An interview with Diane Radola

Can you tell us about your background and your role as Natura 2000 project manager, and which sites you work on?

I have a university degree in Biology with a specialization in Ecology and Ecosystem Management. At that time, I was very interested in studies of the impact of heavy metal and microplastic pollution on the terrestrial environment. After an initial experience as a research engineer/ecologist in a research laboratory, I ultimately decided to pursue training as a Natural Area Manager/Nature Educator so that I could work more closely with local stakeholders. For me, the most important thing is first and foremost the cohesion of stakeholders, which leads to dialogue, and then finding a compromise so that all activities can be carried out with respect for environmental concerns. That is why, after other experiences in local government and within a state service such as the DDT(M), I wanted to become a Natura 2000 project manager. Within a structure like the Joint Syndicate of the Grand Site of the Cirque de Navacelles, committed to the preservation of an exceptional landscape, geological and environmental heritage, my role is to encourage collective work on the management of 4 Natura 2000 sites: the Blandas and Campestre-et-Luc plateaus, the Vis Virenque gorges and the Cirque de Navacelles.

What is the Natura 2000 network and why is it important?

The Natura 2000 network is a European initiative to create a coherent network of protected natural areas. There are now over 27000 Natura 2000 sites, representing 18% of the European territory. Its importance stems from the observation of a significant loss of biodiversity, assessed and quantified for several years by experts worldwide who identify five major causes: climate change, overexploitation of wild species, the artificialization of land and sea, pollution – from plastics, chemicals, and even light, noise, and heat pollution – and the spread of invasive alien species. For example, worldwide, of the more than 5 million species on Earth, only 138 are monitored, 28% of which are threatened. Natura 2000 sites thus help to preserve natural habitats and rare or vulnerable species. The management of these sites is carried out at the regional level to take into account the local territorial context and implement various actions to conserve natural heritage. Finally, to implement these actions, all local stakeholders play a role in developing a collaborative management approach for this shared heritage.

What are the protected species on the sites you work on?

The sites in question possess exceptional natural heritage, so it would be too lengthy to list them all… Here is a non-exhaustive list: regarding flora, the Hairy Gagea and the Humble Jurinea, found on the limestone plateaus of the Causses, benefit from national protection. All birds of prey are protected; examples include the presence in the area of ​​the nocturnal Eurasian Eagle-Owl; the Golden Eagle, a species sensitive to disturbance; and three species of vultures: the Griffon Vulture, the Cinereous Vulture, and the Egyptian Vulture. Also among birds, we should mention the Red-billed Chough, a corvid that nests in rocky cavities, and the Dartford Warbler or the Ortolan Bunting, declining passerines that favor the semi-open habitats of the Causses. Among insects, we find the Marsh Fritillary, a diurnal butterfly; the Blackthorn Woolly Moth, a nocturnal butterfly; and the Splendid Emerald and the Slender-bodied Emerald, two dragonflies. The Alpine longhorn beetle, a poorly named beetle. Natura 2000 sites are home to flying mammals, all protected in France, such as Schreiber's long-fingered bat, the greater horseshoe bat, the lesser mouse-eared bat, and the barbastelle. They also contain a semi-aquatic mammal, the European otter, whose habits have become largely crepuscular or even nocturnal due to its sensitivity to human presence in its habitat along waterways. Regarding the aquatic environment, the presence of the southern barbel has been confirmed in the Vis River, which is less certain for the white-clawed crayfish, whose population has declined sharply due to crayfish plague caused by the proliferation of invasive exotic species.

What concrete actions are being taken on the ground to preserve biodiversity?

I would begin by addressing all the field inventories and monitoring of habitats and species that led to the designation of Natura 2000 sites. The objective is either to improve ecological knowledge of the sites by filling gaps in initial data; or to measure changes in the conservation status of these natural habitats and species through long-term monitoring; or to assess a significant difference in area or population following a management measure. Inventory protocols vary considerably depending on the species or habitat and the information sought, in terms of timing and data entry. For example, this can range from winter with listening points for the Eurasian Eagle-Owl, to autumn with surveys of Stone-curlew gatherings, to spring botanical transects for identifying the host plants of the Marsh Fritillary, and summer searches for the exuviae of Emerald Corduliflowers. (exoskeletons left behind by dragonflies during the transition from the larval stage to the winged adult stage).

Then there's the entire contractual aspect associated with Natura 2000, involving the implementation of agricultural, forestry, or hybrid contracts. This involves commitments to local stakeholders who volunteer to ensure their activities (agricultural, forestry, cultural, sporting, etc.) are carried out with consideration for the environmental challenges of the sites, resulting in financial support. Specifically, regarding agricultural contracts, 11 farmers committed between 2023 and 2025 by subscribing to Agri-Environmental and Climate Measures. The objectives are to: maintain the semi-open environment – ​​with the presence of trees, hedges, and groves – to an open environment favorable to numerous heritage species, through livestock grazing, with or without mechanical maintenance such as brush clearing; and preserve the specific and diverse flora by prohibiting the use of pesticides and the destruction of herbaceous cover. Contractual agreements also apply to Natura 2000 charters, which, like the contracts, are based on commitments and recommendations for best practices in favor of the natural heritage of the sites, without additional cost to the voluntary signatories. These signatories, however, are entitled to an exemption from property tax on undeveloped land. The management of natural environments within Natura 2000 sites can, of course, be carried out without resorting to these contractual tools: projects for the strong protection of certain heavily frequented areas, as well as actions to rehabilitate/restore natural pools (removal of fish, control of invasive alien species) using other financial instruments, are underway within the sites.

Another important point is that there are no specific regulations for Natura 2000 sites, except for impact assessments: whenever a program, project, structure, or development is planned for a Natura 2000 site, it must undergo an impact assessment due to its potential impact on the natural heritage. This year, impact assessments focused on large-scale sporting events, the Ceven'Trail and Raid Occitania, with whom discussions led to their successful implementation. Recommendations were made regarding waste management, appropriate behavior (no off-trail running), and, above all, vigilance concerning the use of drones. Indeed, for the latter, these practices are becoming increasingly frequent, yet they pose a threat to birds in particular, causing them to flee, even abandoning their nests during the nesting season, or resulting in stress that can be fatal. Similarly, impact studies have focused on helicopter-borne maintenance work, for which vigilance is required regarding the timing of the intervention: depending on the location of the work and the breeding success of a particular bird for the year, the work may be postponed outside the sensitive period for that species.

I would like to conclude by mentioning our public awareness efforts, which include setting up information booths, giving presentations, and participating in conferences at events—such as this year's Wetlands Day, Nature Festival, and the "Label Journée" (Nature Day) program—and hosting students from the EDEN Bachelor's program in Le Vigan and the EGPN training program in Montpellier. I also plan to reach out to primary schools in the municipalities within the Natura 2000 protected areas, as it is essential that children learn about the fragility and importance of our environment from a very young age.

How do you work with farmers, communities, or other local stakeholders?

For farmers, I really wanted to offer as many applicants for agri-environmental and climate measures (AECM) the opportunity to receive these subsidies, by requesting additional funding where possible. I consider the connection with them essential, especially since they are themselves stewards of natural areas when they manage to avoid being swallowed up by a system that demands ever-increasing production.

Also, whenever I can, I attend meetings organized by local authorities, which leads to discussions with them and opportunities for collaborative work on various topics. I quickly became involved in the diverse exchanges with a strong local network of associations, particularly through my extracurricular activities: I enjoy trail running and occasional rock climbing, which connects my work preserving sites to outdoor activities. I manage to find a balance, so I believe in doing the same for my other activities!

Are there any instances of resistance or misunderstandings? How do you deal with them?

I've been working in the area for a year now, protecting its natural heritage. Conflicts can certainly arise when you challenge a way of doing things that has been passed down for generations… It's a shame, but I don't think I'm "local" enough to make myself heard. It can be frustrating when you think you're doing the right thing but are seen as just a "utopian environmentalist"!

What misconceptions would you like to deconstruct about the Natura 2000 network?

Regarding Natura 2000, I often hear talk of "constraints": this is primarily a fear among project developers that their activities might not be successful or might be overly "controlled" within the sites. However, the Natura 2000 approach is not intended to stifle all human activity within the sites, but rather to find common ground between local stakeholders and natural area managers. No decision is ever made without consultation with all parties involved. I have the example of the protection currently underway in the Vis gorges, from Saint-Maurice-Navacelles to Saint-Laurent-le-Minier. A consultation phase is mandatory with landowners, the municipalities concerned, and the general public in order to implement this project. Without their approval, nothing will happen!

What projects or construction sites are planned for the future?

I've already mentioned the cost of implementing strict protection measures in vulnerable areas along the Vis gorges, particularly affected by over-visitation during the summer, with the proposed implementation of a Prefectural Order for Biotope Protection (APPB). Another measure is being considered for smaller areas within the Golden Eagle's vital territory, as juveniles are especially sensitive to disturbance. The death of an eaglet in Navacelles in 2017, during a slackline world record attempt, caused considerable public outcry. The Nature and Environment Federation ultimately prevailed in court to secure future protections in the event of a similar situation, hence the current APPB project.

Other projects are underway to rehabilitate lavognes (traditional stone pools) and, in collaboration with the Languedoc-Roussillon Bat Group and the CEN Occitanie (Conservatoire d'espaces naturels d'Occitanie), to protect a cave during sensitive periods. A field survey of the middle and lower Vis rivers is planned for 2026 with the Office for Insects and their Environment (OPIE), in order to improve knowledge of species of concern (cordulids, longhorn beetles). Numerous monitoring programs will be conducted, particularly to track the evolution or breeding success of various species listed in the Habitats Directive (Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Red-billed Chough, Black Woodpecker, Marsh Fritillary, etc.). I can also mention the short film by Pascal Gaubert, which will soon be available online, commissioned to showcase the work carried out by Natura 2000 within the four sites of the Causses, Gorges, and Cirque de Navacelles, with a priority focus on the Golden Eagle.

If you have a message to convey about preserving nature, what would it be?

Ecology is far too often relegated to the back burner, but we must understand that the health of the environment is also our own health. No one should drink contaminated water, eat food grown on soil treated with pesticides, or breathe air polluted with fine particles. The attention we try to raise through actions carried out by various environmental protection tools fosters group cohesion around questions about our relationship with nature. Furthermore, everyone, in their own way of life, can contribute to environmental preservation: not littering and, in particular, reducing waste production by opting for reusable products, for example; limiting water consumption; carpooling; and unplugging appliances to save electricity. Combating digital pollution… If you're lucky enough to have outdoor space, this also involves creating havens for wildlife that maintain the balance of natural environments (dry stone walls, woodpiles, ponds, nesting boxes, etc.). These are simple actions that everyone can take but have real consequences: putting up a nesting box, for example, encourages the presence of songbirds like the great tit, which will feed on pine processionary caterpillars and thus help control them…

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