Posted as guest by Calanques et Hommes:
On September 11, 2009, the Public Interest Group which is preparing guidelines for the future Calanques National Park proposed to create a restricted land and marine reserve along the Devenson Cliffs (from the Oeil de Verre to En Vau) and along the Soubeyranne Cliffs (from Canaille to l’Aigle). By definition, public access to restricted reserves is absolutely forbidden; only specially authorized scientific expeditions are permitted.
This proposal would apply to 8 km of coastline including 40% of rockclimbing sites. Understandably, many adepts of outdoor sports raised their voices in protest by means of blogs, videos, interventions of outdoor sports associations involved in the Public Interest Group, internet petitions, … why such a strong reaction?
1 - because not one single scientific argument was put forward to justify the creation of a restricted reserve
2 - because effective regulation should be based on objectives for protection that must be clearly defined, publicized, measurable, and evaluated.
In order to oppose the creation of a restricted reserve, a large fraction of the concerned parties has formed an associaiton called « Des Calanques et des Hommes » (People in the Calanques) which is proving to exert considerable influence upon the decisions begin taken about the future management of Calanques National Park.
We call upon you, climber, hiker, diver, kayaker, and others, whether you are French or friends from elsewhere in Europe, and upon all those who believe that it is possible to protect the Calanques without banishing human presence, to support our efforts by signing a petition to which 9000 signatures had already been added by October 17, 2009. Let all of us who love the Calanques join forces to create a long term, democratic management of this unique natural environment.
Sign the petition online:
[url][les-calanques.org/dossier-reserves-integrales/petition-refus-des-reserves.html/url]
Join the Association « Des Calanques et des Hommes »
[url][les-calanques.org//url]
The Collective and Association Des Calanques et des Hommes