ABioBE : Development for Biodiversity and Well-Being

Abstract

The ABioBE project, initiated in 2021 at the Laboratoire de Biotechnologie de l’Environnement (LBE) in Narbonne, is part of the INRAE 2021-2025 CSR plan. It aims to combine the preservation of biodiversity and the improvement of quality of life at work (QWL).
The LBE site, located in a semi-natural environment, was initially sparsely developed, with limited biodiversity. The project was based on concrete actions such as the planting of 190 trees, the installation of nesting boxes and insect hotels for wildlife, and the improvement of outdoor spaces for employees, notably with the installation of a pergola and sports areas. These actions were developed thanks to a participatory approach involving staff and local players such as the Ligue de protection des oiseaux (LPO), the Narbonnaise regional natural park, and the Conseil d’Architecture, d’Urbanisme et de l’Environnement (CAUE) de l’Aude, who provided invaluable technical advice, ensuring an ecological design adapted to the specific features of the site and local constraints.
The project benefited from the diversified skills of in-house teams, notably the Sustainable Development correspondents, the building maintenance and green spaces department, and ADAS, to ensure efficient implementation. The facilities installed enhance the environment by transforming the spaces into pleasant, user-friendly living spaces for employees. The initial results are positive, with staff gradually taking ownership of the infrastructure and promising results in terms of biodiversity preservation.
The ABioBE project illustrates a collaborative and innovative approach to meeting environmental and human challenges, while offering prospects for improvement and dissemination.