The measures adopted by the provinces of Neuchâtel and Vaud to protect Creux-du-Van are sufficient. This decision was handed down by the Federal Court. Appeals by Helvetia Nostra Foundation dismissed. Neuchâtel shows its satisfaction.
These activities fall within the framework of federal regulations related to land use planning and nature and landscape protection. They represent a significant improvement compared to the current situation and environmental burdens, the Federal Court (DF) said in a ruling on Friday.
Actions taken by the two zones limit the temporal and spatial impact of human activities such as tourism or agriculture on the rock circle. “Their effectiveness does not rely solely on the goodwill of visitors. There is no need to stop or limit visits to the area for tourism and recreational public interest and security purposes,” the TF added.
Neuchâtel has implemented a Regional Allocation Plan (PAC) and the decision to classify the Vaud region. Helvetia Nostra considered these measures insufficient. The defense organization unsuccessfully appealed to both cities and then appealed to the High Court.
Clear progress
The Federal Court noted that both zones took into account the recommendations of the Federal Office for the Environment. The classification decision and the zoning scheme also indicate clear progress.
The High Court did not object to lower provincial courts applying the law and balancing the interests of nature and nature conservation on the one hand, and tourism and leisure on the other.
Helvetia Nostra criticized the Neuchâtel CAP, which covers most of the site, “for its lack of ambition, especially with regard to tourism concentration, which involves considerable harmful pressure on natural environments”. According to the environmental organization, several degradations are still possible.
A real tourist asset
Helvetia Nostra did not want to put the site under glass, but gave the example of Grafenton National Park, which includes many restrictions in terms of activities (winter sports, cycling, swimming ban) while maintaining a sustainable and reasonable tourist attraction. . She also lamented the authorization of hunting in the area.
With this favorable ruling, the Neuchâtel Council of State can move forward and strengthen its commitment with its partners for better protection of the site, he indicated in a press release. Implement a management plan that allows the implementation of measures to protect and revitalize nature, as well as an identity concept.
The surfaces to be protected will be restricted to access by means of reinforced boards near the circus and displays designed for the reception of the public will be installed. Circulation of mountain bikes will be streamlined and leisure activities will be better designed. The zone added that an intercantonal commission comprising representatives of municipalities, zones and circles of interest will soon be set up.
Creux-du-Van is part of the federal inventory of natural landscapes and natural monuments of national importance. It contains areas listed on the Federal Inventory of Dry Grasslands and Rangelands of National Importance.
A true tourist attraction, the exceptional site sees more than 100,000 visitors a year. The circus was taken by storm during the Covid pandemic and containment measures were put in place.
During the semi-restriction, its access was restricted to avoid crowds at Easter 2020. That summer, the provinces of Neuchatel and Vaud closed access to half of the cliff path to encourage the restoration of trampled vegetation. (Judgment 1C_131/202 and 1C_237/2021 of 4.1.2023)
This article was published automatically. Source: ats