Biodiversity in the Balagne: an area to discover and protect
A sustainable commitment…
The Tourist Offices of Calvi and L’Ile-Rousse are actively involved in promoting and protecting the exceptional biodiversity of the Balagne, both marine and terrestrial. Through collaborative initiatives such as SeeOnSea, we encourage everyone to explore, share and better understand the natural riches of our region. This participatory approach aims to raise awareness among visitors and residents alike, while promoting our unique ecological heritage.
The Balagne is a real natural gem, with a variety of sites of exceptional biodiversity. From the wild beaches of Ostriconi and Losari, a refuge for migratory birds and rare coastal plants, to the rich waters of the Agriate Marine Park, home to groupers and mother-of-pearl, every corner of this territory is unique. The forests of Tartagine-Melaghja and Bonifato, home to the Corsican mouflon and the red kite, rub shoulders with the Reginu Valley, a refuge for the Hermann’s tortoise and the Bedriaga’s lizard. The islands of Pietra and Revellata offer magnificent underwater landscapes, while the Fango, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protects exceptional flora and fauna. The Scandola Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site, completes the picture with its spectacular cliffs and preserved marine fauna. These sites, each more fascinating than the last, testify to the natural wealth that must be preserved.
Explore and protect…
Whether you’re a nature lover or just curious, the Balagne invites you to discover its preserved biodiversity by hiking, sailing and kayaking. Respect these fragile areas and help to preserve them.
With SeeOnSea, you can help protect this natural heritage by sharing your observations and taking part in this collaborative data collection. Together, let’s protect the riches of the Balagne for future generations.
The Tourist Offices of L’Ile-Rousse and Calvi are supporting the SeeOnSea project, an innovative initiative that invites you to discover, share and preserve the exceptional biodiversity of the Balagne. Whether you’re a nature lover or just curious, this collaborative tool based on scientific data allows you to play an active role in protecting our environment.
Thanks to an interactive map accessible to all, you can share your observations of the fauna, flora and natural phenomena you encounter, whether at sea or on land. Each contribution is fed into a real-time database shared with the French National Natural Heritage Inventory (INPN), which brings together both validated scientific data and the observations of enlightened amateurs.
Discover the natural wealth of the Balagne in real time. Each observation point on the map reveals fascinating details about local species or natural events, accompanied by images and advice on how to better understand and respect our environment.
During your stay in Balagne, share your discoveries using the mobile app or the map below. You can also explore other people’s observations from the comfort of your own home. SeeOnSea offers you a fun and useful way to help preserve our natural heritage. In just a few clicks, you can join this collective dynamic and become a player in the protection of biodiversity in the Balagne!
See observations in real time
Would you like to join the project and share your observations? It’s easy: just zoom in on the map and click on the location of your observation. All you have to do is follow the instructions!
Prefer to use the mobile application?
To give you the best possible experience, SeeOnSea offers free applications inspired by the interactive map. Download the SeeOnSea applications for your marine discoveries or SeeOnTrail for your walks on the Balagne trails.
Corsica, a Pioneer of Sustainable Tourism in the Mediterranean
On Monday, 2025 September 29 in Montpellier, Corsica was awarded the prestigious Gold level Green Destinations label, an international recognition for destinations committed to sustainable tourism.
Thanks to the work of the Corsican Tourism Agency (ATC), the island becomes the first Mediterranean island to receive this distinction, recognizing its commitment to preserving the environment, local heritage, and the well-being of its residents.
A Long-Term Vision Bearing Fruit
According to the President of the ATC, “this label is another step forward that reinforces the strategy initiated a decade ago, and encourages us to continue our efforts to make Corsica a model of responsible tourism, serving its territory and future generations.”
A Thorough and Demanding Evaluation
To obtain this certification, Corsica successfully passed a rigorous technical audit conducted by independent experts. The evaluation was based on 84 sustainability criteria, grouped into six key areas:
Sustainable management
- Nature and landscapes
- Environment and climate
- Culture and traditions
- Well-being of visitors and residents
- Businesses and hospitality
A Strategic Commitment to the Island’s Future
This recognition is part of a broader public policy led by the ATC, aiming to balance the island’s attractiveness with environmental resilience and sustainable economic development.
The Green Destinations label is more than an award — it’s the acknowledgment of years of collective effort and of deliberate, responsible choices.
Sincere thanks to all stakeholders involved in this essential journey for the future of tourism in Corsica.
Behind this seemingly harmless gesture lies a real ecological danger: the construction of small stone dams.
However, this has consequences for the ecosystem:
– Lower water levels along the entire course of the river, including downstream.
– Destruction of aquatic microhabitats, which are vital for many species.
– Stagnation of water → Eutrophication → proliferation of harmful bacteria and suffocation of fish.
To preserve the fragile balance of the river, do not move stones and pebbles!
Also, choose environmentally friendly sun protection products.
Safety Alert – Risk of Sudden Flash Floods
In case of storms in the mountains, stay away from rivers and streams, and do not swim in natural watercourses, even if the weather looks clear in the lowlands.
Storms at high altitude can cause sudden and violent flash floods, which are not visible from the valley.
For your safety:
- Stay away from riverbanks and mountain streams during storm alerts
- Check local weather conditions before heading out
- Avoid risky areas after heavy rain or storms
Stay alert and take the right precautions to stay safe!