The Natura 2000 Network

The Natura 2000 network is at the heart of the European Union’s nature conservation policy and is a key element in the effort to halt the loss of biodiversity. This network was established under the 1979 Birds Directive and the 1992 Habitats Directive. It aims to ensure the long-term survival of species and habitats that are particularly threatened and of high conservation importance in Europe. It consists of a collection of natural sites—both terrestrial and marine—identified for the rarity or fragility of their wild flora and fauna species and the natural habitats they support.

The structure of this network includes:

• Special Protection Areas (SPAs), aimed at conserving wild bird species listed in Annex I of the “Birds” Directive or that serve as breeding, molting, wintering, or stopover areas for migratory birds;
• Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), aimed at conserving habitat types and animal and plant species listed in Annexes I and II of the “Habitats” Directive.

This network serves as a tool for improving knowledge, preserving certain regional habitats and species, and facilitating action and collaboration across regions within a coordinated framework. These sites are subject to conservation objectives for species and habitats, the monitoring of which is partly carried out by the European Commission, to which France must report on their conservation status every six years. To ensure the management of these sites, Objectives Documents (DOCOB) are developed for each site in collaboration with local stakeholders. These documents specify the habitats involved, management guidelines, and the technical and financial resources to be deployed.
The CCVCMB’s territory is part of the Aiguilles Rouges Natura 2000 site.

Learn more about the Natura 2000 network

Access the Natura 2000 resource center

The Aiguilles Rouges Natura 2000 site

On August 23, 2010, the Aiguilles Rouges mountain range was designated by ministerial decree as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (ref: FR8201699) under the “Habitats” Directive. The site covers 9,065 hectares, stretching from the Swiss border in the municipality of Vallorcine to Mount Pormenaz in the municipality of Servoz. Separated from the Mont Blanc massif, which it faces, by the Chamonix Valley, the site encompasses the entire Aiguilles Rouges massif¹⁶ and is part of the outer crystalline massifs.

The Aiguilles Rouges massif, which is virtually devoid of glaciers, nevertheless features numerous glacial landforms: rounded, striated, and polished rocks, post-glacial lakes, terraces, and moraines. The vegetation consists of a vast array of grasslands, heathlands, and forests of larch and Swiss stone pine, exhibiting a wide variety of forms. Lakes low in organic matter and acidic peatlands are abundant. Numerous habitats of Community interest are listed among the wetlands, forest habitats, heathlands, calcareous grasslands, and rocky habitats.

The site is somewhat vulnerable. Indeed, the forests require conservation-oriented management, as do the subalpine grasslands, which depend on sustainable grazing. Peatlands, lakeshores, and wetlands must be protected from excessive trampling.

The CCVCMB serves as the coordinating body for the Aiguilles Rouges NATURA 2000 site, under a waiver granted by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region. These two entities convene an annual Steering Committee (COPIL), whose composition is defined by regional decree.

Brochure: Aiguilles Rouges Natura 2000 Site

The Implementation Framework Tool: the DOCOB

The DOCOB (objectives document) for the Aiguilles Rouges NATURA 2000 site, dated 2015, defines seven main priorities:

• Maintaining/restoring forest habitats to a good conservation status;
• Preserving wetlands;
• Maintaining open habitats in a favorable conservation status;
• Preserving species populations and their habitats;
• Raising awareness about the management (and protection) of natural areas;
• Improving knowledge about species and habitats;
• Implement the DOCOB.

View the DOCOB for the Aiguilles Rouges NATURA 2000 site

Examples of actions taken

• Awareness campaign on balancing land uses: “Montagne en partage”
• Vulnerability of wildlife in winter: “La Face sauvage”
• Guidelines for interacting with guard dogs (via resources such as videos, maps, exhibits, etc.)
• Conservation management efforts, such as the restoration of wetlands in the Tré le Champ area, etc.

These initiatives are carried out by the CCVCMB, in partnership with other local organizations to ensure a collaborative and coordinated approach, and with the support of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region.

Learn more about the initiatives carried out

Did you know?

The Natura 2000 framework does not preclude the implementation of development projects or human activities within a Natura 2000 site, provided they are compatible with the habitat and species conservation objectives that led to its designation.

However, such activities (listed in a national registry) are subject to an impact assessment.

For any project within the Aiguilles Rouges Natura 2000 site, the site coordinator is available to discuss these regulatory requirements.

Antoine BOISSET, Coordinator of the Aiguilles Rouges Natura 2000 site, CCVCMB
Email: antoine.boisset@ccvcmb.fr