On 5 November, the city of Sète hosted the transnational meeting of the European EcoGuardians project, funded by the Erasmus+ programme. The meeting gathered partners from Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Finland, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences.
In France, the CPIE Littoral d’Occitanie is supporting two young people, Elise and Joe, in the collaborative development of projects, commitments, and actions for the biodiversity of the Thau Lagoon. They will be monitored and supported by local experts in the Thau Basin.
During the two-day programme, participants explored the natural and cultural heritage of the Sète area. Elise and Joe led an unconventional tour about the Thau Lagoon all the way from the top of Mont Saint-Clair. Participants traveled way back in time to the prehistoric eras of the region and learned how the landscape was shaped by volcano eruptions and sea forces.
Members of the meeting had the opportunity to see a presentation and tasting session organised by the Occitalgues association. The session highlighted sustainable farming practices in wetland environments and demonstrated how economic growth can go hand in hand with biodiversity conservation.
The meeting concluded with a visit to the Bagnas National Nature Reserve, a Mediterranean coastal wetland covering nearly 600 hectares. Rich in biodiversity, the reserve faces increasing environmental pressures, making it a key site for discussions on conservation and sustainable management.
The next step of the EcoGuardians project will take place in Italy, where EcoGuardians from all partner countries will meet for the next transnational exchange.
