Managing a Delta Environment

The Camargue in France is part of the Rhone Delta system and among the four largest in Europe, extending over 930km2 (2400 square miles and opens up to the Mediterranean Sea.One percent of the globe are deltas at serious risk and figuring climate change into the equation takes cooperation based on the future and on issues that are not immediately apparent.

The Grande Camargue is situated in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône in Provence while the Petite Camargue is located on the western part of the delta, which is located in the Gard department in Languedoc-Roussillon.

The the delta area consists of dunes, pools, marshes, grasslands and forests. Approximately a third of the Camargue is wetlands; lakes, marshlands, salt marshes, and salt water lagoons (Etangs). Wetlands in the north dominate 84% of the natural environments. This includes the Regional Natural Park of Camargue, a nature preserve (101,000ha or 390 square miles), that was set aside in 1927 and granted National Park status in 1970.

Like other delta regions around the world, the management and eventual fate of the Camargue is a story for us all.

The largest Etang in the delta area is the Etang de Vaccares

Industries

The Camargue landscape is characterized by the constant movement of fresh and salt waters. Irrigation water is diverted to the north of the delta while sea water is introduced in the south for the production of salt. The movement of waters reflects economic and social tensions to be managed in a time of climate change.

Salt, rice, agriculture e.g, wheat, and tourism are primary economies in the Camargue. Other industries are wine production and, bulls for both meat and performance, as well as the white horses that are a tourist draw.

Two-thirds of the Camargue is agricultural land where rice pad dies occupy former forests, meadows, salt marshes, and reeds.

Salt marshes near Salin-de-Giraud in the southeast corner of the Camargue produce up to 15,000 tons a day in the summer. Salt is mined mainly along the final stretch of the Grand Rhône. It is an industry that dates back to Romans times (first century AD).

In terms of management challenges, with over one million visitors per year, tourism might be the Camargue’s most important economy that strongly impacts the Camargue environment. Beach tourism, the largest attraction in the Camargue, is followed by cultural tourism in the nearby cities of Arles and Saintes-Maries-de-la Mer. Nature tourism and agro-tourism are more important in the belt of multiple uses.

The main actors in the tourism industry are the managers of protected natural areas, the managers for agro-pastoral areas, public bodies (municipalities, tourist offices) and users of the beaches who go camping and kite-surfing."

After its harvest in September, salt is stored in salt banks at the mouth of the Rhone, where the hamlets of Saline-de-Giraud and Aigues Mortes are located and then distributed for use in food, or to salt frozen roads in winter.

Rice is the leading cereal grown worldwide for human consumption, and is the staple food of more than half the world's population. Seventy-five percent of French rice comes from 5,000 hectares cultivated in the Camargue. Rice paddies dominate agricultural lands which were once forests and meadows.

The vegetation of the delta is determined by the hydrological regime and by salinity.

Variations of ecosystems are critical to maintaining delta environment including its rich biodiversity. For instance, the 'sansouire' is an environment where the salt-level means that only some plant species (salicornes, sodas, sea-purslane, saladelles) can develop. They can be partially flooded during the year, letting some "salicornia rafts" appear here and there.

In summertime, a significant increase in salt levels can occur in places, causing white patches to appear on the ground. Grassy areas provide a rare and patchy natural environments in the Camargue. These patches occur in areas where the ground and topographic conditions allow a large number of legumes (clover, lotuses, vetches) and grasses (bermuda grass, tufts, bentgrass) to complete their cycle before the intense summer dry-period that brings an increase in salt levels.

Plants in contact with saline water such as seagrasses prevail where the edges of the lagoon meet the Mediterranean.As an example, Eel grasses Zostera app are found in Intertidal zones. These perennial herbaceous plants are critical to spawning beds and feeding zones for coastal fish and herbivorous waterfowl.

The intertidal zone is the area between high and low tides found on sandy beaches, in bays and stares, and along rocky shorelines. Rocks are covered and uncovered daily by the ocean and unique and highly diverse tide pool communities are formed. Marine animals in this zone are able to withstand exposure to air and pounding waves.

The adaption of organisms depends on where the internal zone is. Calmer and warmer waters have other species such as Ruppia app. Vast areas of brackish marshland within the delta and to a lesser extent throughout the Mediterranean basin include the dominant occupation of Salicornia (glassworts. Plants found in these marshlands help maintain structures by capturing sediments that are observed as mounds across the Camargue plain.

Scattered freshwater marshes and reed-beds Marshlands harbour floating or submerged vegetation including sedges, rushes and reeds. p> Used for hunting or for pasture in the summer period, marshes are sought out by nesting and wintering bird species.

Grasslands - Mediterranean xerophyllic grasslands; Mediterranean gallery forest with Salix alba and Populus alba; Carex communities;

Flowers surrounding the fresh water ponds and lagoons are also abundant, such as the yellow iris and water crowfoot, which flower in spring. There are many species of reeds in the Camargue that are mainly found in the "High Camargue" and along the banks of Rhône. Among them, Sagne is one of the most useful reeds because it is used for rooftops. This reed is imported throughout the mediterreanean." While most reeds are associated with fresh water Sagne, which is highly visible on the landscape, tolerates a range of salinity and water levels.

The few forestations, called “ripisylve” are close to the banks of the Rhône and consist mainly of white poplars, ashes and elms.

The prevailing tamarisk is an ancient, salt water tolerant tree.

Fauna (wild and domestic)

An indigenous wild fauna persists in the Camargue, despite intensive agriculture. Vertebrates include about 75 species of fish, 10 amphibians, 15 reptiles (excepted turtle) and 398 birds, of which 111 regularly breed here.The grazing by manades » (livestock) of bulls and horses permits the development of a carpet of “saladelles” (sea lavenders) while several species of salwort cover the salted and monotonous ground called “sansouire” this is an emblematic landscape in Camargue. The tamarisk is one of the few trees able to stand the salinity, there are groves all over the plain.

Sea Lavender

Birds

The Ideal months for bird-watching are the mating period of April to June, with the greatest number of flamingos present between April and September.

Around 540 species of birds have been observed in france. The camargue’s wetlands are a major staging area for more than 400 of these species. The most obvious and visible are the flamingos (10,000 to 15000 couples[1]). Some flamingo varieties living on small island lagoons have existed in the camargue for hundreds of years. Of birds. The camargue is also the only home to nine species of european herons. Also included a number of duck species, and the largest glossy ibis population in France.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

We too often think of competition rather than a more balanced view that considers symbiotic relationships.There is symbiosis between cattle and horses and plants and indigenous understanding. OUr world view and our cultural understanding will regarding this understanding greatly impacts how we view and manage climate change and the outcome of our acts. The Camargue parc, is the primary nesting in place in France for flamingos. The survival of the flamingos has been threatened by humans animals and weather, particularly the mistrial and southeasterly winds which can swamp the breeding grounds. Though tourism is critical to the economy, it leaves a sizable footprint on efforts to protect particular species. Such events as low flying aircraft can create a large disturbance among the flamingos. Flamingos follow water levels and limate change could have a range of effects on their survival.

The thatched roof or sagne has been used for roof tops in France and in Europe since the Middle Ages. While it has been found in other places in Europe, the Camargue plant and the skills it takes to work with Sagne are considered best from the Camargue.

'Sagneurs' collect the reeds in winter to roof houses in France and abroad. However, machines have in great part have replaced the laborer's skill and this loss of culture and labor has impacted the Camargue environment in negative ways.

Skilled Sagne workers are fighting to keep their tradition and have formed an association.

working together..

It is more critical that large
interests work with small interests .
Maintaining relationships with nature and cooperation among groups will ultimately determine the fate of the Camargue, its people, and its wildlife, along with other deltas.

One by one - New uses to old tricks.

Tradition as the "new" ecology....Rooftop with indigenous species -sagne” used for building the roof of “guardians” ’huts.) and yellow iris and water crowfoots flower in spring.

Three villages

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is the capital town of the Camargue, once a small fishing village; Today it is a sea side town attracting thousands of tourists each year .

Arles

Arles is an historic on the edge of the Camargue on the banks of the Rhone It is the largest city in France. Its ruins include an amphitheatre and a cryptoporticus. Arles has a large market that has produce from the camargue and the Rhone valley in general.

Aigues Mortes

THE MEDIEVAL FORTIFIED TOWN OF AIGUES MORTES

Aigues Mortes (town of the dead waters) is a Medieval fortified town which was originally a busy port with access to the Mediterranean sea but over the centuries a build up of silt means that it now sits in an area of salty marsh.

Managing the Delta

Like other deltas around the world, fresh water meets the sea, and for better or worse, human intervention has been conducting the delta since the first century.

The Camargue is one of 33 other major deltas (where rivers meet the sea) worldwide that represent critical habitat.

Deltas are the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Types of wetlands include swamps, bogs, marshes and estuaries. Most are particularly vulnerable to natural forces and under threat because their rich soils are attractive and amenable to industries like rice production.

Though the Camargue is protected from the sea by dunes and sandbars, and numerous containment efforts over centuries, it remains a vast expanse governed by the flow of the river that constantly alters its shape and boundaries with a will of its own.

Human populations were once small in the Camargue which was viewed as unhealthy and unaccessible for permanent residency. That has changed with events such as intensified agriculture and the growth of the tourism industry as people are more mobile. Additionally, the Camargue faces additional pressures from surrounding urban sprawl.

Management challenges are further compounded because although the Camargue territory because it is one of the more protected environments in the world.

Managing the resources of the camargue to benefit humans and the rest of nature requires finding space for both preservation of habitats and for the production of agricultural products. This requires reimagining and configuring an ever changing environment that also faces tremendous external pressures such as growth of the human population and the industry of tourism as well as prevailing conditions and natural events.

Similar to other delta regions the management challenge continues to be its instability and the high vulnerability of different species into even relatively slight changes in salinity. Competition among species subject to changes in water levels and salinity, either through human manipulation or natural events is common. Climate change makes good management more pressing

climate change

Today rice, tourism, and sea salt industrially harvested by big companies such Pechiney and Solvay are important industries for the region. Along with their importance they have a large impact on the delta system.
Indigenous interests, however, hold a special knowledge about how to manage the resources of the camargue to benefit humans and the rest of nature. they hold an intimate knowledge of the systems functions. that will inalterably come. Given the complexity of the camargue this requires diverse knowledge systems that are shared through cooperation, alliances, andGiven the complexity of the camargue this requires diverse knowledge systems that are shared through cooperation, alliances, and partnerships. It also takes strong leadership to bring together diverse interests in a useful and meaningful way. A principle mission of the parc de naturele is to reconcile human activity with protection of species. Constant weighing of public space and conservation…. While not without conflict between rice growers, fishermen and conservationists, it is an example of Part of its success was an inclusive process engaging users, residents, and governmental bodies. It is now administered by local residents, several associations, and government. 400 of these species. The most obvious and visible are But the ceaseless tide of economic demands, there since before the time of the Romans, exacts a heavy toll.

The digal a la mer is one of the largest and one of the oldest dykes. Hard engineering such as this can no longer work on its own but must work in concert with a dynamic natural environment"

Despite the 19th century dikes and the newer construction of additional dikes and dams, the 20 million m3 of mud annually carried downstream by the Rhône slowly project the Camargue into the Mediterranean. Hard engineering is only a part of the equation. Working with nature to build viable systems is even more fundamental. There is a lot at stake for humans and other life.

There are significant challenges to preserving wildlife habitat and natural capital in general. The challenges include external pressures, climate change, lack of political will, and reality that trial and error restoration efforts with successes and failures on the part of management in the face of diverse and pressing needs is common. finally, Wetlands have not been appreciated by the public, not only in relation to their critical role in preserving evnironmental and agricultural health, but in relation to their beauty. For that, when it comes to the Camargue, there is at least the attraction of white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos to get people's attention.

The People

About 110 000 people live permanently within the biosphere reserve. However, the number rises up to 220 000 in the summer (1997) making tourism one of the main management issues. People in the region are mainly engaged in the tourism industry and services, agriculture, salt extraction and fisheries

THE GARDIANS

the tourists

Over a million tourists visit The Camargue annually to see the area's flora and fauna as well as the famous Camargue horses, bulls, and birds - particularly the highly visible flamingos.

The Étang du Vaccarès and the central islands are out of bounds, however, there are special nature trails, paths, and sea dikes where wildlife can be observed.

THE ROMA

On that day that Saint Sara, a humble servant, leaves her cloister travels to the sea carried by her worshippers, the Romani (gypsies) are quiet inside the church.
Outside, what looks like thousands of people wait until Sara is carried to the mediterranean sea…followed by the procession

Sarah, the patron saint of the gypsy culture, was the housemaid for Mary-Jacobe and Mary-Salome and Lazarus. According to local legend, when the Maries and Lazarus were sent out to sea in a small boat during the persecution of Christians by the Jews, they left Sarah behind. She cried out and one of the Mary's threw her coat onto the water. Sara stepped onto the coat and it bore her to the boat.

In nearby Arles,the gypsies are recorded as having been there in 1438. Aside from that information, There is no written record only oral traditions passed through generations. It is thought that the gypsies might have migrated to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue from the north-west of India around the year 900.

Now is a mix, a tension at times, between tradition and chinese goods. This tension is not in isolation. The Romani have been detained and killed, at least attempted force to assimilate, and forced to move. The same government might change its mind between one or the other.

The tension also exists in religion. Catholicism is the primary religion followed by the Roma. However, while they were welcomed at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, their future is not certain.

ORGANIZATIONS needing volunteers

Managing the resources of the camargue to benefit humans and the rest of nature requires intimate knowledge of the systems functions and effects of the dikes, floodgates, and nature’s will. Together with scientific understanding and effects of the dikes, floodgates, and nature’s will can adapt to changes

THINKING GLOBALLY IN THE CAMARGUE

Warnings about what we now call climate change have ocurred for over a century. This is beginning to change with more protections from the community level to national laws and policy are put into place.

Still, that is not enough. One percent of the globe are deltas at serious risk and figuring climate change into the equation takes cooperation based on the future and on issues that are not immediately apparent.

A few illustrative examples are the Parque Nacional de Donana, a critical wetland habitat in Spain

Challenges

Will the climate change scenarios that unfold enable the current temporary marshes to remain as they are with no modifications to their hydrological management? What volumes of water are or will be needed for the different management methods and activities practised? A hydrological simulation tool based on the study of 30 marshes in the camargue visualise the impacts of different ways of management (inputs/outputs of called Mar-O-Sel estimates fresh or salt water at different times of the year) regarding the salinity of saltmarsh surface and groundwater.

West nile virus With global warming, the expectation is that the disease will be more frequent, and the worry for the health authorities is that it could soon affect humans as well as horses.