Signing of the partnership for biodiversity and species protection

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The Nouvelle-Aquitaine Conservatory for Natural Areas and Bordeaux Airport enter into a partnership for biodiversity and the protection of species.

Signature CEN SDR

SA Aéroport de Bordeaux-Mérignac and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Conservatory for Natural Areas signed a 3-year agreement today, aimed at identifying, protecting, managing and promoting the outstanding biodiversity of the Bordeaux Airport site.

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine Conservatory for Natural Areas (CEN-NA) has been contributing to the preservation of our region’s natural areas and outstanding landscapes since 1992. This non-profit association, assigned to a public interest initiative under the French Environment Code, is composed of representatives of civil society, environmental protection bodies and regional authorities. Guided by a scientific committee, it ensures the adapted management of the natural areas in its trust. The Conservatory thus brings environmental concerns to the core of the rural economic fabric and ensures the transmission of this natural heritage to future generations.

As the concession holder of more than 300 hectares of natural areas, Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport is entrusted with the development of this public heritage, both in terms of airport infrastructures and natural spaces. This area boasts an exceptional biodiversity which has been preserved from human intervention and forms a green backdrop in the heart of the Aquitaine metropolis. A complete inventory of the site was carried out in 2021. This reserve for flora and fauna forms part of the landscape of the Bordeaux Aéroparc Operation of Metropolitan Interest. The partnership with the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Conservatory forms part of an active strategy by the airport for environmental protection.

The Conservatory and the Airport company are to work alongside each other on four key points:

  • Further the knowledge of the airport platform’s biodiversity
  • Identify and enhance ecological connectivity in key sectors
  • Ensure the preservation of the airport’s outstanding sites
  • Raise awareness among all airport stakeholders and the general public of the biodiversity concerns within the airport site

The initial survey will lead to the drafting of a management plan in 2022 for this natural heritage, with the first actions to be initiated in 2023. These elements will also enable an enhanced integration of the biodiversity aspect in future development plans.

“The Conservatories for Natural Areas are involved in a project to preserve natural areas in partnership with all of society’s players. In the case of Bordeaux Airport, it is important for us to contribute to the protection of this area, which forms part of the vast natural ensemble of the Landes de Gascogne. Our involvement is driven by the contact with the conurbation of Bordeaux and its 800,000 inhabitants”, says Philippe Sauvage, President of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Conservatory for Natural Areas.

“The preservation of our region is an absolute priority. Choosing the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Conservatory for Natural Areas represents a firm engagement alongside a partner who is familiar with the environmental concerns of the region. The involvement of the airport teams will also play a key role in the design and regional integration of our future projects”, comments Simon Dreschel, Chairman of the Board of SA Aéroport de Bordeaux-Mérignac.