Mont St Michel is part of an outstanding natural setting. Forming a transition between the sea and the land, the bay houses a wealth of invaluable ecosystems. Mont St Michel and the Bay have been listed for conservation by numerous national and international organizations: UNESCO world heritage site, listed sites, with special conservation measures to protect the flora and fauna, the Ramsar convention on wetlands, nominated for the Natura 2000 Network etc…

The adopted modifications to the beaches and along the Couesnon will redynamize the Bay and so contribute towards enhancing its environmental quality.
To ensure that this happens and help the project along, a quality initiative was introduced back in 1997. A preliminary focus group took stock of what had been learnt and what we still needed to find out, and to set out the major targets to be reached in terms of conservation.
-> Environment brochure

Starting in 1998, ten environmental studies were conducted by top Bay specialists taking the modifications into account. This involved in-depth research into water quality, the nature of the sediment, the salt marshes, bottom fauna, fish and seals, birds and landscapes.

-> Maps

The various modifications are all geared towards enhancing the site. An impact survey has been carried out to assess the effects they will have.

The study of habitats and species needing protection in line with European directives reached a positive conclusion as to the effects of the project. After being disturbed by traffic on the causeway and parking on the beaches, nature will regain control. Species of special interest to the community and their habitats will be and redistributed across the bay and the stronger for it. Particular care will be taken to phase the works in such a way as to minimize disturbance to them during the breeding and nesting season.