Natura 2000 site - Clarée Valley

Today, Natura 2000 sites represent 18% of the European Union's land area and constitute the world's largest network for the preservation of biodiversity.

The Natura 2000 site - The Clarée Valley and the Étroite Valley

These two valleys are subject to a wide range of altitudes and a variety of topographical, geological, and microclimatic conditions. These variations are factors that promote biodiversity and make the site remarkable for its fauna, flora, and natural habitats. Thanks to their biological richness, these valleys are part of the Natura 2000 network.

Covering an area of 25,732 hectares, the Clarée Natura 2000 site extends from 1,350 to 3,178 meters above sea level. It includes part of the municipalities of La Salle-les-Alpes, Saint-Chaffrey, Monêtier-les-Bains, Val-des-Prés, and the entire municipality of Névache.

The fauna, flora, and habitats of community interest present:
More than 1,000 plant species have been recorded, including the Venus's slipper orchid, the Austrian dragonhead, and the queen of the Alps. The fauna is equally rich, with 400 insects inventoried and 15 species of bats detected, including the European barbastelle, the Geoffroy's bat, and the lesser mouse-eared bat.

Habitats:
35 natural habitats of Community interest, including 7 habitats of priority Community interest, have been identified and cover 96% of the site's surface area.

Life at Natura 2000 sites:

In France, a document defines the actions to be taken in each sector to achieve the planned conservation objectives.
A steering committee made up of elected officials, representatives of local stakeholders, government departments, and scientists meets annually to review what has been achieved.
The structure responsible for monitoring the implementation of the objectives is the town hall of Névache.
Monitoring of Community species and habitats is carried out in order to better understand conservation issues.