Invasive alien species are usually detected during surveys carried out on sites. The use of local plants when re-naturalising sites can be a resilience factor limiting the future development of invasive alien species.
In Corsica and French overseas departments and territories, where the issue is particularly important, EDF IES and EDF PEI are intensifying the fight against invasive alien species on their projects. All EDF IES investment files going through the Commitment Committee were screened, including, if necessary, requests for a diagnosis of invasive alien species and, if necessary, a diagnosis of the fight against invasive alien species. 4 IAS diagnoses were carried out in 2022 at EDF IES covering large areas or linear lines, i.e. 13 diagnoses carried out in total. Other assessments are scheduled for 2023 based on project timetables. Three eradication measures were taken by EDF IES on highly-invasive species (Mauritius hemp on La Réunion or Ailanthus altissima in Corsica) in conjunction with competent local structures. EDF IES also implemented biosafety protocols and hydroseeding of endemic cover species (IES Reunion) to prevent the risk of colonisation during and after works.
EDF PEI carried out IAS diagnostics on the 2 remaining production sites (4 sites in total), with detection of IAS on both sites. Measures to manage the latter are planned from 2023 onwards.
Since 2015, EDF is a partner of the “Local vegetation” programme organised by the OFB (1) and French Botanical Conservation Bodies. EDF is committed to the preferential use of locally sourced wild plants in all of the Group’s projects. Between 2020 and 2022, 17 revegetation operations using local plants or seeds were carried out over more than 20 hectares.
On new projects, local plants were used to renaturalise sites in Romanche-Gavet, covering more than 10 hectares, or to plant a line of hedges at the Beaurepaire photovoltaic power plant. Local plants are also used after on-site work or to restore old industrial sites such as the old Bouchain power plant.
The creation of the longest fish crossing in France at the Malause dam was accompanied in 2022 by the renaturation of 3 hectares of the site using seeds certified as Végétal local (Local vegetation), with the aim of restoring key habitats (dry grasslands and wetlands) and combating invasive alien species (IAS). Two monitoring programmes were developed to preserve a protected butterfly species (the Serpolet Azure), its host plant (oregano) and a species of ant that participates in its life cycle, and to limit the proliferation of IAS. These actions were carried out in partnership with the Conservatories for Natural Areas of the Midi-Pyrénées and Occitanie regions.
The Company manages natural sites belonging to the land it owns in partnership with local associations. EDF employs positive ecological management practices such as late mowing or eco-grazing. Part of the land owned is allocated to spaces dedicated to the protection or recreation of biodiversity, via management plans tailored to the site’s issues.
To consolidate the approach, EDF relies on several levers such as the certification of sites in whole or in part, or the signing of Real Environmental Obligations (2), for example on the former site of Ambès (about 42ha).
For years, EDF has been committed to an approach to sustainably manage land and respect its biodiversity. The Company takes account of issues specific to natural environments and the animal and plant species present, and since 2020 has more systematically included these in its conceded land agreements (with local owners, municipalities, non-profits, etc.).
In 2022, 89% of the new agreements on the concession area include requirements in favour of biodiversity. An educational booklet presenting the ecological interest of the proposed measures has been drafted in conjunction with the Fédération des conservatoires d’espaces naturels (Federation of Conservatories of Natural Areas – FCEN).
The French and English nuclear sites are engaged in a programme to preserve and restore environments in partnership with local stakeholders:
Since 2020, four nuclear sites along the Rhone have been involved in concrete actions to promote biodiversity in conjunction with a local partner:
Each site has a Biodiversity Action Plan with performance indicators that are reviewed annually. The results are analysed and recommendations are made for future action. Since 2016, more than 80% of the indicators assessed each year have met their target (except in 2020 where the Covid-19 restrictions impacted the 2020 survey programme).
Several EDF sites contribute to achieving the preservation targets in the Natura 2000 areas and to implementing the Natura 2000 contracts. The Group takes action via multiple programmes dedicated to preserving biodiversity (e.g. Life+). EDF Hydro has been committed to protecting the Pyrenean desman since 2010 (currently via the 2021-2030 National Action Plan), Luminus migratory fish, and Enedis bearded vultures (Life Gypconnect 2015-2021). In the summer of 2022, the European Commission validated two new LIFE projects to limit the impact of power lines on birds: SafeLines4Birds, which concerns a dozen priority species over most of mainland France, and GypAct, which focuses on the protection of the Bearded Vulture in the Massif Central and the Pre-Alps. The Group also contributes to developing regional versions of these plans (dragonflies, otters, etc.).
In Laos, NTPC is maintaining its policy of protecting biodiversity in the river basin in conjunction with the Nakai-Nam Theun National Park (formerly WMPA, Watershed Management Protection Authority), the authority managing it. The stakeholders are committed to having Nakai Nam Theun National Park put on the IUCN (3) Green List of Protected Areas by the end of 2025. The park’s candidacy to be added to the Green List was officially announced at the IUCN Congress in Marseille in 2021.
(1) OFB: Office français de la biodiversité (French Biodiversity Office).
(2) Codified in Article L. 132-3 of the French Environmental Code, Real Environmental Obligations are enshrined in a contract under which the owner of a property establishes environmental protection attached to the property, for a period of up to 99 years. As the obligations are attached to the property, they continue even if there is a change of ownership. The purpose of the contract must be the maintenance, conservation, management or restoration of biodiversity or ecosystem services.
(3) International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
