Water, a resource and an environment to be preserved

Located at the head of three large watersheds, the territory has a particular responsibility

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park is located at the birth of three watersheds, that of the Charente, that of the Dronne and the Isle, and that of the tributaries of the Vienne. The water from the park then flows to the surrounding areas which benefit from this resource and make use of it. This situation implies a particular responsibility with regard to the qualitative and quantitative management of water resources.

The territory has numerous wetlands and waterways. These environments are remarkable for their abundance, their diversity, their richness of fauna and flora. These complex ecosystems play a role in the quality of water resources. Their proper functioning is necessary to sustain the drinking water supply, agricultural activities, but also leisure practices (fishing, swimming, etc.).

This water resource is fragile. Several threats weigh on it:

• la presence of thousands of artificial ponds which alters the morphology of watercourses and which, by heating the water, leads to overevaporation;
• le development of cyanobacteria which compromises the sanitary quality of water for swimming or drinking;
• la regression of wetlands which leads to a general deterioration in the physicochemical quality of water and a quantitative reduction in the resource during low water periods.

These threats can be contained by restoring the natural water cycle in the region.

Guarantee the continuity of watercourses

Several park missions aim to restore the hydrographic network to its natural flow. A healthy and dynamic network helps prevent the proliferation of cyanobacteria and the clogging of certain waterways. This also benefits the diversity of the fauna and flora of the watercourse and its banks, by consolidating the blue network.

Preserving water resources

Wetlands play both a buffer and reserve role. They thus allow better regulation of watercourses throughout the seasons. Knowledge of its wetlands, the sharing of good practices with public and private managers and the preservation of these environments are part of the park's missions.

Actions for water quality

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park plays a role in initiating, piloting or coordinating several actions, in collaboration with numerous partners. These actions aim to improve the continuity of watercourses and to amplify the dynamics of concerted management in the different watersheds.