage has commissioned an ecologist to monitor the site” and “the interventions take into account the different reproduction periods of protected species”, further state services.
They recall in a press release that this work is part “in the context of the general interest linked to the protection of property and people”. Since the purpose of the maneuver is to limit the consequences of future flooding, “several flow paths” are created “to facilitate the natural removal of the landfall [un amas formé par sédimentation] “, Details the prefecture.
A meeting should be scheduled in “the next few days” with the associations concerned, she concludes.