“Space and Biodiversity” day

Europe’s Spaceport welcomed a large number of visitors to its “Space and Biodiversity” day : a unique event combining the exploration of the flora and fauna of the Spaceport and raising awareness about environmental protection.

The programme included a series of varied activities allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the savannahs, meet biodiversity experts and discover projects related to satellite Earth observation.

Fun activities were also organised throughout the day for our youngest visitors. The interactive workshops were an entertaining way for children to learn about satellites and their Earth observation missions. For those in search of more cosmic discoveries, the planetarium sessions organised by Guyaspace Expérience provided insight into the history of the Earth and the issues involved in protecting it.

This “Space and Biodiversity” day not only showcased the wealth of nature at Europe’s Spaceport, but also informed the general public about the actual measures being taken to protect these delicate ecosystems. Visitors left with a fresh perspective on the relationship between space and biodiversity, while learning more about the need to protect our planet. 
 

In the Jupiter Hall, a number of information stands gave visitors the chance to talk directly to experts from the French Space Agency and its partners about the work conducted at Europe’s Spaceport to protect biodiversity. These meetings provided a unique opportunity to find out more about the research and conservation work carried out at the site.

One of the most popular tours was to the savannahs, where the ONF (French National Forest Office) shared its knowledge of the region’s endemic flora, while the OFB (French Biodiversity Agency) explained the systems in place to monitor large animals, in particular jaguars and other protected species. Visitors could also explore the flora of the savannahs; a delicate ecosystem that is home to exceptional biodiversity, while learning about the conservation measures taken by the partners of Europe’s Spaceport.

Visits to Monkey Mountain, another highlight of the day, plunged participants into a fascinating world of insects, butterflies, bats and reptiles. These excursions were led by enthusiastic experts from the Société Entomologique des Antilles-Guyane et de Biotope, who presented the wealth of local ecosystems in a way that was both scientific and fun.
 

In addition to local biodiversity, the day also showcased projects that use Earth observation satellites. The Space Climate Observatory exhibition, on display throughout the day in the Jupiter Hall, was very popular. It exhibited innovative projects that use satellite data to monitor the impact of climate change and offer sustainable solutions for protecting our planet.

Find out more...

Studying and assessing impacts

To assess the impact of launches, but also to ensure that Europe’s Spaceport’s ecosystems are in good health, an Environmental Measurement Plan (PME), specific to each launch vehicle, is established for every launch. Click here to find out more.

Because it knows that protecting the environment is a crucial issue, the French Space Agency has chosen to adopt a management plan designed to boost knowledge about its natural heritage, promote and protect it. Click here to view it.
 

You can visit the savannahs of Europe’s Spaceport too!
 

Tours of the savannahs are organised every month with a guide from the National Forests Office, to explore this concentrated area of biodiversity, home to over 700 different species. For more information, click here.

Behind the scenes: environmental protection at Europe’s Spaceport

Europe’s Spaceport has implemented an environmental policy to limit the impact of space activities on French Guiana's biodiversity. In the video below, you can learn about the tangible measures taken at the Spaceport.