A hive buzzing with activity!
On the occasion of the first Bee Day, Thierry Albertini, the mayor, received the APIcité® 1 abeille label.
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Méditerranée and the Ville de La Valette-du-Var, the Journée de l'Abeille took place in the presence of the Union Nationale de l’Apiculture Française (UNAF). The distinction, received by the Ville, rewards the active commitment of the commune to the protection of bees, an essential link in biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. "Indeed, since 2022, La Valette has committed to an ecological transition process, aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Obtaining the label marks a new step in this dynamic, with the development of concrete actions to support local beekeepers and preserve wild pollinators. This recognition encourages the continuation of a coherent municipal policy in favor of the environment and the well-being of citizens," recalled Thierry Albertini.
DEMANDING RECOGNITION
Awarded after a rigorous evaluation on five major themes — sustainable development, biodiversity, management of green spaces, beekeeping, awareness —, this label is analyzed by three organizations: Association Française d’Agroforesterie (AFAF), Hortis (network of managers of natural spaces in cities) and Noé, an association committed to biodiversity. Thus, the label is part of the continuity of the "Abeille, Sentinelle de l’Environnement" program, which aims to inform and raise awareness among the general public about the importance of preserving pollinators. As the first magistrate further emphasizes, the Ville has implemented concrete actions in favor of biodiversity: "For example, 52% of the territory is classified as non-constructible and the commune has 137 hectares in communal forest. Hence organized on May 21 at the Jardin remarquable de Baudouvin the Métropole Toulon par Provence
our desire to establish sustainable urban planning with a PLU and a SCOT integrating the development of the monts toulonnais (PADD included). Furthermore, the massif du Coudon is identified as a biodiversity reservoir. We also acquired and renovated the Conservatoire de l’Olivier and led the creation of the "Entrevert" bioclimatic eco-district, the first in the région Sud to meet HQE and BBC standards. Finally, the retention basin of Moulières was awarded for ecological transition (FRTP)".
RAISING CITIZEN AWARENESS
In addition, the commune is carrying out many other actions towards biodiversity. This is reflected in the enhancement of the Jardin remarquable de Baudouvin, which mixes food and artistic culture, fire prevention with the CCFF, which recalls the Obligations Légales de Débroussaillement (OLD) to preserve foraging areas. The commune also has 8,300 alignment trees, 2,000 of which have been planted in recent months via the "Un enfant / Un arbre" operation. This also concerns the renaturation and greening of the city with 14 new green spaces created in 2024. In addition, the Ville uses the Miyawaki method to create urban mini-forests suitable for pollinators, and practices zero pesticide, including on natural grass sports fields. And, 80% of the plants used in green spaces are perennials, nectar-producing, and adapted to the production of local honey. The communal territory also has 10 hectares of natural or semi-natural meadows and hedges preserved with reasoned pruning to respect the life cycle of wildlife. In this commitment to biodiversity, the inhabitants are not forgotten. They are associated with the Watty project (environmental education), and raised awareness through campaigns, notably regarding field scoliid wasps and Asian hornets. There are also artistic initiatives around bees and hives, and insect hotels have been installed in schools. The commune has also established a partnership with the "Chercheurs en herbe" association, and promotes local producers in canteen menus (SIRC). •
BEEKEEPING IN LA VALETTE, A BUZZING TERRITORY
La commune is home to 4 beekeepers including 2 amateurs, each with about ten hives, one association, with 25 hives, and one professional, Adrien Ligier, who owns 330 hives (approximately 18 million bees). Every year, he produces nearly 2 tons of honey and was honored at the Salon de l’Agriculture 2023-2024, where he won a Gold Medal for his chestnut honey and a Silver Medal for his lavender honey. signage to differentiate,
Photos PRESSE AGENCE.