Living heritage mission
To understand so as to protect, to manage, to develop
and to make known, these are the basic principals
of the living heritage mission of the regional nature
Park, which has established a permanent observatory
of landscapes, and the natural habitats of wild animals
and flowers. Similarly, inventories (censuses of species),
studies (analyses by subject) and programs of scientific
research are undertaken in the Park with the aim of
creating direct applications for the conservation
and management of spaces and species, the integrated
development of the territory and, informing the inhabitants
and visitors about the natural heritage.
Prospectors in the park...
If you cross on a forest path
or on the dam of a pond, someone carrying binoculars
or a butterfly net, or even a botanist scrutinising
with his magnifying glass a rare plant, do not mock
them. They are probably not nature freaks, but specialists
of flora and fauna listing and tempting to understand
the mysteries of nature.
Who does what?
More seriously, the Park undertakes, coordinates or
participates in inventories and biologic follow-ups,
studies and programs of research on natural spaces,
wild animals and plants, and the impact of certain
human activities. Inventories and studies are undertaken
internally (agents of the environmental service, students
as part of their studies), or confided by the Park
to competent bodies (Conservatoire du Patrimione Naturel
de Champagne Ardennes, Office National des Forêts,
research departments...). Otherwise, the Park contributes
(logistical and financial support) to programmes of
scientific research undertaken by scientific bodies
(Ecole Normale Supérieur, CNRS, universities...) in
its territory. The Centre d'Etudes et de Pédagogie
de l'Environment (CEPE) of the Park constitutes the
operational centre of the scientific activities of
the Park.
Financing
Annual programmes of events (or multiannual)are initiated
by the Park and its scientific Committee, then approved
by the Environmental Commission then by the Intercommunal
Organization Committee. Financing comes from the Intercommunal
Organization (studies undertaken internally, indemnities
for training courses and holidays), with the financial
support of the regional Council of Champagne Ardennes
(up to 35% of the total cost), by the Ministry of
the Environment or other partners (Europe, Water Agency...)
for more important studies.
Scientific articles about
the Park
The results of these studies are presented to the
scientific Committee and the Environmental Commission,
available at the Maison du Park and, published for
the most part in the scientific bulletin of the Park.
In 2001, in the framework of the Park's 30th anniversary,
a special number of this scientific bulletin entitled
" 30 Years of Scientific Activities in the Park "
will be published and will constitute the 24th number
of the series.
> Consult
the detailed list of scientific articles from 1971
to 2000 <
Studies achieved or in progress - some examples
Among the many completed studies (close to 100
bibliographic references) in progress or planned
by the Intercommunal Organization, here are some concrete
examples of the work undertaken (for some among them,
the Park constitutes a pilot site at a national level):
• Inventories of natural spaces, flora and fauna
• Studies of natural spaces, flora and fauna
• Contribution to research programs
