The national reserve (1927)
The Camargue zoological and botanical reserve was created in 1927 and entrusted to the Société nationale d’acclimatation, now the Société nationale de protection de la nature (SNPN). Classed as a national nature reserve on 24 April 1975, it covers more than 13,000 hectares around the Vaccarès. Access is forbidden except for the sea dyke and the beach, on foot or by bike; hunting, fishing, plant picking, overflights and camping are banned.
The Regional Nature Park (1970)
Created on 25 September 1970, it covers much of the Grande Camargue and runs, among other things, the Camargue Museum.
International recognition
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1977 (193,000 hectares).
- Ramsar site no. 346 since 1 December 1986: 114,000 hectares of the Camargue gardoise and the island of Camargue are listed as wetlands of international importance.
- Natura 2000 sites under the Birds and Habitats directives.
On the Gard side
The Camargue gardoise holds the Grand Site de France label, run by the joint authority for the protection of the Camargue gardoise. The Scamandre and Mahistre et Musette regional reserves complete the picture.
Threats
Pollution carried by the Rhône, loss of natural areas to farming, hunting and beach erosion by the sea all weigh on this heritage.
Test yourself
When was the Camargue reserve created?
- 1927 (answer)
- 1970
- 1986
Which body manages the national reserve?
- The SNPN (answer)
- UNESCO
- The Conservatoire du littoral
Since when has the Regional Nature Park existed?
- 1927
- 1970 (answer)
- 2000
Which label does the Camargue gardoise hold?
- Grand Site de France (answer)
- National park
- Most beautiful village of France