A "balance laboratory" between economy and nature in Ramatuelle

If Simon Babre came to Ramatuelle on Tuesday to ensure his first visit as prefect of Var, the senior civil servant knows the sector having been attentive to the territory's files fifteen years ago, as chief of staff to the prefect. " I return with great interest to see the realization of the development plan ", he assured at the end of an intense day which began in the morning with a working meeting with the elected officials, before the visit of the Patch first aid station, the meeting with the CRS and the lifeguards, then the screening at the Géode of the film Pampelonne, the myth of a beach.

The opportunity to measure the progress made and to take away a strong impression: " The feeling that Ramatuelle is a development laboratory while preserving its authenticity. Today, we observe the benefits of preserving the landscape and the agricultural activity that is part of it. " Thanks to a consultation between " landscape practitioners " and State services " for an intelligent exploitation of the rule ", taking into account climate change. This meeting comes at the right time for the discovery of the first year of operation of the ZMEL (anchorage and light equipment zones) in Pampelonne: "It is interesting to see what we have managed to do with this management model. We will make an initial assessment in light of what is happening elsewhere too."

Mayor Roland Bruno readily shares this laboratory vision: " We have set a lot of precedent with the creation of this first beach path in France. It is a fine example of sustainable development that reconciles the environment and the economy. Pampelonne beach represents an important element of the peninsula's economy. Our environment is preserved thanks to the beach establishments and the financial resources that made this operation possible ."

"We are determined to enforce the rules."

Pointing to " a remarkable natural space" , the mayor cites a few points for improvement (campervan area, Tamaris) and the support provided by state services. " I have always considered our environment to be our main asset ."

A consultation that continues on other burning issues, it must be said, in view of the " density of summer traffic" , recalls the prefect. Helicopters, noise pollution and speeding, " so many subjects on which we are determined to enforce the rules to ensure peace and quiet. The air transport police are watching over this."

Another classic complaint this season: " We are aware of establishments that are exceeding the limits and standards. After the measures have been counted, the time will come for sanctions. "

The same principle applies to helipads, confirms sub-prefect Myriam Garcia. " It's a fair balance, we have to respect each other ," agrees Roland Bruno, specifying that some disturbances are not among the delegates chosen by the municipality. Regarding air travel, he cites the Ciel Calme association, which made it possible to install flight measurement sensors and indicates that "there are more movements this year in July, by 20 to 30% ."

Early in the morning, reports from local residents of another problem: high-speed cars on the Route des Plages. This problem has not escaped the attention of the prefect, who will "take action on it ."

Road safety is no stranger to him, as in his previous role, fifteen years ago, he contributed to the installation of the Rouillère radar, a particularly accident-prone road. This installation improved statistics.