Are zoological parks a threat to the environment or its salvation?
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Are zoological parks a threat to the environment or its salvation?

The Sainte-Croix Zoological Park, situated in the Lorraine National Park in northeastern France, is one of the largest in Europe in terms of the number of animals that are on the brink of extinction. It goes without saying that thousands of tourists long to visit this reserve and see the red panda, bison, Przewalski's horse or the American black bear. On the other hand, questions need to be asked about the ability of the park being a popular tourist destination to ensure save environment for the animals. And how does the attempt taken by people to preserve natural habitat of animals by creating a park affect the natural landscape? 

EcoTourism Expert spoke with the staff of the Sainte-Croix Zoological Park to find out what possible impacts it may have on the environment and what measures can be undertaken to reduce the impact of zoological parks on nature.

-Could you please tell us how you conserve the natural habitat of animals in the territory of your park?

-Our park is located in a conservation area of ​​120 hectares. Initially, this territory was a part of the hunting estate with 300- year old trees growing in its territory. This area is also inhabited by a wide variety of migratory birds. We have preserved the natural landscape using only a third of the entire space. To equip the park we use as many natural materials as possible  - almost all the constructions are made of wood. Animal shelters were carefully designed so as not to affect wildlife and preserve the habitat of the animal. For this purpose, for each inhabitant of the park we have designed a space with a larger or smaller proportion of the forest or, for example, with a water zone, if necessary. This layout enables to create more space with more natural shelters where animals can feel in solitude. 


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-How do you assess the impact of the park on the environment?

-Of course, any zoological park leaves a daily environmental footprint on nature. Firstly, human activities change the natural landscape by implementing infrastructure and managing it, and secondly, animals “destroy” part of their habitat zone by eating plants or trampling on the grass. However, parks are taking measures to ease the impacts on nature. From our point of view, the main mission of zoological parks is not only to conserve endangered species, but also to educate the visitors about the importance of preservation of wildlife and methods of conservation of biodiversity by reducing the environmental impact. We believe that we have succeeded in this area and even submitted the request to get the EU Ecolabel.


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-What is the EU Ecolabel? What will it provide for the Sainte-Croix Park once received?

-The EU Ecolabel is assigned to various locations in the park such as houses and restaurants. A park, receiving such a sign, commits itself to reduce the human impact on nature. To be «labelled» parks need to meet very strict requirements. Obtaining such Ecolabel will also mean that the park meets the standards of the environmental policy of its country and implements a number of "green" initiatives, such as the introduction of zero-waste policy, renewable energy sources, natural materials, solar panels and much more.

-That is to say, the EU Ecolabel is a quality certification, isn’t it?

-That’s right. Ecolabel is a mark of quality. Given the geographical location of the park (located in France, but very close to neighboring countries such as Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland), this official sign would imply that the park provides quality services in the ecotourism sector. At the same time, receiving it will help the park fulfil its commitment to protect the environment.

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-Recently you opened the “New World” zone with a full-fledged ecosystem recreating the nature of North America, can this “innovation” affect local flora and fauna? 


-The New World, which occupies an area of ​​8.5 hectares, is indeed dedicated to North America and those animal species that are iconic for this region. There are 8 species of animals located in the zone and we recreated the real ecosystem of North America by planting the trees common for the region and creating ponds. At the same time, although the animals live in very spacious pens and in near-natural conditions they remain under control. 


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-What is the number of daily visitors to the park? Many guests come to the park by their own cars, which pollute the air. Have you ever considered launching public transport during the increased flow of visitors in order to reduce the level of harmful emissions from cars into the atmosphere?

-In 2018, Sainte-Croix registered more than 300 thousand visitors, and we are sure that the number of guests in the park will grow. On average, the park is visited by a thousand visitors on a daily basis. Currently, there is no public transport line between the Sarrebourg station - the closest railway station - and the park and this means of transportation is not very popular with tourists, but this issue is to be studies in the future.

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-What initiatives have you taken as part of your commitment to the environment?

-We manage our waste in the territory of the park as part of the a zero-waste strategy. The park recycles glass, installs compost bins and recycles food waste. Pupils, who come to the park with excursions, learn to sort the trash by throwing the rest of their lunches into the trash sorting containers that are found all over the park, including the staff premises. And of course occasionally the park takes part in environmental projects in association with environmentalists and municipal authorities.

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