South Aveyron: the Tarn valley will have to adapt in the face of climate change
Faced with climate change, the PNR is launching a ‘Green Valley Landscape Plan’ to transform the Tarn Valley into a “productive, sustainable valley that builds quality of life”.
While last summer confirmed the future of a global climate marked by a succession of extreme episodes that brought its share of disasters, it also marks the beginning of a definitely more robust future for the Tarn Valley.
In any case, under the auspices of the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park, the “living forces” of the area that decided to take the bull by the horns to excite the future are the self-appointed “specifics”. recent climate skeptics. “Today we know that in 2050 we will have 25 more days per year with temperatures above 30°C. Therefore, we expect droughts to increase as a result of the loss of 10 days of rain per year.”, summarizes Fabien Daumas, project manager for planning and landscape at PNR. Always on this horizon, “The Tarn-Amont alliance also announces that the Tarn flow rate has been reduced by at least 20%”Jean-Francois Dumas, vice-president of the PNR, completes. “Landscape plan of the green valley” I want the first “enlightenment”.
Mostuéjouls fire last August only the part that was under water. The planet’s climate future will have a problematic, even catastrophic, impact on life in the Tarn Valley, where population decline is accompanied by aging.
The problem is not there for PNR, which has just presented its forecast and action plan for the coming years. In an area whose economy is more or less limited to tourism, viticulture and horticulture, there is no longer any certainty with the average increase in temperature and decrease in expected rainfall.
Redo the frosting
Tomorrow, the low water level, as it was partially last summer, how can one navigate a river that does not allow it today? How can you grow cherries and make a decent profit when Drosophila suzukii, a small winged pest well known to producers in the Valley, is already wreaking havoc on plantations? If asking these questions does not yet require answering them, the Park’s idea is to stimulate reflection on these topics that will permanently change the landscape of the green valley and its habitat on 160 km². 50 km covering 16 municipalities between the villages of Rozier and Viale du Tarn. “Depending on the sectors, the type of soil, the type of product, there is no single and unique solution, claims Fabien Daumas. To fight the Suzukii fly, for example, there is a natural predator, a small bee. INRA is currently studying the interests of bringing this predator to France. We “We can also change the range or install very small mesh nets. A mechanical solution, of course, costs more.” Growers don’t seem ready to speculate yet, preferring to turn to mirabelle plums, which are less susceptible to pests but require more water. “This valley has a really special character, Fabien Daumas, thanks to these vineyards, these grapes, but also the cultivation of truffles,” sums up. their areas reach 260, 80 and 50 hectares, respectively. Everything that is neutral at a certain territorial scale is a condition for adaptation to climate, and no longer the reverse.
Goal “Zero Phyto”
Jean-Francois Dumas confirms that water resources are an important issue. The life of the area is important for the activity of the 212 farmers of the perimeter and for horticulture, where 15 producers already work along the green valley – producers who have committed to reduce the use of agricultural products by 50%. 3 to 4 years now – this valuable resource will be more important than ever in the years to come.
Indispensable for agriculture, it also determines the economy of the entire area through a tourism component essential for the first mild summer weather. “We are working, of course, on the reduction of phytosanitary products, a point where producers and municipalities have made great progress, confirms the project manager, but also around outdoor activities that can lead to conflicts of use in protected areas. Especially rich in biodiversity. The aim is also to transform these environments with more sustainable practices. to protect.” Protect the residents of the “Green Valley” while also allowing them to be part of the future of the land that belongs to them.
