Valserine
by Aurélie Monnier
portfolio winners call 'URBANAUTICA INSTITUTE AWARDS 2022', 2022
Category: Nature, Environment and Perspectives
In France and Europe, almost all rivers have been transformed by human activity, and have lost their natural balance. In France, only 5% of rivers are considered to have natural flows.
Since 2007, by the initiative of N.G.Os, local partners, fishing groups and inhabitants, the process to create a new tool of protection has been launched. After a period of experimentation, the "Wild Rivers" (Rivières Sauvages) label was officially launched in October 2014 with its first elected, the Valserine.
The Valserine is an exceptionnal river, flowing over 48kms in the Haut-Jura's valley to its confluence with the Rhône. The label has made it possible to highlight the efforts of the various actors in the life of the valley. In a context of big climatic upheaval and tensions around water, this place remains a haven and an example of preservation.