Our Efforts to Preserve and Promote Biodiversity

Our campus in Saint-Martin-d'Hères, one of the region’s largest urban green spaces, is home to a remarkable wealth of biodiversity. Recognizing this responsibility, we are firmly committed to preserving the flora and fauna it shelters.
A sign reading “Late Mowing Harms Biodiversity” planted in a meadow on campus
Preserving natural areas ensures biodiversity on our campuses.

University Campus Development and Combating Land Sealing

While today’s university campus is very different from that of the 1960s, while urbanization has not spared the university grounds, and while new construction has met society’s growing demand for access to higher education, preserving this site remains a priority. We prioritize responsible land management and are working to reduce land development. Significant investments in public transportation and bike paths have led to a substantial reduction in the number of cars and parking spaces.

Protection of Campus Flora and Fauna

An active policy of preserving natural areas ensures biodiversity on our campuses. Numerous projects aimed at cataloging insects, birds, wildlife, and plants are carried out to preserve biodiversity in partnership with organizations or as part of student projects. These efforts have been recognized since 2021 with the “Refuge LPO” (League for the Protection of Birds) certification, attesting to our commitment.

For more information:

Download the management guidelines for the LPO wildlife sanctuary on the UGA campus (PDF)

Download the summary of the 2021–2025 agreement for the LPO wildlife refuge on the UGA campus (PDF)

A biodiversity laboratory 

We aim to perpetuate this culture of preserving these precious natural areas. By strengthening partnerships with environmental stakeholders and drawing on our specialized research teams, we are developing innovative projects. The Biodiversity Observatory (OBIGA), established in 2022, exemplifies this approach by involving the community (students, staff) in the collection of scientific data, thereby contributing to a better understanding and the preservation of our natural heritage.

For more information:

Visit the OBIGA Observatory website
 
Published on 22 August 2025
Updated on 17 September 2026