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Located in the South of the Massif Central, the National Park / Biosphere Reserve of the Cévennes encompasses some majestic landscapes as different as the limestone « Causses », the granite massifs of Aigoual and of Mont Lozère and the schist mountains of the Cévennes. The geology of the area and the presence of man since the Neolithic have led to the current biological richness (319 species of vertebrate animal, 11 000 species of plant including over 2 250 species of flowers). This vast territory of 323 000 hectares today has one of the lowest population densities found in France (41 000 inhabitants).
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For the management of this exceptional piece of France, the state decided, about 30 years ago to create the Cévennes National Park. Since 1984, date when the Biosphere Reserve was created, the local actors use the weight of the MAB programme to further pursue the protection and development of the patrimony.
The great diversity of the Cévennes is more than ever dependent on human activity. As farming recedes, the landscape closes in - currently at a rate of 1% per annum. It is this process that is the major ecological and socio-economic element governing the future of the Cévennes today. The National Park / Biosphere Reserve is working in particular to support rural activity: maintenance contracts are being won by farmers, grants are available for the restoration of farm buildings, rustic varieties of livestock are being preserved (Aubrac cattle, Raïole sheep) products are attributed particular labels (Easter beef, outdoors reared lamb) restoration of long-abandoned chestnut groves, proper planning of hunting management, biologically balanced timber activities.
For more information: National park of the Cevennes
| Region : Midi-Pyrénées, Languedoc-Roussilon, Rhône-Alpes
Département : Ardèche (07), Aveyron (12), Gard (30), Lozère (48)
Latitude : 44° 20' north
Longitude : 3° 40' east |
Maximum altitude : 1700 m
Main ecosystem: temperate forest
Central areas: 14 000 hectares
Buffer areas: 63 000 hectares
Cooperation area: 246 000 hectares
Approximate population: 41 000 habitants |
