These interventions, led by Pays de Gex agglo, aim to bring these emblematic waterways back to life. The objective is to enable the rivers to function more naturally, restore their habitats, and promote biodiversity.
The work will be carried out in several phases, primarily in Gex, Cessy, and Chevry. It will include bank stabilization, tree removal to restore riverbanks, and reconnection of the river to surrounding wetlands. Occasional deforestation will be done in collaboration with the National Forestry Office.
The project involves planting 1652 trees and shrubs, as well as 5953 cuttings, after removing 736 existing trees, to strengthen vegetation adapted to the aquatic environment. The hydraulic impact of the developments has been assessed to preserve flood expansion zones.
Specific measures are being implemented to limit the impact on local fauna, including the red squirrel, the European hedgehog, the agile frog, and the palmate newt.
This major project represents a total investment of €1,377,311.57 incl. VAT. It is financed by 50% from the Rhône Méditerranée Corse Water Agency, 20% by the Departmental Council of Ain, and 10% by the Canton of Geneva.
Similar restoration work has already shown positive results elsewhere, such as in Thoiry where the Allemogne river received the label 'River in good condition'. These actions are considered a major step in preserving the rivers of Pays de Gex and improving water cycle quality.
