Tourtoulen Riverine Woodland

Increased supply of water, fire-wood and genetic resources (Tour du Valat, 2020).

Increased flood protection through the creation of a water storage/absorption zone, hence and slowing down the flow of water. This in turn reduces pressure on the infrastructure such as dikes, and decreases the flood peak. (Tour du Valat, 2020).

Yes, by enabling the forest to repopulate itself, thus increasing both oxygen levels and carbon sequestration. (Tour du Valat, 2020).

Yes, by firstly filtering pollutants such as fertilizers and pesticides that can be fixed by the plants and micro-organisms in the soil, and this process will limit their spread in the water. Secondly, the increase in trees will provide shade, which results in lower temperatures in summer, improves the oxygen content of water, and limits eutrophication. (Tour du Valat, 2020).

The increase in trees will provide shade, which results in lower temperatures in summer (Tour du Valat, 2020).

Improved water quality will encourage the recovery of riparian biodiversity.Also, the restored Tourtoulen Woods will: • Provide a habitat that ensures significant biodiversity of fauna and flora including typical nesting birds of alluvial forests such as the Black Kite, several species of woodpeckers, and the European Roller. • Serve as a migratory stopover and biological corridor for many species of birds (passerines, hawks...) and chiropters. • Host mammals uncommon in the Camargue (such as Beavers and Martens) and bats of high heritage value (the Greater Horseshoe Bat and the Notched-ear Bat). • Function as a biological corridor that enables species to move freely. The riparian zone thus contributes to maintaining biodiversity and provides habitat for a rich fauna and flora, such as forest-nesting birds, whereas the increase in afforestation should lead to an increase in forest biodiversity. (Tour du Valat, 2020).

Yes, through the provision of Regulating Services in respect of Climate, Air Quality, Water Flow, Erosion, Ecosystem Health and Natural Risks (e.g. through the protection and maintenance of the banks while at the same time limiting erosion by means of tree roots. Also, through improved water quality and the lowering of temperatures.) (Tour du Valat, 2020).

Yes, by enabling the riverine forest to replenish itself and through purification of the water and restriction of eutrophication (Tour du Valat, 2020).

Yes, by increasing faunal and floral density and through purification of the water and restriction of eutrophication (Tour du Valat, 2020).

Yes, by replenishing the riparian woodland (Tour du Valat, 2020).

Yes, by ceating a healthier natural environment which can be enjoyed by all resulting in an improvement of physical and mental health (Tour du Valat, 2020).

Yes

Yes

The project promotes to shift from an exploited forest with a dominant species to a restablishment of an ecosystem that has higher diversity. The ecosystem is recovering its functionality and resilience.

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes