Biodiversity: A website lists the restoration efforts underway in the field

Protecting the environment requires the involvement of all stakeholders in local communities: citizens, schools, organizations, businesses, local governments, and so on. To identify all local initiatives promoting biodiversity in metropolitan France and its overseas territories, Barbara Pompili, Secretary of State for Biodiversity, launched the “La Biodiv en Action”* web platform in early October.   Because nothing is possible without the involvement of stakeholders on the ground, the Ministry of the Environment aims to highlight “initiatives, success stories, and expertise in three areas: nature education, nature in the city, and the biodiversity economy.” The goal of the “I’m Taking Action for Biodiversity” platform is thus to increase the number of examples to follow and better showcase them, in order to inspire further commitment to action, drawing on the experience of those who have already taken the plunge. The site already lists nearly 80 initiatives to explore for inspiration. Anyone can view the initiatives that have been implemented and “suggest, showcase, or register their own initiatives” online. However, for an initiative to be approved on the site, it must meet three criteria:

• the project must be local and already underway;
• there must be feedback from experience (sufficient hindsight, any available biodiversity data, easily accessible or visible, etc.);
• the initiative must not be for commercial purposes and must not be a research project, the result of a study, or a scientific publication.

Each proposal published on the platform will receive public recognition and will be promoted to the local press. The initiative must address one of the following factors contributing to biodiversity loss:

• preventing the disappearance of species, habitats, and ecosystems, or restoring natural habitats in an area that was previously developed;
• prevent the overconsumption of natural resources or facilitate the reintroduction of endangered species;
• prevent the use of polluting products or help combat pollution;
• combat the presence of invasive alien species;
• contribute to the fight against global warming.

  * http://evenements.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/campagne/la-biodiv-en-action