Green and blue frames

• The green frame corresponds to all the terrestrial spaces (forests, meadows, gardens...) that enable terrestrial species to move around.
• The blue frame groups together aquatic environments (rivers, ponds, wetlands...) and the ecological corridors that connect them.

Why are they important?

Maintaining biodiversity: green frames and enabling terrestrial species to move around.) and the ecological corridors that link them.

Why are they important?

Maintaining biodiversity: green and blue frames enable species to disperse, colonize new environments and maintain viable populations.

• Climate regulation: natural environments help to regulate the climate by absorbing CO2 and limiting heat islands.
• Soil and water protection: riparian vegetation protects watercourses from erosion, and wetlands act as natural filters for water.
• Improving the quality of life: natural areas help to improve the quality of life for residents by providing places for relaxation and recreation.

Green and blue networks are a key concept in biodiversity preservation and land-use planning. These interconnected ecological networks, made up of natural, agricultural and urban spaces, enable species to move around, feed and reproduce.

In metropolitan France, the green and blue grid represents a major challenge. In the face of increasing urbanization and climate change, it is essential to preserve these ecological corridors to guarantee the survival of many species and the services provided by ecosystems (climate regulation, water quality, etc.).

The local authority, competent in terms of Schéma de Cohérence Territoriale (SCoT) and Plan Local d'Urbanisme intercommunal (PLUi), is committed, first and foremost, to ensuring the delineation and preservation of the green and blue grid in its planning documents.

Thus, one of the main objectives of the revised SCoT of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, approved in 2019, is to preserve and reclaim the territory's exceptional environmental wealth, through a green and blue grid identifying more than 13,000 ha of areas classified as biodiversity reservoirs (nearly a third of the territory), as well as a network of ecological corridors and links to be preserved or restored.

The Metropole is implementing several actions to preserve and strengthen its green and blue grid:

• Identification and mapping: the first step is to identify the constituent elements of the grid (biodiversity reservoirs, ecological corridors) and map them.
• Protection of natural areas: the Metropole is acquiring land to protect it, implementing conservative management measures and combating invasive species.
• Restoration of degraded environments: ecological restoration actions are carried out to improve the quality of natural habitats.
• Sustainable development: consideration of the green and blue grid is integrated into all territorial development projects.
• Awareness-raising and education: the Metropole carries out awareness-raising actions with local residents and players to raise awareness of biodiversity issues.

An in-depth study of ecological corridors identified in urban planning documents revealed degraded areas requiring urgent intervention.

Experts analyzed the quality of these corridors by assessing land use and elements that fragment natural environments. The most damaged areas were targeted for restoration and preservation action.

These ecological corridors are essential for the movement of flora and fauna, and play a key role in maintaining biodiversity. Their degradation weakens ecosystems and can lead to the disappearance of species.

Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole has launched a vast program to restore aquatic environments on its territory. As part of its Gestion des Milieux Aquatiques et Prévention des Inondations (GEMAPI) competence, its aim is to restore the ecological continuity of watercourses and their riparian forests.

Concrete actions for better water management

Several actions are planned to achieve this objective:

• Identification of areas to be preserved: a complete inventory of the hydrographic network will identify the most important areas for biodiversity.
• Restoration of watercourses and wetlands: work will be undertaken to improve water quality, reinforce riverbanks and encourage the return of flora and fauna.
• Creation of fish passes: specific facilities will be built on the Lez and Mosson rivers to enable migratory fish, such as eels, to swim upstream.
• Wetlands strategic plan: in the face of climate change, the Metropole will implement an action plan to strengthen the resilience of wetlands and reedbeds.
• Public awareness: communication initiatives will be carried out to inform residents about the importance of preserving aquatic environments.