Adaptation to climate change, transitions and revitalization of the Upper Dordogne Valley

Introduction

Delimited by the hydrographic perimeter of the Upper Dordogne Valley, the project concerns a mid-mountain territory of about 200 km² structured around the river and covering the Natura 2000 sites of the Lakes and Rivers at Otters (FR8301095) and the Monts Dore (FR8301042). It mainly takes place in 2 small towns: La Bourboule (1,800 inh.) and Mont-Dore (1,300 inhab.).

Vulnerability to Climate Change

The natural environments and activities of the territory are particularly vulnerable to climate change and associated risks, including:

• Reduced snow cover
• Changing rainfall patterns
• Increasing temperatures

Project Objectives

The general objective of the project is to initiate a transformation of this mid-mountain territory towards a sustainable model supported by a collective of public-private-civil actors (PPC), adapted to the challenges of climate change. The project promotes:

1. Nature-based Solutions
2. The use of renewable energies
3. Soft and collective mobility

Strategic Development

Based on the development of strategic studies that inscribe the approach on the long term, and restoration works to stimulate resilience to climate change, the project aims to:

• Support the territory in its transition
• Strengthen consultation and collaboration between public-private-civil actors

The results obtained will be disseminated through communication actions.

Demonstrative Character

The project presents the demonstrative character, reproducible in France and Europe, of an adaptation to climate change organized around a river. This includes:

• The implementation of Nature-based Solutions
• The experimentation of new models of production and use of renewable energy
• New modes of collaboration between public, civic, and private actors

Policy Contributions

The proposed actions contribute to the implementation of the policies of the EU, the French State, and local political guidelines for the environment and climate, including:

• Climate change adaptation
• Nature and biodiversity conservation
• Energy transition
• Water management
• Risk reduction
• Community participation
• Development of public-private partnerships