Save the beach

Subida por Save the Beach · Hace 382 días ·

Last April, the French government approved a declaration that made the Calas de Marsella area, located in the south of the city, a National Park. The declaration was passed in order to protect the biodiversity and cultural patrimony of an area renowned for its iconic Mediterranean scenery. Therefore, it will become the country’s tenth national park.

It will also become the first suburban park in Europe as well as the first to obtain national status in metropolitan France since 1979.

The new Calas National Park, which covers a global area of 158 000 acres, will be the home of approximately 140 protected wildlife species, including the most recent pair of Bonelli eagles. It will have 30 streams that are surrounded by gigantic cliffs and so far, about 90 archeological sites have been discovered. Amongst these sites is Cosquer, the famous subterranean cave which contains numerous cave paintings.

Every year, the park attracts over 2 million visitors. The current goal is to preserve the beauty of the area for future generations, and also to promote sustainable development. The entrance to the Calanques will continue to be free and non-invasive. Also, activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding will still be allowed.

However, there will be new restrictions that will assist in the preservation of the area. Visiting centers will be constructed at the main entrance points to provide information.  Hikers will have to follow the marked trails, and rock-climbers must avoid the more sensitive zones. Similarly, fishing will be prohibited in a few specific areas as well as the use of your boat´s loudspeaker in the stream areas.

These are worthwhile sacrifices, if it means protecting such peaceful places.

Images: Gabriela Gomez, Ramon Bacas, PIDPAZ, Richard