In the context of the establishment of the Natura 2000 network, a network for the preservation of natural habitats and species of Community interest, the State designated the “Vallée de la Meuse” as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the Birds Directive (FR4112008) by Ministerial Order of 30 July 2004. This wet complex of the Meuse Valley is composed of the Meuse River and its hydraulic annexes, a large part of flood meadows, marshes, alluvial forests and dry limestone-like environments on some hillsides, which offer biotopes favourable to nesting, wintering and feeding of avifauna. There are 134 species of birds, including 30 species from the Birds Directive. The perimeter of this site covers 13 562 ha, spread over 75 municipalities and 7 EPCIs with own taxation. Following the validation by the Steering Committee of the Objective Document on 6 July 2011 (approved on 27 June 2012 by the Prefect), the Department of the Meuse was entrusted with the management of the work of the animation of the site, renewed on 16 October 2018 for 3 years. Thus, within the framework of the organisation of this SPA, the Natura2000 mission officer of the Department of Meuse ensures the implementation of the DOCOB action programme: monitoring of the avifauna, preservation actions (MAEC, financing for the restoration of hydraulic annexes...), valorisation, awareness and communication towards the inhabitants and users.