In a territory where there are numerous winter sports resorts of international renown, and in the face of the development of ski touring and snowshoeing, the Vanoise National Park is launching a campaign to raise awareness about the disturbance of wildlife in winter, in the wake of the Alpine initiative Be Part of the Mountain.
# THE PNV LAUNCHES ITS BE PART OF THE MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the activity of ski touring in the Alps and in the Vanoise region. But there has also been a rise in the popularity of snowshoeing and extreme sports such as free-riding. The international reputation of the ski resorts in the Vanoise region attracts a large number of visitors, especially at a time when wild animals are also trying to survive the winter.
Freedom and responsibility
What is a space of freedom for lovers of untouched snow and wide open spaces is a vital space for wildlife. Disturbance caused by passing skiers or walkers leads to exhausting flight behaviour. These animals are already weakened during this season, whether the black grouse, the chamois or the ptarmigan, among others. Disturbance of wildlife is still very often the result of ignorance.
By informing and empowering winter sports enthusiasts, we can contribute to a better coexistence, an equilibrium between our activities and the wildlife in the Alps.
Thus, the Vanoise National Park has launched its «Be Part of the Mountain» campaign this winter. Recently, it has been spreading awareness messages and information about the needs of the wildlife. Tools and dedicated graphics have also been made available to the ambassadors. Ambassadors who have already responded to relay the campaign for wider dissemination across the territory.
The communication tools
- An A5 double-sided flyer to raise awareness of the problem of wildlife disturbance in winter, with a series of simple tips to put into practice, whether on mountain tops, at the forest edge or in the forest itself, to limit your impact.
- A series of stickers with 4 different designs to stick on your helmet, goggles, computer, etc. Distributed free of charge.
- Two organic cotton T-shirt designs featuring the campaign visuals, available for sale on thee-shop and in the information points of the Park.
Let's share the mountain
Following a first edition at ENSA in Chamonix on 17 January, Daniel Rodrigues, ecologist, mountain leader, videographer and photographer, will come and talk to us about winter, the winter that calls, with the urge to leave your tracks in the powder… and about this snowy mountain that we share with a varied wildlife, subject like us to the constraints of the season. Getting to know these animals better means learning to share the mountain in which we move. Daniel Rodrigues will also present some simple actions and tips to preserve this environment.
# A campaign initiated by ALPARC on the Alpine Arc
Be Part of the Mountain is an international cooperation initiative that brings together protected areas, nature conservation associations, public authorities, Alpine clubs and ambassadors across the Alps.
Coordinated by ALPARC, Be Part of the Mountain aims to facilitate the exchange of good practices and to encourage the implementation of convergent communication actions to raise awareness among nature sports practitioners about the problem of wildlife disturbance in winter and to initiate a change in behavior. Be Part of the Mountain also contributes to the visibility of many existing initiatives.
www.bepartofthemountain.org
# Become ambassadors Be Part of the Mountain
The Vanoise National Park is calling on winter nature sports enthusiasts to join the movement by becoming Be Part of the Mountain ambassadors. It also encourages them to share the initiative on social media using the hashtag #bepartofthemountain.
For mountain professionals who wish to support the initiative and raise awareness among holidaymakers, the Park is providing a free communication kit (flyers, stickers and demonstration t-shirts).
They are ambassadors and they tell us why:
Guillaume Collombet: 28 years old, Wildlife photographer and filmmaker.
«I choose to be a Be Part of the Mountain ambassador because I am regularly in contact with the wildlife that survives in the heart of the Alpine winter. I want to take the most ethical approach possible in my work, because no image justifies disturbing wildlife!»
« The development of winter tourism activities is taking up more and more space in the animals’ habitat. Sometimes practitioners simply lack the knowledge to reconcile the enjoyment of winter sports with respect for the mountain. That is why the BPM movement interests me. Because marvelling at a mountain hare huddled in its form or a group of ptarmigans watching us from a ridge, while enjoying skiing and limiting our disturbance, is possible!»
«During my talks on wildlife photography or film screenings at ski resorts, I regularly have the opportunity to interact with the audience. Faced with poignant images of animals surviving in snowstorms, this exchange is made easier to raise awareness among holidaymakers or local mountain enthusiasts about this issue. Be Part of the Mountain offers a great opportunity to address these questions at every meeting.”.
Lauriane Miara: 28 years old, Illustrator and Graphic Designer
Having recently arrived in Haute Tarentaise, my work focuses on environmental protection. Trained in environmental sciences, I am fortunate to be able to combine two passions: drawing and natural spaces.»
«I am a Be Part of the Mountain ambassador because the disturbance of wildlife is an issue that affects me personally. Our mountain activities take up a lot of space, and I believe a balance must be found between human activities and wildlife. In the mountains, we are not alone.»
«As an illustrator, I try to highlight the beauty of natural environments. Since nature is inherently beautiful, my goal is to highlight its fragility through details and a sensitive approach. Through this, I hope to inspire a desire to protect the small and large wonders of nature.»
Mathieu Navillod – 27 years old, ESI Ambassador and Ski Instructor – Ski Instructor Training (FFS)
«I care about the Be Part of the Mountain initiative. Because nature is what makes my sport so beautiful. Nature and the wildlife it shelters are an inseparable whole. I ski and spend time in the mountains for the beauty of the setting. Protecting it is therefore a priority.»
«Through a positive and clear message, I would like to present the right behaviour to adopt in areas that are home to wildlife. Photography and video are effective means of communication for this. Reaching as many people as possible by going beyond the «frame» of the Park: cafés, mountain huts, events, gatherings.»
« I grew up in Haute Tarentaise, in Tignes, in a family of enthusiasts who have always lived with great respect for nature. Hiking, skiing, wildlife watching in the Park… From a very young age I was lucky enough to be made aware of the fragility and beauty of natural spaces, and so it is only natural for me in turn to share and promote the right behaviour to adopt.»
Everyone can become an ambassador
Everyone can become a Be Part of Mountain ambassador in their own way, by adopting good practices and joining the BPM community.
All useful links and contacts:
- Watch and relay The teaser of the initiative
- Join the community on social media with #bepartofthemountain
- Become an ambassador alongside the National Park by contacting the National Park by email accueil@vanoise-parcnational.fr
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