Protecting biodiversity

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Boasting 140 hectares of green spaces, the University of Bordeaux has created a detailed biodiversity roadmap to preserve these spaces and fully integrate them into its real estate strategy.

Photo : The university is committed to protecting, restoring and promoting biodiversity © University of Bordeaux
The university is committed to protecting, restoring and promoting biodiversity © University of Bordeaux

This programme is based in particular on more than 80 nature studies that have been carried out since 2013, an in-depth soil hydrometry study and an analysis of the ecological potential and soil quality of the Talence, Pessac and Gradignan campuses. The mapping that has been carried out has allowed us establish sanctuary zones where the university community preserves, monitors and studies plant and animal species of interest.

A biodiversity discovery trail, created over 10 years ago, brings together researchers and student associations involved in the 3B (Biodiversity, Biomass, Bordeaux) project. In general, the university promotes and supports participatory projects focusing on biodiversity, such as communal gardens, nesting boxes, planted areas, etc. It strives to unite these initiatives and provide them with an environment that allows them to be maintained and replicated, and new ones to be launched, such as the recent introduction of an eco-grazing contract.

  • 74,87%

    the percentage of undeveloped land

Sustainable grass cutting, delayed mowing, flower meadows and the development of eco-grazing are being trialled on campus. A tree management plan has been put in place.

Current objectives and initiatives

Assessing and monitoring biodiversity on campus: water, soil, flora and fauna

To preserve and promote biodiversity, the university will carry out environmental studies and assessments on its campuses in order to improve understanding of its natural assets and to inform the choices made to ensure that these different spaces are properly managed. Concurrently, the introduction of zoning to define protected areas for sustainable management and areas for targeted management will ensure that biodiversity is preserved.

  • Studying and monitoring soil and water quality on campus
  • Continuing to assess and monitor the flora and fauna on campus (areas and species of interest, birds, trees)
  • Promoting proper management and use of undeveloped areas by involving communities

Promoting proper management and use of undeveloped areas by involving communities

  • Changing the requirements for the management of green spaces, developing areas subject to differentiated and extensive management
  • Rolling out a tree management plan
  • Continuing participatory initiatives to promote biodiversity: seed library, planting, communal gardens, monitoring species, etc.
  • Introducing a biodiversity charter with specifications for each type of area