http://www.mab-france.org/en/biosphere/reserve-de-biosphere-du-mont-ventoux/89/125/

Introduction

A real concentration of Alpine and Mediterranean habitats, Mont Ventoux Biosphere Reserve centres on the “Géant de Provence” (giant of Provence – Mont Ventoux), and is characterized by an impressive overlapping of flora and fauna species. Mediterranean habitats and species are juxtaposed with their Alpine counterparts, due to a steep elevational gradient, in addition to strong contrasts between the southern and northern slopes.

Mont Ventoux is a land of contrast, in terms of both its altitude (1909 m) and its geographic location – midway between temperate and Mediterranean climates. The massif thus has a surprising diversity of habitats which are home to many plant and animal species, some of which are extremely rare.

Administrative authority: Syndicat Mixte d’Aménagement et d’Equipement du Mont Ventoux (authority on development of the Mont Ventoux region)

Since 1990, this authority has been in charge of planning, coordinating and implementing Mont Ventoux Biosphere Reserve projects.

Since 1996, a Management Committee, comprising elected representatives, administrators, managers, users of the Reserve and local associations, has been assisting the administrative authority in its choices. The Committee drafted the Reserve’s management plan, planning the projects to be implemented to protect and enhance natural heritage sites and landscapes, and support sustainable economic development and education. Finally, a Scientific Council, composed of representatives from both natural sciences and human sciences, also provides the Biosphere reserve with guidance.

Number of municipalities	34
Population	45,000
Area	90,000 ha
Regions	Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur
Departments	Vaucluse (84)
Creation date	1990

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Territory

Imprimer

carte du territoire

The site has been significantly shaped by the human hand, as evidenced by the extensive reforestation of the massif initiated in the late 19th century. Its foothills are decidedly rural, dominated by agriculture (vineyards, fragrant plants, fruit, etc.), tourism, and the service sector. Yet the future of the agricultural economy remains uncertain, following the wine industry crisis, the decline in lavender cultivation, international competition, etc. The challenge for agriculture now is the development of links between the production of quality local products (both in terms of taste and "health effects") and a strong relationship with the landscape and environmental awareness, across all industries.

Spared from mass tourism, Mont Ventoux Biosphere Reserve prefers “active tourism”, which is respectful of the environment and its inhabitants. Development of this sector depends on natural resources (i.e. outdoor physical activities), which is reinforced by its image as an excellent cycle tourism destination.

The remarkable nature of the species and habitats that make up the Biosphere reserve allowed it to be nominated for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network.

The main conservation objectives of Natura 2000 sites, which cover more than 4,000 hectares in total, are preservation of open spaces, maintenance of forest dynamics in reforestation areas, conservation of semi-natural forest habitats, compatibility of recreational activities with conservation of habitats and species, as well as improving public awareness and visitor experience.

Various programmes have thus been established to meet the sites’ environmental challenges:

redressing scrub encroachment by clearing, cutting down, and chipping trees or controlled burning
maintaining open spaces created by livestock farming
designating old growth management areas and/or senescent tree management areas
monitoring habitats and species
providing facilities for outdoor sports and protected species conservation
maintaining a network of nest boxes for bats
conducting public awareness and communication campaigns

http://www.mab-france.org/en/biosphere/reserve-de-biosphere-du-mont-ventoux/89/125/