The collapse of biodiversity, its imbalances and its transformation are realities we must all face. Pollution, elimination and degradation of natural environments...human activities are always the cause. As a result, the food chain and pollination are being disrupted and the living environment of humans is changing. Animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, rivers... to protect this unique heritage, it is necessary to identify it, understand it, preserve natural environments and compensate for the damage done.
Over the kilometres and territories covered, the motorway crosses different ecosystems and natural environments. It is in itself an ecosystem and a refuge of biodiversity with 1,000 hectares of natural heritage. Just like safety, biodiversity is an essential part of the motorway concession operator’s work. We adopt specific differentiated management practices for sensitive natural areas to protect living species. On the other hand, our approach is linked by a common thread: we take care of biodiversity as far upstream as possible to protect, save or restore it.
Managing green spaces in an ecological way
The APRR network is home to numerous wooded areas and dry and wet grasslands that are often reservoirs of biodiversity. In total, we manage nearly 10,000 hectares of green spaces. We are creating pockets of naturally maturing forest and shelters and we are making sure to reconnect the biodiversity that thrives in these areas with the natural environment. We adopt appropriate practices by practising respectful and differentiated mowing and eco-grazing in more than 150 sites across 200 hectares with the objective of reaching more than 500 hectares by 2030. We take care of the animals – swallows, bats – that nest in the works of art.
Reviving ecological networks
Because it can cut off fragile areas and natural spaces, the motorway has a responsibility to minimise impacts to protect biodiversity. APRR is working to re-establish the green and blue network. An ambitious plan has been launched to strengthen the ecological functionality of 20 streams adjacent to the network. We have also invested in a unique programme in France constructing 19 new ecobridges for the passage of large fauna and ecotunnels for small fauna.
Offsetting
For each development operation, we carry out studies to compensate, if necessary, for the impacts of our work. More than 800 hectares have already been subject to environmental offset measures, such as the 50,000 shrubs planted as part of the A480 project. The latter relate to reforestation along the motorway - 1.3 million trees planted - with the aim of increasing the capture of CO2 via natural areas by 10% by 2025, burying networks to improve life, and support for local agricultural projects. For the expansion of the A75, we financed the development of an orchard school, a cutting workshop for orchardists, the promotion of Billom’s pink garlic with the search for a new PGI and the opening of a platform supplying local organic products to half the Clermont-Claude urban area
Protecting water resources and aquatic environments
APRR invests to protect catchment areas, breached or lagged rivers and vulnerable areas. It has created runoff collection networks and is equipping itself with treatment equipment. Notably, it has extended the treatment system for diffuse discharges of all viaducts spanning waterways. In 2017, we decided to go further, by strengthening the protection of eight sensitive areas in our network: catchment areas, natural areas classified as unique or with a strong environmental interest. In these areas, the collection of runoff water has been organised thanks to impermeable surface installations (slot gutters, concrete ditches) and buried collectors, allowing water to be transported to multifunction treatment basins. Rainwater is decanted and de-oiled before being returned to the natural environment. From 1,200 basins, we collect approximately 2,000 tonnes of sediment per year, across our entire network.
The ecobridges
19 new ecobridges are being built between 2022 and 2023 across the APRR and AREA networks in addition to the 100 that already exist. These wildlife crossings are designed to protect animal species and the surrounding natural ecosystems. They aim to restore the movement of wildlife interrupted by the motorway infrastructure.
