Le Lez River

1. General information

Location and description of the intervention

City or FUA

Montpellier

Region

Europe

Native title of the NBS intervention

Fleuve Le Lez

Short description of the intervention

"The Lez is a small Mediterranean river 28.5 km long, born from a karstic exurgence whose supply zone extends north of the source, over more than 150 km2. The “Le Lez” site was proposed in February 2001 because of the presence of several species and natural habitats protected at European level. The designated part concerns the upstream course of the Lez river, its riparian forest and associated agricultural environments. Covering an area of 144 hectares, the area stretches over 14 km from the Lez sources in Saint-Clément-de-Rivière to the Concorde bridge, in the town of Montpellier" (Ref. 4). Strong economic and demographic development near Le Lez implies urban pressure on peripheral sectors, particularly north of Montpellier where many residential areas are developing. The river became protected thanks to the "Natura 2000 European network" which aims to reconcile human activities and the conservation of biodiversity on the basis of the main principles of sustainable development (Ref. 4).

Address

Le Lez River in the city of Montpellier
34000 Montpellier
France

Location

The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by).

Area boundary

POINT (3.8643331990389 43.653238141127)

POINT (3.8686986000575 43.653320532693)

POINT (3.8657997374597 43.680699679605)

POINT (3.8631975617449 43.681076188686)

NBS area image

Source of NBS area image

http://www.syble.fr/uploads/images/natura/Carte%20p%C3%A9rim%C3%A8tre%20Natura%202000.pdf

Total area

1400000.00m²

NBS area

1400000.00m²

Type of area before implementation of the NBS

Natural Heritage Area/Untouched nature

Website of the intervention

http://www.syble.fr/natura-2000-le-lez/le-site-natura-2000-le-lez/

Timeline of intervention

Start date of the intervention (planning process)

2001

Start date of intervention (implementation process)

2011

End date of the intervention

ongoing

Present stage of the intervention

Ongoing

2. Objectives of the intervention

Goals of the intervention

-The preservation, improvement and balanced management of water resources
-Flood risk prevention and management
-Preservation, restoration and management of aquatic environments and wetlands
-Information and training in the field of water (Ref. 1)
-To protect the unique fish species that only exist in the river called "Chabot-du-Lez" (Ref. 7)
-Walking path along the river for citizens to enjoy the fauna and flora
- "Green lung" of the city (Ref. 10).

Quantitative targets

Goals to conduct: "9 species and habitat management actions
6 follow-up actions and improvement of knowledge
3 activities of animation, communication and awareness-raising" (Ref. 9)
Average flow rate of Le Lez 0.05 m3 / s (Ref. 12)
144 hectares, the area stretches over 14 km (Ref. 4).

Monitoring indicators defined

Number of hectares, stretching over number of km (Ref. 4).
Number of species and habitat management actions
Number of follow-up actions and improvement of knowledge
Number of activities of animation, communication and awareness-raising (Ref 9)
Average flow rate of Le Lez (Ref 12)

a monitoring protocol was developed in partnership by AFB (formerly ONEMA), DDTM34, Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole and SYBLE. It aims to carry out fish farming inventories and to monitor environmental parameters. (Ref 9)
Density of fish populations (Ref 9)

Sustainability challenge(s) addressed

Coastal resilience and marine protection (SDG 14)

Coastal protection / hazard mitigation

Marine and coastal biodiversity protection

Environmental quality

Air quality improvement

Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)

Habitat and biodiversity restoration

Habitat and biodiversity conservation

Water management (SDG 6)

Flood protection

Stormwater and rainfall management and storage

Cultural heritage and cultural diversity

Preservation of natural heritage

Health and well-being (SDG 3)

Enabling opportunities for physical activity

Creation of opportunities for recreation

Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)

Environmental education

Economic development and employment (SDG 8)

Tourism support

Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?

Species-focused

Ecosystem-focused

Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?

Protect and enhance urban habitats

Preserve and strengthen existing habitats and ecosystems

Promote environmentally-sound development in and around protected areas

Preserve and strengthen habitat connectivity

Reduce negative impacts and avoid the alteration/damage of ecosystem

Protect species

Undertake specific measures to protect species

Undertake specific measures to protect native species

Undertake specific measures to protect endangered species

Means for conservation governance

Raise public awareness

Create and use scientific knowledge for conservation

What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?

Ecosystem-focused

What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets?

Rehabilitate and restore damaged or destroyed ecosystems

Public engagement

Implementation activities

"Since 2011, the Department has been working on the development of DOCOB and has launched the animation phase. In this framework, several actions related to the improvement of knowledge on the environmental issues of the site, the conservation of the habitats and the species, the sensitization and the communication were carried out." (Ref. 8)
-Communication and Awareness action plans such as raising awareness among schoolchildren and the general public."(Ref. 8)
"Mayor of Montpellier, decided to launch the "Lez vert" program. Objective: to arrange the shores in their natural part inaccessible to the inhabitants by ensuring a continuity pedestrian and cycling while keeping the natural character of the site. From now on, a pedestrian walkway with wooden structures allows you to observe the fauna and flora" (Ref. 10)
-Cleaning days operations thanks to university students under a eco-citizen project (Ref. 11)

Type of NBS project

Management and improved protection of rivers and other blue areas

Protection of natural ecosystems

3. NBS domains, ES and scale

NBS domain and interventions

Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented

Blue infrastructure

Rivers/streams/canals/estuaries

In-land wetlands, peatlands, swamps, and moors

Parks and urban forests

Large urban parks or forests

Please specify "other parks or (semi)natural urban green area"

riparian forest (Ref 4)

Vegetation Type

Trees

Other

Please specify how many trees were planted

Unspecified,

Please specify other amenities offered by the NBS

Installation of information panels and site presentation on the frequented sectors of Montpellier, Clapiers and Castelnau-le-Lez" (Ref. 8).
Walking path along the river for citizens to enjoy the fauna and flora (Ref. 10)

Amenities offered by the NBS

Benches and drinking water stations

Viewing and outlook points

Other

Services

Expected ecosystem services delivered

Regulating services

Air quality regulation

Flood regulation

Habitat and supporting services

Habitats for species

Maintenance of genetic diversity

Cultural services

Tourism

Aesthetic appreciation

Recreation

Mental and physical health and wellbeing

Intellectual interactions (scientific and / or educational)

Physical and experiential interactions with plants and animals

Scale

Spatial scale

Meso-scale: Regional, metropolitan and urban level

Beneficiaries

Primary Beneficiaries

Local government/Municipality

Citizens or community groups

Other

Please specify "other primary beneficiary"

university students under a eco-citizen project (Ref. 11)

4. Governance and financing

Governance

Governance arrangements

Co-governance with government and non-government actors

Non-government actors

Coalition with multiple of the above

Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative

Department of Hérault is the main initiator (Régional). However, many actors are involved such as associations, citizens and other local organisations such as the city of Montpellier (Ref. 1).
-The Union of the Lez basin: "The Union is the guarantor of a comprehensive, coherent and concerted management of water and provides the necessary funding from Europe, the State, the Water Agency and local authorities." (documents to upload Ref. 7, "Télécharger le TOME 1 du DOCOB "Diagnostics, programme d'actions et charte Natura 2000", page 265).
-Cleaning days operations are performed thanks to university students under a eco-citizen project (Ref. 11)
-"Mayor of Montpellier, decided to launch the "Lez vert" program. (Ref 10)
-EU involvement: The Le Lez River is classified as a Natura 2000 site: "The "Lez" site was proposed in February 2001 because of the presence of several species and natural habitats protected at European level." (Ref. 4)

Key actors - initiating organization

Regional government

Local government/municipality

District/neighbourhood association

Land owners

Public space owned by the city

Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)

Regional government

Local government/municipality

Public sector institution

District/neighbourhood association

Citizens or community group

Researchers/university

EU body

Land owners

Public space owned by the city

Participatory methods/forms of community involvement used

Dissemination of information and education

Consultation (e.g. workshop, surveys, community meetings, town halls)

Citizen oversight (e.g. boards, advisory)

Citizen science

Citizen monitoring and review

Policy drivers

NBS intervention implemented in response to an Regional Directive/Strategy

Yes

Please specify the "Regional Directive/Strategy"

The Le Lez River is classified as a Natura 2000 site: "The "Lez" site was proposed in February 2001 because of the presence of several species and natural habitats protected at European level." (Ref. 4)
"Natura 2000, based on the application of the European Birds and Habitats Directives, is implementing concrete actions to ensure the maintenance or restoration of natural and semi-natural habitats and species of fauna and flora Of Community interest." (Ref. 1)

NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan

Unknown

NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan

Yes

Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan"

Biodiversity Plan (Ref. 5)

Mandatory or voluntary intervention

Mandatory (based on policy)

Intervention is mandatory

Spatial planning guidance

Spatial planning law

Environmental regulation

Enablers

Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS vision/strategy/plan - mentioned in connection to the project

Yes

Please specify

Green and Blue Network of the city (Ref. 5)

Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS section/part in a more general plan - mentioned in connection to the project

Yes

Please specify the general plan with GI/NBS section

Biodiversity Plan (Ref. 5)

If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme / type of the plan.

City specific green space strategy or plan

Biodiversity strategy or plan

Please specify other vegetation type

fauna and flora" (Ref. 10); wetlands (Ref 1)
riparian forest (Ref 4)

Presence of city network or regional partnerships focused on NBS - mentioned in connection to the project

Yes

Please specify

Natura 2000 (European Network) (Ref 1)

Presence of GI / NBS research project - mentioned in connection to the project

Yes

Please specify

Studies on the issues and forms of the urban river role with the example of the Le Lez River in Montpellier (Ref. 3)

Subsidies/investment for GI / NBS in the city - mentioned in connection to the project

Yes

Please specify

"The Union is the guarantor of a comprehensive, coherent and concerted management of water and provides the necessary funding from Europe, the State, the Water Agency and local authorities." (documents to upload Ref. 7, "Télécharger le TOME 1 du DOCOB "Diagnostics, programme d'actions et charte Natura 2000", page 265).

Co-finance for NBS

Yes

Co-financing governance arrangements

Yes

Co-governance arrangement

Other

Please specify other co-financing type

"The Syndicat du Bassin du Lez (SYBLE) was created by prefectural decree on July 13, 2007 and was recognized as an Etablissement Public Territorial de Bassin (EPTB) by prefectural decree on May 16, 2013.
It is a mixed union of studies, a true armed wing of SAGE. It was created after long phases of consultation and regulatory procedures" (Ref. 1).

Was this co-governance arrangement already in place, or was it set up specifically for this NBS?

Set up specifically for this NBS

Financing

Total cost

More than €4,000,000

What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?

172668 (Ref 7)

What are the total amount of expected annual maintenance costs?

Unknown

What is the expected annual maintenance costs of the NBS or GI elements?

Unknown

Please specify cost savings

Unknown

Please specify total cost (EUR)

Total is indicated as 172668€ (Ref. 7). "The Union is the guarantor of a comprehensive, coherent and concerted management of water and provides the necessary funding from Europe, the State, the Water Agency and local authorities." (documents to upload Ref. 7, "Télécharger le TOME 1 du DOCOB "Diagnostics, programme d'actions et charte Natura 2000", page 265).

It is reported elsewhere that the project cost over 56 million euros but exact figures are not available. "It is there, at its mouth, that it is the subject of the largest anti-flooding project in France with a budget of over 56 million euros" (Ref. 10).

Source(s) of funding

Public local authority budget

Public national budget

Public regional budget

EU funds

Type of fund(s) used

Earmarked public budget

Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities)

Non-financial contribution

Yes

Type of non-financial contribution

Provision of labour

Who provided the non-financial contribution?

Citizens (e.g. volunteering)

Other

Business models

Risk reduction model

Green heritage model

Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?

Public actor (e.g. municipality)

5. Innovation

Type of innovation

Social

Policy innovation

Cultural innovation

Novelty level of the innovation

The innovation is copied/derived from previous initiative(s) with substantial adaptation

Please specify novelty level of the innovation

The river has been classified as Site Natura 2000 since 2001 and similar sites around Europe have been protected before "Le Lez". (Ref. 4); "It is there, at its mouth, that it is the subject of the largest anti-flooding project in France with a budget of over 56 million euros" (Ref. 10).

Replicability/Transferability

Unknown

Please specify Replicability/Transferability

Unknown.

6. Evaluation and learning

Impacts, benefits

Environmental impacts

Water management and blue areas

Increased protection against flooding

Enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems

Enhanced protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems

Green space and habitat

Increase in protected green space areas

Increased number of protection areas

Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems

Reduced biodiversity loss

Increased protection of threatened species

Description of environmental benefits

Water management and blue areas
-Increased protection against flooding: qualitative description of enhanced flood risk prevention and management (Ref. 1)
-Enhanced protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems/marine and coastal: establishment of Natura 2000 area increased protected area by 144 hectares (Ref. 6) river and sea connection

Green space and habitat
-Increase in the number of protection areas/protected green space area: establishment of Natura 2000 area increased protected area by 144 hectares (Ref. 6). -This river has been classified as Site Natura 2000 to recognize its natural richness and to protect species such as the unique fish species that only exist in the river called "Chabot-du-Lez" (Ref. 7)

-Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems (local habitats for local species): Restoration and maintenance of riverine forests (Ref. 8).
-Reduction of biodiversity loss/Increased protection of threatened species: Qualitative description of successful efforts "To protect the unique fish species that only exist in the river called "Chabot-du-Lez" (Ref. 7)

Economic impacts

Unknown

Description of economic benefits

Unknown

Please specify other environmental justice issue

multispecies env justice: -This river has been classified as Site Natura 2000 to recognize its natural richness and to protect species such as the unique fish species that only exist in the river called "Chabot-du-Lez" (Ref. 7)

Type of reported impacts

Achieved impacts

Indicators

-Several actions related to the improvement of knowledge on the environmental issues of the site, the conservation of the habitats and the species, the sensitization and the communication were carried out." (Ref. 8)
-"Green lung" of the city (Ref. 10).
-Walking path along the river for citizens to enjoy the fauna and flora (Ref 4)
-Flood risk prevention and management (Ref. 1)
-To protect the unique fish species that only exist in the river called "Chabot-du-Lez" (Ref. 7)

Environmental, social and economic impacts

Water management (SDG 6)

Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)

Regeneration, land-use and urban development

Health and well-being (SDG 3)

Cultural heritage and cultural diversity

Analysis of specific impact categories

Job creation: The NBS created ...

Voluntary work opportunities

Environmental justice: The implementation of the NBS project resulted in ...

Improved access to green and/or blue spaces

Other

Please specify other method used to evaluate the impacts of NBS

http://www.syble.fr/meteo-direct/presentation-des-stations-meteorologiques/

Negative impacts: Did the project cause any problems or concerns?

No information was found regarding negative impacts of the project

COVID-19 pandemic

Stay at home orders were active in all of France from March 16, 2020 to May 11, 2020 (https://www.gouvernement.fr/en/coronavirus-covid-19). However, one article refers to the benefits Le Lez provided during lockdown as residents were still entitled to one hour of exercise per day near their homes: "Residing in the district, he walked here on the banks of the lez, from the dam of the Hôtel de Région to the Marché Du Lez, near Lattes. A course of about 2.5 km where you are fully immersed in a natural setting. “But not just visual, explains Mario Sinistaj. Absence of pollution and noise… You can hear the birds, the water running… It's unrecognizable ”, he said".

Available at: https://actu.fr/occitanie/montpellier_34172/montpellier-lez-paisible-ce-dimanche_32802649.html (Accessed: August 4, 2020).

Methods of impact monitoring

Process of recording NBS impacts

Collection of monitoring data continuously throughout the project to aid evaluation

Methods used to evaluate the impacts of NBS

GIS data analysis

Measurements of biophysical aspects of the NBS (e.g. temperature, water flow)

Observation (including virtual surveillance methods)

Evidence for use of assessment

Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process

Yes

Presence of indicators used in reporting

Yes

Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports

Yes

Link to monitoring/evaluation reports

http://www.syble.fr/natura-2000-le-lez/documents-a-telecharger-natura-2000/

Availability of a web-based monitoring tool

Yes

Link to a web-based monitoring tool

http://www.syble.fr/natura-2000-le-lez/document-d-objectif-site-d-importance-co…

Impact assessment mechanism

Name of any specific impact assessment tools

"DOCOB" which is for the objective document of the site constitutes the reference document for the future management of the site. (Ref. 7, updates available at Ref. 9)
Monitoring of development projects as part of the impact assessment. (Ref. 8)
There is an online tool called "tela-botanica" but also other tools for citizens to get involved and provide observation. (Ref. 3)

Link to the output of assessments

http://www.montpellier.fr/3312-reseaux-d-observation-citoyens.htm

Use of GIS in mapping impacts

Yes

Link to GIS monitoring data

http://www.syble.fr/observatoire/presentation-de-l-observatoire/

Citizen involvement

Citizens involvement in assessment/evaluation

Yes

Mode(s) of citizen involvement in evaluation/assessment

Online Forum

Submission of monitoring data (citizen observation)

Other

Please specify other modes of citizen involvement in evaluation/assessment

Citizen observation and comments thanks to the online tools (Ref. 3)

Citizens involvement in the analysis of the assessment/evaluation

Yes

Please specify

Through citizen observation tools (list of the different ones, Ref. 3)

Follow-up to the evaluation / assessment

Yes

Please specify

"6 follow-up actions and improvement of knowledge" (Ref. 8)
Through citizens' observations and comments thanks to the online tools (Ref. 3)

7. Sources

References

Web links relevant to the intervention

Documents relevant to the intervention

Attachment	Size
1. Activities rapport report 2013-2015 (5.18 MB)	5.18 MB
Natura 2000 Le Lez Newsletter October 2014 (3.32 MB)	3.32 MB

List of references

1. Syble (n.d). Le réseau Natura 2000. Syndicat du Bassin le Lez. Available at: http://www.syble.fr/natura-2000-le-lez/animation-2000/ (Accessed: August 4, 2020).
2. Fanny Romain, « Le fleuve, porteur d’images urbaines : formes et enjeux », Géocarrefour [En ligne], Vol. 85/3 | 2010, mis en ligne le 15 mars 2011, consulté le 24 juin 2017. URL : http://geocarrefour.revues.org/8001 ; DOI : 10.4000/geocarrefour.8001
3. Montpellier.fr (n.d). "Réseaux d'observation citoyens". Available at: http://www.montpellier.fr/3312-reseaux-d-observation-citoyens.html (Website not available in 2020).
4. Syble (n.d). Le site Natura 2000 "Le Lez". Syndicat du Bassin le Lez. Available at: http://www.syble.fr/natura-2000-le-lez/le-site-natura-2000-le-lez/ (Accessed: August 4, 2020).
5. Montpellier.fr (n.d). "Biodiversité". Available at: http://www.montpellier.fr/3313-biodiversite.html (Website not available in 2020).
6. Syble (n.d). Plaquette Site Natura 2000 Le Lez. Available at: http://www.syble.fr/uploads/images/plaquette_site_N2000_Lez_web.pdf (Accessed: August 4, 2020).
7. Syble (2013). "DOCUMENT D’OBJECTIFS SITE D’IMPORTANCE COMMUNAUTAIRE « LE LEZ » - FR 9101392 ". Available at: http://www.syble.fr/uploads/images/natura/Tome1_Diag_PA_charte.final.pdf (Accessed: August 4, 2020).
8. Syble (n.d). Animation. Available at: http://www.syble.fr/natura-2000-le-lez/animation-du-site-natura-2000-le-lez/ (Accessed: August 4, 2020).
9. Syble (n.d). DOCOB. Available at: http://www.syble.fr/natura-2000-le-lez/document-d-objectif-site-d-importance-communautaire-le-lez-fr-9101392/ (Accessed: August 4, 2020).
10. Ramon, Jacques (2008). "Le Lez redevient l'axe majeur du nouveau Montpellier". LesEchos.fr. Available at: https://www.lesechos.fr/01/08/2008/lesechos.fr/300283973_le-lez-redevient-l-axe-majeur-du-nouveau-montpellier.htm (Accessed: August 4, 2020).
11. Département Hérault (2013). "Opération nettoyage du Lez pour les étudiants de Polytech' Montpellier". Available at: http://www.herault.fr/2013/10/01/operation-nettoyage-lez-etudiants-de-polytech-montpellier-15946 (Website not available in 2020).
12. Montpellier.fr (n.d). "Risque "Inondation". Available at: http://www.montpellier.fr/4060-inondations-risques-naturels.htm (Accessed: August 4, 2020).

Comments and notes

Additional insights

There is map available online to visit the borders of Le Lez: http://zooomez.fr/carte/?i=4304

Public Images

http://www.syble.fr/uploads/pdf/Guide%20utilisation%20VisioLezx.pdf

Please specify other source of non-financial contribution

-Cleaning days operations thanks to university students under a eco-citizen project (Ref. 11)