"This project is part of the plan BIODIVALP": The project GEBIODIV aims to identify the factors of degradation of natural habitats in the cross-border area by developing common methods of managing protected areas in order to successfully create a cross-border network observatories to monitor global changes and their impacts on biodiversity: it is planned that a focus will be made in particular on invasive alien species, partly responsible for the decline of biodiversity. The project also aims to carry out actions to restore degraded natural habitats, expressing initiatives such as the use of local seeds for re-vegetation operations. The Western Alps Massif is the biogeographic and transboundary link of the ALCOTRA program. It rubs shoulders with both the summits and the Mediterranean basin forming a hotspot of biodiversity. Nevertheless, this exceptional natural heritage is vulnerable to the erosion of biodiversity and to global changes (fragmentation of environments, climate change, etc.). Based on this observation, a consultation process between the 5 Regions and the territorial actors has made it possible to draw up a framework ambition aimed at protecting and enhancing biodiversity and Alpine ecosystems through a partnership and a network of cross-border ecological connectivities. This ambition is articulated in two strategic objectives, contributing to the EUSALP strategy and the Alpine Convention, and aiming to (i) stem the erosion of ecosystems and protected species and (ii) enhance the attractiveness of the cross-border territory. The originality of the activities concerns the cross-border structuring of an integrated governance, the knowledge and the methodologies of management of biodiversity reservoirs, a public policy of ecological connectivities and a strategy of valorization of the biodiversity. In addition, the activities provide for the capitalization of various European projects (see point 5). The French and Italian partners of the plan include protected areas, communities, associations and chambers of commerce.
