A back-to-school season under the sign of water

The new school year marks an important step for the education program in the territory of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, centered for the first time essentially around the theme of water.

Water in Périgord-Limousin: an omnipresent and fragile resource

Located at the head of three major watersheds, the Park's territory is home to more than 2,600 km of waterways and numerous wetlands. This hydrological richness makes it an exceptional, but also fragile, space. In a context of climate change and resource scarcity, it becomes essential to increase awareness among residents, and in particular the youngest, to issues related to water.

Historically, the Park's educational mission has enabled people to discover the many facets of the region: biodiversity, nightlife, local agriculture, crafts, etc. Today, placing water at the heart of the educational approach seems more relevant than ever.

To meet this challenge, the Park has strengthened its partnership with the Adour-Garonne Water Agency, one of whose missions is precisely education on water issues. This work will also rely on the network of specialized facilitators supported for several years by the Park.

Raising awareness of water issues at all ages

In line with previous territorial education programs, particular importance is given to young audiencesThe objective is to finance 3 events for 40 nursery and primary school classesTwo classroom sessions will allow children to discover the water cycle—from evaporation to its return to the sea—and identify the different stakeholders who use and protect this resource. Older children will also explore the effects of global warming on the small and large water cycles. A third session will take students to meet the fauna and flora of aquatic environments.

At the same time, 10 classes from middle schools, high schools and/or Rural Family Homes should benefit from funding for the development of educational projects related to water. The 2024-2025 program also provides funding for 4 projects for young people outside of school hours. In addition, the Park wishes to support two schoolyard de-impermeabilization projects, like theinitiative carried out in spring 2024 in Saint-YrieixLess sealed soil means less surface runoff and therefore more water that infiltrates, thus contributing to better adaptation to climate change.

But the "territorial education" mission is not just aimed at young people! The general public is also involved, particularly through the annual "Rendez-vous du Parc" program, which offers free activities open to all. On the occasion of this special year dedicated to water, a festive event is being organized for the beginning of February, echoing World Wetlands Day. This highlight will notably allowinaugurate the new educational model of the watershed and to introduce as many people as possible to the poetic and offbeat show proposed by the company The Snail in the Nettles on the theme of water.

Finally, to strengthen the skills development of local stakeholders, two days of network of animators will also be devoted to the theme of water.

Call for participation

This water-focused program, which is expected to receive funding from the Adour-Garonne Water Agency, is open to all establishments located in its catchment area – or 80% of the Park’s territory. The establishments eligible for funding for activities are therefore those located in the following municipalities: Abjat-sur-Bandiat, Augignac, Brantôme-en-Périgord, Busserolles, Bussière-Badil, Bussière-Galant, Chalais, Châlus, Champagnac-la-Rivière, Champniers-Reilhac, Champs-Romain, Cussac, Dournazac, Gorre, Javerlhac-et-la-Chapelle-Saint-Robert, Jumilhac-le-Grand, La Coquille, Ladignac-le-Long, Mareuil-en-Périgord, Miallet, Nontron, Oradour-sur-Vayres, Piégut-Pluviers, Saint-Hilaire-les-Places, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Front-la-Rivière, Saint-Jory-de-Chalais, Saint-Martial-de-Valette, Saint-Mathieu, Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière, Saint-Paul-la-Roche, Saint-Pierre-de-Frugie, Saint-Saud-Lacoussière, Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, Thiviers, Varaignes, Vayres, Vieux-Mareuil.

Interested organizations have until mid-October to express their interest through the various calls for participation available. on the Park's websiteThe application deadline is October 12 for schools and October 20 for structures welcoming young people outside of school hours.

By placing water at the heart of its educational program, the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park invites everyone – students, teachers, residents – to better understand, protect and promote this vital resource, in order to build together a territory more resilient to climate challenges.