Surveillance and environmental policing

The Natural Reserve is neither a restricted space nor a “sanctuary”: while respecting the regulations, the private property, the traditional occupations of the foresters and pastoral farmers, it still remains largely accessible to the general public. However, such accessibility can conflict with the goals of protection, in particular at certain periods (winter, spring) and in certain fragile areas, designated as Resting Areas for Wildlife (Zones de quiétude de la faune sauvage -ZQFS)

The original statutory decree of the Natural Reserve and the various access codes in place (motorized vehicules, hiking, ZQFS, potholing, etc) were established with this conflict of access in mind. This ensures the protection of natural spaces and species.

The rangers of the Natural Reserve are therefore sworn to act as environmental police by authority of the State Prosecutor. This surveillance is reinforced thanks to the support of local authorities (Forestry Commission, National Office for Hunting and Wildlife, national gendarmerie, customs officers, etc) either independently, or through combined operations.

Guidelines for permit requests

For any procedural operations (jobs, events, scientific surveys, etc) within the Natural Reserve, it is mandatory to apply in advance for a specific permit, which will be examined by the advisory committee or the project monitoring committee.