Water and environmental management

Network consisting of terrestrial ecological ("green" habitat) and aquatic ("blue" habitat) continuities, especially identified in regional ecological coherence schemes (RECS). The green and blue habitats (GBH) contribute to the enabling conservation status of natural habitats and species and to the good ecological status of water bodies, as well as to maintain the services that biodiversity provides (water quality, pollination, flood prevention, improvement of the living environment, etc.). It extends to the transversal limit of the sea. The GBH is a tool of sustainable development and regional planning, with the master plans for water development and management (SDAGE). It is also a tool for preserving biodiversity, combined with all the other existing tools: protected areas, national parks, nature reserves, biotope protection decrees, Natura 2000, regional natural parks, national action plans for endangered species, etc.) under the 2011-2020 National Biodiversity Strategy.

A vast area where the community stakeholders look for a development respectful of the natural balances, and sometimes a solution for maintaining declining traditional activities. A regional natural park (RNP) is usually managed by a public inter-municipal cooperation organisation, an open mixed syndicate whose board of directors is composed of elected representatives of the member communities (municipalities, departments, regions) and sometimes socio-economic partners. PNRs are classified for a 12-year renewable period.

Remarkable area of the territory that has been classified as "National Park & nbsp;" because of its exceptional natural wealth, from the point of view of landscape quality and natural, historical or cultural heritage. The establishment of a national park requires a certification by the State. It usually generates specific regulations for the protection of fauna and flora.

A harnessed river or canal open to traffic and waterways transport.

Operation consisting in draining a dam reservoir for various reasons (maintenance, visit of the structure, regulation, etc.). Given its impacts on aquatic environments, it has to be authorised by a prefect’s order and preceded by an impact assessment study.

Risk that, in 2015, the water bodies of a given area will not achieve the objectives set by the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

Corrective action to improve the quality of groundwater.

Restructuring of an artificialised area, possibly a fallow land, in order to make it practicable and attractive for residents while integrating it into the landscape.

Place of collection of water samples for analysis.