Nature has never been so close to you. Observe, learn about and protect this living heritage!
Our nature in real time
Connected environment on the sentier de Francon
This page accompanies the information panel you came across along the trail. It provides further information on the research projects being carried out in the Francon area, and on the innovative tools being used to better understand and preserve the local natural heritage.
The ECONECT project
ECONECT is a research project led by the CNRS and its partners, and funded by the Occitanie Region with European funds (from 2020 to 2023), which aimed to develop new ways of monitoring the health of ecosystems. It relies on so-called ‘sentinel’ organisms — such as bees, birds or aquatic organisms — that are sensitive to changes in their environment.
These organisms are paired with connected sensors capable of automatically collecting data (temperature, humidity, biological activity, water quality, etc.) and transmitting it to research platforms.
The ECONECT project drew on a network of 12 sites in Occitanie, representing the diversity of natural, agricultural and urban environments. The Francon site was one of these pilot sites, thereby contributing to regional and national discussions on environmental monitoring.
By combining sensors, field observations and, in some cases, citizen science, the approach developed within ECONECT helps scientists and managers to detect ecological imbalances at an earlier stage and to better guide management and conservation efforts.
The TERRA FORMA project
TERRA FORMA (2021–2029) is the continuation and expansion of the ECONECT project. It is a national research programme that aims to create a new generation of environmental observatories.
Its objective is to gain a better understanding of the links between biodiversity, air, water and soil quality, and human activities. To this end, TERRA FORMA relies on networks of smart sensors, long-term data collection and advanced digital tools to analyse and visualise this information.
These observatories not only advance scientific research but also generate knowledge that is useful to local authorities, farmers and natural area managers to support decision-making on the ground.
Tools to help us understand biodiversity in Francon better
In Francon, as at other sites studied by researchers and environmental managers, monitoring tools are used to improve our understanding of the local wildlife, whilst remaining discreet and non-intrusive. The aim is to gain a better understanding of how the area functions ecologically, whilst respecting the environment, its uses and the people who live there.
Listening to nature: eco-acoustics
Eco-acoustics involves recording the sounds of nature to study biodiversity. In Francon, autonomous recorders are used to monitor the presence and activity of birds through their songs.
These recordings generate large amounts of data. To analyse them effectively, researchers use algorithms for automatic bird song recognition, such as BirdNET, developed jointly by the Cornell University (USA) Ornithology Laboratory and Chemnitz University of Technology (Germany).
These IT tools enable the automatic identification of species present, whilst reducing the time required for human analysis. They complement the work of researchers, who then validate and interpret the results. This approach, scientifically evaluated as part of the PSIBIOM project, illustrates the high level of technical expertise now being deployed for biodiversity monitoring.
Observing without disturbing: camera traps
Mammals are often elusive and difficult to observe directly. To gain a better understanding of their presence and behaviour, camera traps are set up at certain points along the animals’ routes.
In Francon, students from Agro Toulouse carried out a project to monitor mammals in the Barthe wetland. These devices, triggered automatically by movement, enable animals to be photographed without human contact.
The images obtained provide valuable information on the species present, their periods of activity and their use of natural habitats.
Knowledge leads to better protection
Observations gathered through sensors and field monitoring provide a better understanding of changes in natural habitats and species. This information helps to identify trends and, where necessary, adapt management and conservation practices.
The devices are installed on natural sites or agricultural plots with the consent of landowners and protected area managers, where applicable. The limited range of the devices and their positioning away from frequented paths mean that it is extremely rare to collect data concerning walkers or other users. However, particular attention is paid to respecting individuals: any audio or video recordings involving humans are removed from the databases.
These tools are primarily designed to help us better understand and preserve the environments you pass through, in a spirit of respect for the land and those who live there.
Image credits:
– Arnaud Elger, à l’exception de :
– Bassin versant TERRA FORMA : Virginie Girard, Arnaud Elger et Laurent Longuevergne
– Photos du nichoir connecté (intérieur et extérieur) : Maxime Cauchoix
– Réseau de sites ECONECT : Margot Martinez et Arnaud Elger