n Its objectives: first, conserve and enhance natural areas, but above all "think environmentally" at every level affecting the life of the community. Henceforth, policymaking will focus on integrating the concept of sustainable development into the Urban Community's outlook and urban-planning documents (long-term, territory-wide programme, local development plans).
A concrete example: when the economic department drafts plans to develop a business estate, it considers the project's aesthetic impact on the landscape as well as the need to convince enterprises to manage their wastes and emissions properly.

• Comprehensive, consistent policies aimed at:
  • Protecting the landscape
    by replanting hedges and trees in the towns that match the specific environment's soil and species.
  • Ensuring sound management of natural or protected areas
    such as marshes or wetlands.
  • Taking stock of and restoring minor structures
    (e.g. wells, windmills or trees) that are part of our towns' rich heritage.
  • Using the Moulinette Nature Centre, open to all the local schools, to teach young people about different ecosystems, renewable energy sources, gardening and related subjects
  • Developing "soft" networks - biking paths (140 km already built in the conurbation) and hiking circuits (more than 250 km of walks and some 30km of discovery tours) - and publicising them in the "topo-guide" (go to "getting around on foot, by bike").
  • Disseminating information
    by means of the "environment" collection at the Multimedia Library (3,200 works available), as well as exhibits and outings proposed in the local authority's Point Info on the environment.
  • Examining
    with the farming community possibilities for shared, integrated land use, to make farming more productive and sustainable.
  • Helping the towns prevent hazards
    (whether industrial or natural) through effective urban planning and information to their inhabitants.