UNESCO: classification of Mont-Blanc

The campaign to have Mont-Blanc recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site was started in early 2000, by not only individuals but also a group known as "ProMont-Blanc". This latter group brings together 26 environmental movements of the three countries on each side of Mont Blanc, namely Switzerland, France and Italy. Their objective is the classification of the heart of the Mont Blanc massif and of its periphery, using the label "Biosphere Reserve". The problem: their policies have different approaches. Only officials representing the valleys of Chamonix and Courmayeur (Italy) have expressed a wish to go in the direction of UNESCO classification. The others are, at worst, opposed (namely St. Gervais), or have not (as yet) expressed an opinion. The counter-argument: the absence of an effective means of protection, and the risk of runaway tourism and further inflation of property prices. Environmental media argue that it is makes no sense to relaunch tourism and share publicity campaigns for the Mont Blanc area. This would require implementing & adhering to a strict environmental policy, which could endanger the chances of being classified (because presumably the policy could not be met - Ed). Any application would require a management plan for comprehensive and coordinated protection, before the three states would support a nomination. For now, a project manager is consulting with the Chamonix valley communes about the obligations involved, and his study should be completed within three years. But without at least the membership of the "Val Montjoie", it's difficult to imagine the project going any further. "... the application of the volcanic "Puy de Dome" region, even though they were before us, they should give us priority," laments Jean-Paul Trichet, the head of ProMonte Blanc.