.avif)
NATURA 2000
PROTECT THE COASTLINE
De la Pointe du Grouin au Cap Fréhel, la Route du Rhum traverse l'un des littoraux les plus sensibles de la baie de Saint-Malo. Préserver ces espaces n'est pas une option : c'est une obligation, et une conviction.
What is Natura 2000?
The Natura 2000 network aims to ensure the long-term survival of particularly vulnerable species and habitats. This European initiative, implemented in France, focuses on promoting the natural heritage of the regions.
Natura 2000 establishes measures for the protection of natural habitats and the management and regulation of bird species that naturally occur in the wild within the European territory of member states: these measures include prohibitions on their trade, collection, capture, and the degradation of their environment. Through Natura 2000, the European Union protects nearly 1,600 species of wild animals and plants, and more than 600 species of birds.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
“One coastline, one race”—The natural areas of Saint-Malo Bay are home to remarkable coastal biodiversity. Hosting a major sailing event must be done in a way that respects this ecological balance, year after year.
“This is also what links the Sustainability Pact to the rest of our CSR strategy: protecting the journey means protecting the destination.”
A Protected Coastline, a Responsible Race
As organizers, we must take all necessary measures to prevent damage to the natural areas through which the event passes. This commitment involves government agencies, volunteers, a specialized firm, and our teams throughout the race’s preparation.
Protected Areas
From Pointe du Grouin to Cap Fréhel
.png)
OUR COMMITMENT
WHAT WE ARE IMPLEMENTING
This is a collaborative effort: it brings together government agencies (DDTM, Prefectures), the Conservatoire du Littoral, the departments of Ille-et-Vilaine and Côtes d’Armor, the Brittany Region, and the Rance Émeraude Regional Nature Park, alongside our teams and a firm specializing in environmental issues. Our action plan is organized around four categories of measures.
Avoid
Protect the most sensitive areas and times.
Dedicated working groups at each sensitive site (Pointe du Grouin, Saint-Cast, Cap Fréhel) help anticipate and limit the event’s impact on natural environments.
Minimize
Limit the event’s impact on natural environments.
The Hazard Reporting System and cetacean protection zones reduce the risk of collisions with marine wildlife offshore.
Follow
Monitor and measure the race’s impact on biodiversity.
The action plan is being developed in collaboration with a firm specializing in environmental issues and in coordination with government agencies responsible for ensuring compliance with Natura 2000 regulations.
Support
Raise public awareness and promote best practices.
Volunteers are stationed in the busiest areas to raise public awareness and ensure that natural spaces are respected throughout the event.
Approaching cetaceans (dolphins, whales) within 100 meters is prohibited in marine protected areas—a distance that must also be maintained everywhere else.
Keep your distance from seals and other pinnipeds.
Avoid disturbing marine wildlife as much as possible.
AT SEA
Please comply with environmental regulations, particularly regarding areas where access is prohibited or restricted.
Stay on the marked trails and follow the on-site signs.
Keep your trash with you until you find a trash can.
ON LAND
ON-SITE