Eco-responsibility in Corsica
Created in 1972, the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse now covers more than a third of the island, with an area of 350,510 ha. Straddling the great mountain ridge that crosses Corsica from northwest to southwest, it comprises 145 of the island's 360 communes.
It is essentially a rural, village and mountain park, but includes part of the coastline, with the Gulf of Porto and the Scandola nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the outset, the Park has been a key player and partner in carrying out essential missions:
The revitalization of rural areas with the introduction of the mythical GR20, followed by the Mare a Mare® and Mare e Monti® trails, thus winning its bet on sustainable development by ensuring the right balance between economic growth and respect for the environment.
The preservation and enhancement of the island's natural, landscape and cultural heritage through its involvement in major European programs.
It is involved in the protection of sensitive sites and, in terms of cultural heritage, in the renovation of small-scale built heritage, as well as in the collection and transmission of traditional know-how.
Reception, information and awareness-raising, with the creation of reception facilities offering educational nature breaks, school activities and the opening of information centers throughout the region.
Don't hesitate to meet the people who work in the Park's Information Centres, located throughout the region.
NO SMOKING OR FIRE ALL YEAR ROUND IN THE FOREST
Risks: Any incandescent object is a potential fire hazard. The herbaceous layer, always present in Mediterranean forests, represents a highly flammable fuel.
What to do in the event of a fire: Stay calm, as panic can lead to serious accidents; Move away from the fire, never in the direction it is moving.
Remember that smoke - which is toxic and disorientating - arrives well before the flames. If you are surprised by the smoke, breathe through a damp cloth.
Regulations to be aware of: Smoking and bonfires are forbidden all year round in the forest. The forestry code prohibits "carrying or lighting fires within 200 m of woods, forests, plantations, moors and scrubland".
Forest fire prevention
Did you know? Lighting a cigarette or campfire is punishable by a fine of €135, which will be increased if you are responsible for causing damage to others. Even unintentional arsonists are systematically tracked down and prosecuted.
Forest access
During periods of fire risk, access to certain forest areas may be restricted or prohibited.
To find out which sites are open: www.corse.pref.gouv.fr
No cigarette butts on the road
Risks: On the side of the road, a cigarette butt can roll into the dry grass. The incandescence of the cigarette, the dry fuel and the breath of vehicles create the right conditions for a rapid fire to start. When parked on the side of the road, the extremely hot catalytic converter (between 400 and 800° depending on the version) can ignite the grass beneath the vehicle.
What to do in the event of a fire: Get back on the road, away from the fire. If this is not possible, stay in the vehicle with the windows closed and the headlights on. Keep the engine running, so you can drive off as soon as possible.
Regulations to know: All year round, it is forbidden to throw any incandescent object onto the roads (and their surroundings) that cross wooded areas, scrubland and garrigue.
Did you know? Motorists caught throwing cigarette butts on the road can be fined 135 euros by sworn officers (gendarmerie, police, ONCfs, DDT, DDTM...) simply by noting the vehicle registration number.
Traffic: Parking and driving on forest tracks are strictly regulated (135 euro fine). All vehicles are prohibited from driving in the forest off the trails (1,500-euro fine). Vehicle parking must not interfere with rescue operations.