Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
The Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (CEN PACA) is a regional nature protection association created in 1975. It is approved for nature protection within a regional framework (decree n° 2011- 832 of 12 July 2011) and approved by the State and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region under article L414-11 of the Environment Code (decree of 6 June 2014). It is a member of the Fédération des Conservatoires d’espaces naturels, which brings together 24 conservatories. Its main missions are knowledge of biodiversity, protection of natural areas and species, management of natural sites, promotion of nature to the public, and support for public policies in favour of biodiversity. It operates in the six departments of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region with nearly 50 employees, supported by numerous volunteers, and with the support of more than 600 members.
The Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is the coordinator of the LIFE SOS Crau Grasshopper project. It is in charge of technical, administrative and financial coordination, and is responsible for the project’s communication and awareness-raising activities. In addition, he has already been involved in several LIFE projects (Hermann’s turtle, Orsini’s viper, Alpilles, etc.).
More information: www.cen-paca.org
Bouches-du-Rhône Chamber of Agriculture
The Chamber of Agriculture is a public institution run by 38 elected representatives of all the production sectors and territories of the Bouches-du-Rhône. It has four missions, defined in the Rural Code (art. L510-1 CRPM):
- To contribute to improving the economic, social and environmental performance of farms and their sectors
- To support farmers’ entrepreneurial and responsible approach in the regions, as well as business creation and job development
- To contribute, through the services it provides, to the sustainable development of rural areas and agricultural enterprises, as well as to the preservation and enhancement of natural resources, the reduction of the use of pesticides and the fight against climate change
- To represent the Chamber of Agriculture to the public authorities and local communities.
In addition, the Chamber of Agriculture has been co-manager of the Crau Coussouls National Nature Reserve since 2004. In particular, it is responsible for the management, coordination and monitoring of grazing activities.
The Bouches-du-Rhône Chamber of Agriculture is an associated beneficiary of the LIFE SOS Crau Cricket project. It will manage the grazing activities and participate in the management of the Crau Plain Grasshopper habitat. It will also be involved in the implementation of communication, animation and awareness-raising actions, in particular with the users of the territory (breeders, shepherds, general public…).
More information: paca.chambres-agriculture.fr/la-chambre-dagriculture-des-bouches-du-rhone
La Barben Zoological Garden
Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, the La Barben Zoological garden has three missions: conservation, education and research. With 50 years of existence, and a member of the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) since 1995, the La Barben Zoological garden presents 22 species in European breeding programmes. Its teams have thus acquired expertise in the breeding of various species that are difficult to reproduce, particularly reptiles.
La Barben Zoological Garden is an associated beneficiary of the LIFE SOS Crau Grasshopper project. Its proximity to the Crau plain (20 km as the crow flies) is a major asset for the LIFE SOS Crau Grasshopper project: great similarities in climate and biotope, making it possible to consider outdoor breeding and complete ex-situ breeding, and reduced transport distances for grasshoppers and egg pods. In addition, it will participate in the project’s communication and awareness-raising activities. Welcoming nearly 300,000 visitors with very diverse profiles each year, it has a unique role to play in raising awareness of biodiversity protection, particularly among schools and the general public in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Awareness-raising activities will therefore be carried out by the educational services, which have been developing tools and know-how for more than ten years to effectively transmit awareness and conservation messages.
More information: www.parcanimalierlabarben.com
Besançon Museum Zoological Garden
The Besançon Museum fulfils the major missions of museums and zoological gardens: research, study and dissemination of knowledge, conservation of collections and promotion of scientific and natural heritage. It is structured around two complementary poles: natural history collections on the one hand, and live animal sectors on the other. The latter includes the Aquarium (freshwater fish), the Noctarium (nocturnal mammals and amphibians), the Zoological Garden (exotic mammals and birds) and the Insectarium (exotic arthropods and amphibians).
The Insectarium of the Citadel is one of the most complete and interesting in Europe, both for the general public and for scientists. Dedicated to the fascinating world of arthropods, with more than 90 species in breeding, the animal team has been continuously training in the breeding of rare and endangered species for almost 30 years. Several species of orthopterans have been successfully bred.
The Besançon Museum is an associated beneficiary of the LIFE SOS Crau Grasshopper project. It has a veterinary service consisting of two experienced full-time veterinarians and a qualified veterinary intern. The service participates in studies in partnership with scientific institutions. Its extensive experience will contribute to improving ex situ breeding within the framework of the LIFE project. In addition, it will participate in the project’s communication and awareness actions. It was also an associate beneficiary of the LIFE04 Apron II project.
More information: www.citadelle.com