- Protect biodiversity
Observing biodiversity
In ecology, biodiversity refers to all the species present in a given ecosystem.
In order to assess the impact of human activity on the cultivation of the vine with a view to encouraging the development of flora and fauna, the Côtes du Rhône Syndicate signed a 3-way agreement with the Agricultural Observatory for Biodiversity and the French Institute of Vine and Wine in July 2019. The Observatory provides information and perspective allowing farmers to learn from collective experience and replicate those practices that help boost biodiversity.
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How does this apply to winemaking in the Côtes du Rhône vineyards?
Well in a number of ways! To state a few :
- Implementation of AgroEnvironmental Measures to bring about a drastic reduction in the use of chemical weedkillers
- Pursuing High Environmental Value (HVE) certification
- Individual partnerships between 70 winemakers and local wine syndicates with associations such as the French Apidology Observatory, the Regional League for the Protection of Birds, the Ornithological Centre of the Gard department, developing local initiatives to protect biodiviersity
Supposedly, a lot of this is test and learn?
Absolutely. Training and R&D are key! Currently in the works in 2021 :
76 winemakers are taking a comprehensive training programme on biodiversity and its application within viticulture at the Chambers of Agriculture of Ardèche, Drôme, Gard and Vaucluse.
5 protocols are underway targeting 4 groups of terrestrial invertebrates and insects: earthworms, butterflies, pollinators (bees, bumblebees, wasps, ants, etc.), snails and slugs, and bats. In order to study these populations, the winegrowers are creating shelters that will encourage their settlement and facilitate their monitoring.
