Biodiversity in southern Corsica
Taking action for nature
The Portivechju Tourist Office is actively involved in promoting and protecting local biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial. The Porto-Vecchio region, and more broadly the territory of Southern Corsica, is part of the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve , a veritable sanctuary for exceptional flora and fauna, and the Corsica Regional Nature Park, which preserves the island's emblematic landscapes and ecological wealth.
Through innovative initiatives such as the SeeOnSea, We invite everyone to explore, share and better understand the natural riches of our region. This collaborative and respectful approach aims to raise public awareness while preserving our unique environmental heritage.
The Natural Park Corsica Regional Council
Created in 1972, U Parcu di Corsica (Corsica Regional Nature Park) covers almost 40 % of the island's surface area, covering a variety of landscapes from majestic mountains to unspoilt coastlines. This exceptional territory encompasses a unique biodiversity, home to numerous endemic and protected species.
In addition to its role in preserving natural environments, the PNRC is committed to the sustainable management of resources and to raising awareness among residents and visitors of the island's rich environment. Among the remarkable areas are ancient forests, wetlands of international importance, the Col de Bavella and the Ospedale forest, veritable jewels of southern Corsica, home to rare species such as the Corsican mouflon sheep and the golden eagle.
For lovers of wide open spaces, authentic experiences, thrills and excitement, explore Corsica on a range of environmentally-friendly walks. Take to the mythical paths of the Mare a Mare Sud, which links Porto-Vecchio to Propriano through wild, unspoilt countryside, or test your endurance on the famous GR 20, one of Europe's most emblematic treks. You'll discover a wild region with a wealth of landscapes, unspoilt nature and a land of character and friendliness.
The park also plays a key role in coordinating conservation projects and developing eco-responsible activities for local communities.
Its proximity to protected areas such as the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve and the Cerbicale Islands strengthens synergies to preserve and enhance the exceptional natural heritage of southern Corsica.
The Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve
The largest nature reserve in mainland France, A Riserva Naturale di i Bucchi di Bunifaziu covers 80,000 hectares between Corsica and Sardinia. This exceptional site, where limestone cliffs mingle with granite chaos, is home to remarkable biodiversity, with 37 % of the Mediterranean's outstanding species. Although mainly marine, the reserve also manages more than 180 hectares of land, mainly comprising marine islets of great heritage value.
The decree creating the reserve defines three levels of protection. 12,300 hectares are classified as Enhanced Protection Zone and 1,130 hectares in No abstraction zone, This ensures rigorous management that respects fragile ecosystems.
In addition, the Cerbicale Islands Nature Reserve, created in 1981, protects the terrestrial part of the Cerbicale archipelago, further enriching the region's natural heritage.
The reserve's exceptional landscapes, such as the Lavezzi, Cerbicale, Bruzzi and Moines archipelagos, the Bonifacio cliffs and the Venetian ponds, are home to unique coastal and marine environments. These environments are home to a cosmopolitan flora that combines Alpine and African influences, as well as strict endemism, with rare species such as the velvety silene and Jupiter's beard.
Underwater, the wealth of fauna is just as impressive, with Posidonia meadows, giant limpet, great nacre, gorgonian sea fan and grouper. Birds such as the crested cormorant and the grey shearwater are also an integral part of this exceptional ecosystem.
The number of visitors to the reserve bears witness to its appeal, with 150,000 people a year visiting the Lavezzi and 20,000 visitors to the whole area on certain afternoons in August, making the reserve a veritable natural treasure to be preserved.
SeeOnSea: a participatory tool for biodiversity
SeeOnSea is an innovative scheme that allows everyone to find out about and contribute to the preservation of local biodiversity. Based on scientific data, The tools in the system are collaborative and accessible to all. They give you the opportunity to learn about and share your observations of the fauna, flora and natural events you encounter, whether they be at sea or on land.
The map below is very simple to use, allowing everyone to publish their discoveries and add to a real-time database that can be accessed by the whole community and shared with the’National Inventory of Natural Heritage (INPN). Thanks to SeeOnSea, you can consult verified scientific observations and those of amateur users, learn more about local species and their environment, and take part in a conservation drive.
SeeOnSea offers interactive map Click on the link below to view all the information and observations made in Porto-Vecchio and the surrounding area in real time.
Each point on the map corresponds to an observation, giving you an overview of the natural riches that inhabit our region. By clicking on each observation, you can access details of the species or event observed, accompanied by images and advice to help you better understand and respect our environment.
Whether you're in the field or working remotely, this interactive map will allow you to follow the progress of ongoing discoveries and play an active part in collecting data to protect our local biodiversity.
See observations in real time
Would you like to share an observation? - It's as simple as zooming in and clicking on the location of your observation, then let yourself be guided.
Download the free SEEONSEA application
For your comfort, SeeOnSea puts at your disposal free applications based on the interactive map above. You can download the following applications SeeOnSea (for the sea) and SeeOnTrail (for earth) to be found on your usual blinds.
The SeeOnSea concept is constantly evolving and improving, SeeOnSea also offers web applications, which are easier to use because they don't require any updates. Click on the link or scan the QR code below to open the application directly, then save the link on your smartphone or tablet to use the application whenever you like.
Find out about the observations shared by the community in just a few clicks, and add your own!