To strengthen its artificial snow capacity, the ski resort of La Clusaz has launched a major water retention project. It faces the opposition of conservationists who challenge this model of mountain development.
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The resort of La Clusaz (Haute-Savoie) launched its ski season on Saturday 11 December in a context of tension around its future. To adapt to global warming, the municipality wants to strengthen the capacity in artificial snow and has launched a large water retention project of 148,000 m³ to increase the action surface of its snow cannons, but it faces an unprecedented opposition in the mountains.
In mid-November, members of Extinction Rebellion came to occupy the Bois de la Colombière where the town hall wants to dig this drinking water reservoir as large as several football fields. They join what is already a mille-feuille of opponents rather invested so far in the debates on restraint. “This adds actions on the ground to the discussion and consultation, explains Jacques Millouet, president of the association La Nouvelle Montagne. It is also a way of making people understand that all stakeholders are determined to fight against this project. “
Jacques Millouet’s association is the first to mobilize. The new Montagne was founded by local residents and was supported by structures already engaged in the defense of a model of sustainable mountain development. “The project today is symbolic of two visions of mountain development that are somewhat opposed, in addition to the public money that is invested”, Corentin Mele, project manager at France Nature Environnement de Haute-Savoie.
“The La Clusaz project currently arrives with a strong symbolic value because there is an awakening of the citizens who live in the valleys.”
Corentin Mele, France Nature Environment of Haute-Savoieto franceinfo
What also crystallizes the opposition to this project is that it arrives at the time when the region presents its second mountain plan with a large envelope for artificial snow. Behind, it is a choice of development which is played out, estimates Valérie Paumier who founded Résilience Montagne: “Should we increase the needs in artificial snow or in tourist capacity? Because it is linked when we have to save resources. Should we consolidate a model when we know that in a few decades not even, he’s going to suffer a lot? ” The La Clusaz project is now awaiting a public utility decree. Opponents say they already have several lawyers and 18,000 euros to fund administrative appeals.
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