Located in the picturesque region of southern France, the idyllic lake of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon has become a haven for tourists seeking a respite from their daily routines.
With an array of activities such as pedal boating and white water rafting, this serene destination has managed to thrive thanks to a combination of copious rainfall and effective water management strategies implemented this spring.
After enduring a prolonged period of drought last summer, followed by yet another dry spell during the winter, the once desiccated lakebeds have been rejuvenated by a bountiful water supply.
Dams in the vicinity have been diligently releasing water into reservoirs on a consistent basis, ensuring that visitors can partake in their desired lake-based activities without any hindrances. Nonetheless, tour operators remain cautiously optimistic about the future.
Antoine Coudray, the astute mind behind Secret River Tours, aptly expressed the inherent need for adaptability in the realm of rafting and kayaking.
Despite the allure and splendor of these exhilarating water sports, it becomes crucial to acknowledge the possibility of facing water scarcity in the future.
Nestled amidst the captivating gorges of Verdon, Secret River Tours operates within a region dotted with hydroelectric dams, including the renowned artificial lake of Sainte-Croix.
This bustling tourist destination serves as one of three reservoirs meticulously crafted to cater to the energy demands of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, a southeastern gem known for its radiant Provencal landscapes.
Supplying an impressive 35% of the region’s electricity needs, these dams stand as indispensable sources of sustainable power generation while simultaneously unveiling a realm of possibilities for growth and reinvention in the face of unpredictable water availability.
As industry leaders like Antoine Coudray rightfully contemplate the uncertainty of future water resources, insiders and enthusiasts alike are urged to explore innovative solutions that ensure the continuity of such exhilarating endeavors while respecting the demands of a swiftly evolving natural landscape.
The issue of human-caused climate change has become a pressing concern, particularly in regions such as southern France, where its impact is being felt through the lengthening of droughts.
As a result, the reservoirs in this area are being increasingly drained to lower levels in order to meet the demands of power generation and water supply for nearby towns and cities.
This situation has raised alarm among those in the tourism industry, who now find themselves grappling with the challenge of sustaining their lakeside businesses in the long term, given the prospect of persistently low or unpredictable water levels.
The implications of these changes are far-reaching, as they not only affect the local economy but also have broader environmental and social consequences.
Finding viable solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure the sustainability of these businesses has become a paramount priority.
The three reservoir lakes in the area, namely Serre Ponçon, Castillon, and Sainte-Croix, have swiftly become a magnet for avid aficionados of nature following their inception in the midst of the 20th century.
These breathtaking lakes are renowned for their pristine and translucent waters, nestled within undisturbed valleys ensconced by towering mountains.
A veritable paradise for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike, this region entices a staggering sum of 4.6 million visitors on an annual basis, with the overwhelming majority converging upon the refreshing lakes during the balmy summer months.
The imperative task of setting and overseeing water levels in these reservoirs befalls the national energy behemoth, Electricité de France (EDF), which expertly operates the dams with utmost competence.
The three reservoir lakes in the area, namely Serre Ponçon, Castillon, and Sainte-Croix, have swiftly gained immense popularity among nature enthusiasts ever since their establishment in the mid-20th century.
These captivating lakes are widely recognized for their remarkable clarity and purity, nestled gracefully within unspoiled valleys embraced by majestic mountains.
Serving as an idyllic haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike, this region attracts an astonishing annual influx of 4.6 million visitors, with the majority flocking to the invigorating lakes during the warm summer months.
The crucial responsibility of managing and controlling water levels in these reservoirs rests on the shoulders of the national energy giant, Electricité de France (EDF), which efficiently operates the dams with exceptional skill and expertise.
For many individuals working in the tourism industry, the low water levels experienced last year came as a complete surprise. Jean-Claude Fraizy, who operates a canoe and kayak rental base on Castillon lake, expressed his astonishment, stating, “In my 35 years of working here, I have never witnessed a year like the previous one.
We were completely unprepared.” This lack of preparation resulted in a significant decline in sales figures for his leisure center, with a staggering 60% decrease compared to previous years.
Fraizy further emphasized the impact of the low water levels by stating, “If there is no water, there is no desire to come to the lake.” This sentiment reflects the overall sentiment within the tourism industry, as the absence of water greatly diminishes the attractiveness of these destinations.
Unfortunately, the challenges may continue to persist. A 32-day long dry spell during the winter, the longest ever recorded, has left reservoirs struggling to recover fully for the upcoming summer season.
This raises concerns about the potential for further shocks and negative consequences for the tourism industry in the region.
Overall, last year’s low water levels were a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the tourism industry to unforeseen environmental factors.
It serves as a wake-up call for stakeholders to reassess their preparedness and develop strategies to mitigate the impact of such events in the future.
For many individuals working in the tourism industry, the unexpectedly low water levels experienced last year came as a complete surprise.
Jean-Claude Fraizy, who operates a canoe and kayak rental base on Castillon lake, expressed his astonishment, saying, “In my 35 years of working here, I have never witnessed a year like the previous one.
We were completely unprepared.” This lack of preparation resulted in a significant decline in sales figures for his leisure center, with a staggering 60% decrease compared to previous years.
Fraizy further emphasized the impact of the low water levels by stating, “If there is no water, there is no desire to come to the lake.” This sentiment reflects the overall sentiment within the tourism industry, as the absence of water greatly diminishes the attractiveness of these destinations.
Unfortunately, the challenges may continue to persist. A 32-day long dry spell during the winter, the longest ever recorded, has left reservoirs struggling to fully recover for the upcoming summer season.
This raises concerns about the potential for further shocks and negative consequences for the tourism industry in the region.
Overall, last year’s low water levels were a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the tourism industry to unforeseen environmental factors.
It serves as a wake-up call for stakeholders to reassess their preparedness and develop strategies to mitigate the impact of such events in the future.
“These days we have to be conscious that there will be less and less water in the river for us, so we have to know how to adapt,” said Coudray.
He’s introduced “drought-proof” packrafting into the region over the past couple of years, where the inflatable bottom allows it to float in much shallower waters in the Gorges du Verdon.
Guillaume Requena, a tour guide at the company Aquabond Rafting, said they have started to offer tubing, another activity that works on lower water levels as they can float along the surface.
Wary of the spring rains being a temporary blip in the longer-term trend toward drier conditions, Requena knows tour companies need to find a longer-term solution and try to ensure that water levels in the reservoirs can be maintained.
“All of the actors affected by how the water is managed in the region by EDF will have to keep negotiating at the table for their own interests as a changing climate adds more pressure,” he said.”
These days, it is crucial to acknowledge the diminishing water levels in our rivers and adapt accordingly,” remarked Coudray.
Over the past few years, he has introduced “drought-proof” packrafting to the region, using inflatable bottoms that enable the rafts to float even in shallow waters like those found in the Gorges du Verdon.
To address the challenge posed by lower water levels, Guillaume Requena, a tour guide at Aquabond Rafting, shared that they have recently started offering tubing as an alternative activity.
This allows participants to float along the surface and enjoy the experience even when water levels are low.
Recognizing that spring rains might only be a temporary respite in the face of a broader trend toward drier conditions, Requena emphasizes the need for tour companies to find sustainable solutions and ensure that water levels in reservoirs can be maintained.
As the effects of climate change continue to exacerbate the situation, Requena highlights the importance of ongoing negotiations among all stakeholders impacted by EDF’s management of water in the region.
Each party must advocate for their own interests while navigating the increasing pressure caused by a changing climate.
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Requena, being fully aware of the significant number of people who depend on the dams for power and water supply in the cities and towns located downstream, acknowledges that prioritizing the lakes’ tourism industry is not at the forefront of decision-making.
He emphasizes that the final authority in managing water resources does not necessarily lie with the approximately twenty rafting businesses.
Instead, they find themselves in a subordinate position, merely playing a supporting role in the overall management of this complex system.
It is clear that the welfare and needs of the local communities, who rely heavily on the dams for their basic necessities, take precedence over the interests of the tourism industry.
Requena, therefore, acknowledges the limited influence that the rafting businesses possess, as they find themselves positioned at the bottom of the hierarchy when it comes to decision-making in this context.