Preserving the biodiversity of the Cavalière ZMEL

This document, the result of several months of exchanges and information gathering, aims to raise awareness and organize environmentally friendly mooring. UNIQUE BIODIVERSITY The ZMEL is a temporary receiving area for vessels where boaters do not use traditional anchors. Instead, they moor to buoys connected to ecological moorings, such as screw or helical anchors.

This non-invasive and reversible process limits the impact of anchors and chains on the seabed, particularly on the posidonia meadow, a protected marine plant essential for Mediterranean ecosystems.

Préserver la biodiversité de la ZMEL de Cavalière

This meadow, which covers 80 of the 86 hectares of the bay, plays an invaluable role in the quality of marine ecosystems and the preservation of beaches.

The Cavalière cove has been identified as a priority in the Mediterranean mooring management strategy, due to the many environmental challenges it concentrates. The ZMEL organizes boat mooring that respects the environment, while being regulated and secure.

This initiative was rewarded in 2024 with the Thomas Joly prize, awarded by the Pavillon bleu label, as part of inspiring initiatives for biodiversity.

The ZMEL does not restrict users or recreational boating. It organizes boat mooring that respects the environment, while being regulated and secure. This initiative was rewarded in 2024 with the Thomas Joly prize, awarded by the Pavillon bleu label, as part of inspiring initiatives for biodiversity.

This logbook provides boaters with essential information to navigate responsibly in this protected area. Published by the municipality with financial support from the Agence de l'eau and the Région Sud, this logbook is available on www.zmel.le-lavandou.fr.

PLEASE NOTE...

A collective initiative: The Cavalière ZMEL extends from the pointe du Layet to Cap Nègre and includes 71 mooring buoys, the majority of which are visitor buoys. The 'riverain' and 'Layet' buoys, located on sandy seabeds, are also available for vessels. This system, supported by local and regional stakeholders, illustrates a collective determination to preserve marine biodiversity.