Assises régionales de l'eau en Centre Val de Loire (2023).
© Région Centre-Val de Loire
Sharing the challenge of water resources in the Centre-Val de Loire region
The Centre-Val de Loire region boasts a number of remarkable aquatic environments, many of them with rich ecological features: The Loire (France's longest river and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the broad alluvial valleys of the Cher, Indre, Vienne, Creuse, Loir and Eure départements, and the wetlands of the Brenne and Sologne (France's biggest Natura 2000 site). Located in the southern part of the Paris Basin, the region has many aquifers, including the Beauce limestone aquifer complex, Europe’s largest underground aquifer covering almost 10,000 km².
However, we are seeing the first effects of climate change. Faced with the ongoing regional winter drought and the concerns expressed by the local population, the Region has decided to participate fully in the public debate by drafting a report based on current scientific knowledge, and by working with all stakeholders to create a shared vision.
To this end, the Region organised a Regional Water Conference on 7 November 2023. The main aim was to establish the facts relating to issues already identified and observed, drawing upon the existing legislative framework.
The Region is seeking to bring together all stakeholders, elected representatives and members of the public, to jointly build and share a strategy ensuring that each group acts responsibly regarding this vital issue that concerns us all.
