The Communauté de Communes Pyrénées Haut Garonnaises(CCPHG) is firmly committed to preserving its natural heritage and building a sustainable future. Its actions cover a wide range of environmental issues, closely linked to the specific characteristics of the mountain region. Here’s an overview of the structuring initiatives undertaken in the region.
As a promoter of the Haut-Garonne Pyrenees as a destination, the Pyrénées31 Tourist Office is joining in and reinforcing its commitments on its own scale.
Approved by the French government in January 2024, the CCPHG is leading the STePRiM strategy (Stratégie Territoriale de Prévention des Risques en Montagne – Territorial Strategy for the Prevention of Mountain Risks), which covers seven areas ranging from risk awareness to active and passive protection works. This action plan runs until 2026.
An Intercommunal Safeguard Plan (Plan Intercommunal de Sauvegarde – PICS) has been drawn up to complement the Communal Safeguard Plans and coordinate responses to crisis situations on an intercommunal scale. This collective effort strengthens the area’s resilience in the face of natural hazards such as flooding, avalanches and landslides.
Since 2018, the CCPHG has been managing seven Natura 2000 sites, areas protected for their exceptional ecological wealth, until at least 2027. It is working to preserve fragile environments such as wetlands, high-altitude meadows and ancient forests.
From 2025, local biodiversity atlases will be launched in Frontignan-de-Comminges, Malvezie and Saint-Pé-d’Ardet. The aim of this project is to make a better inventory of local species, raise awareness among local residents of their environment, and encourage practices that respect nature.
The CCPHG has been implementing its Territorial Climate Air Energy Plan (PCAET) since 2020. The plan is based on three major themes: energy sobriety (housing, mobility), development of renewable energies, and adaptation to climate change.
Among the emblematic initiatives, a study of the potential for small-scale hydroelectricity has been carried out, focusing in particular on old mills. Efforts are also being made to renovate the energy efficiency of public buildings, promote soft mobility and preserve water resources.
The reopening of the Montréjeau-Bagnères-de-Luchon railway line represents a major opportunity for sustainable mobility. The CCPHG is working to integrate this mode of transport with other existing solutions (bus, Vali shuttles, cycling).
The aim is to develop real intermodality in the area, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make travel easier for residents and tourists alike. Close coordination is being undertaken with the Region and the local authorities concerned.
The CCPHG is responsible for waste collection throughout its territory, with direct management in the Luchon and Saint-Béat-Lez sectors, and via the SIVOM in the Haut Comminges. Three waste collection centres are available in Luchon, Saint-Béat-Lez and Huos.
The introduction of the first shared composters marks a step towards better bio-waste management. The local authority also encourages sorting at drop-off points, reducing waste at source, and runs awareness-raising campaigns throughout the year.
The CCPHG is an active participant in the Projet Alimentaire Territorial (PAT) run by the PETR du Pays Comminges. A feasibility study for a cutting plant at Gourdan-Polignan has been carried out to strengthen the local meat industry.
At the same time, a partnership with the Luchon town council aims to create a cooperative ecosystem to revive market garden production and strengthen the links between local agriculture and catering. It’s a virtuous circle that promotes food sovereignty and the vitality of local farms.
Raising awareness among residents and visitors is at the heart of the CCPHG’s activities. Educational activities are offered throughout the year, with a more intensive programme from spring to autumn.
Nature outings to Natura 2000 sites, participatory workshops, themed meetings: these are all opportunities to gain a better understanding of local environmental issues. These actions help to create a shared culture of respect for nature and sustainable living together.
A committed territory, between mountains, valleys and villages, where sustainable development is at the heart of public action.
➡️ Find out more: cc-pyreneeshautgaronnaises.fr > Develop and protect
