Stories from Reunion

A conservation program is working to restore coastal vegetation on beaches in Reunion to encourage the return of sea turtles. The facility uses educational displays to explain turtle biology and anatomy to visitors.

An operation to protect species is currently occurring on Reunion Island. A plan involves using a 100-meter long bark to catch the birds and a belt to pull them into a ship. The implementation of the belt method remains pending approval from the Ministry of Environment. CÉOR officials are providing care for birds, including tropical petrels, at their care center. The Société d'Études Ornithologiques de la Réunion (CÉOR) is managing the protection of a tropical puffin species in Reunion. The organization is handling the care of a bird approximately the size of a pigeon. Julie Tormetz is managing the capacity at the CÉOR care center. In some municipalities that have extinguished nearly all lighting, bird strandings have dropped from 60-70 birds to a maximum of 2 or 3.

A lava flow has cut off the lava road on Reunion Island following a volcanic eruption. Construction work to restore access is expected to resume within five weeks to open a provisional track for users. Total costs for the complete repair works are estimated at approximately 2 million euros. Project director Franck Orgérie stated that work will proceed from both sides to expedite the process, though progress remains subject to weather conditions and potential volcanic activity. The project aims to restore access for workers despite risks of fog and further eruptions. Rain is expected to cause fog, which may necessitate work stoppages. Crews plan to attack the project from two sides to complete it as quickly as possible.