Céline Le Pichon, Research engineer in hydroecology, INRAE (testimonial from the dossier “Regional nature parks and INRAE, a partnership for regional transition” – 2024)
“My research focuses on the influence of the structure of aquatic habitats on the spatial distribution of fish populations in rivers. The partnership with the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse NRP began in 2012 at the request of the ‘aquatic environments’ project manager, who wanted to benefit from our expertise in selecting rivers where ecological restoration would be appropriate. The NRP has major water-related issues, as its territory is dotted with springs. We therefore worked together to restore ecological continuity. We supported the park in its strategy to monitor restoration operations. Using data on the state of watercourses collected by the park during the previous charter and additional measurements acquired by our team of hydro-ecologists, we helped it prioritise three watercourses to be renatured with the aim of preserving the fario trout. At the same time, we helped raise awareness of ecological restoration among the park’s elected representatives during field visits and ‘water classes’. This project has been rich from a scientific point of view. It also taught us how to interact with different stakeholders and helped us build a relationship of trust with the project manager.”
Testimonial from our thematic dossier
Thematic dossier
Regional nature parks and INRAE, a partnership for regional transition
The regional nature parks (PNR), set up in 1967 and now numbering 58, are important partners for INRAE. This partnership has been strengthened since the signing of a framework agreement with the Fédération des PNR in 2021. INRAE’s scientists, who are committed to the issues of sustainable development of territories and transitions, are involved in a variety of ways, ranging from research collaboration to expertise on scientific councils. This dossier illustrates the rich and diverse partnership between the two partners, which makes the NRPs innovative laboratories for change and research areas for public policy support.
