As part of its environmental and biodiversity preservation policy, the City of Saint-Affrique was assessed for the "Committed to Plants" charter. The objective, highlighted by Mayor Clément Carles, was to conduct an initial assessment during the current term to progress towards Level 3 of the label.
A detailed technical file on daily and seasonal practices, prepared by Didier Hermant, deputy mayor for the Environment, and Cindy Pagès from the municipal Green Spaces - Flowering service, formed the basis for the jury's visit. Two members, Agnès Borrut from CPIE du Rouergue and Florian Martel from Fredon Occitanie, were able to observe the community's efforts on site.
Didier Hermant presented the actions implemented by the green spaces department, including the absence of phytosanitary products in and around stadiums, the use of mulch and sheep's wool without plastic in plantings, reasoned landscape management, ground-level vegetation favoring potted plants and planters, and limited watering, with only stadiums still requiring it, as specified by the head of the green spaces service.
Other initiatives include the valorization of green waste through shredding, the "Mulching" technique of leaving cut grass in place, and the welcoming of biodiversity with insect hotels. These actions are part of a global action plan with a differentiated management plan currently evolving.
The inspection, which took place from the Town Hall square to the completely redeveloped bus station, including the areas around the Sorgues river and schoolyards, allowed the jury members to identify the community's good practices in terms of techniques, choice of plant species, flower varieties, and engagement with residents.
At the end of the visit, the jury deemed Level 2 of the "Committed to Plants" charter well-deserved, recognizing the efforts of the teams and the commitment of the elected officials. A few points remain to be addressed in the next three years.
The official award ceremony will take place on December 10th in Gruissan.
