by Sylvain Sainte-Marie and Benjamin Henderson
Given that Le Havre is a crucial hub for environmental decisions and a victim of environmental changes it is the perfect place for a grass-roots environmental movement (see The Environmental Story of Le Havre). This article will talk about some of the many projects that have taken root in and around Le Havre, as well as the protected lands that you can visit during your time here.
Location: 37 quai de la Saône (close to campus)
Hangar Zero, HZ for short, is probably the most well-known ecological association in Le Havre. A warehouse destined for destruction in 2015, no one would have guessed that merely 10 years later it would have totally transformed into an oasis for sustainable projects. When it was purchased by an ambitious local group of eco-enthusiasts in 2015 they set out to provide a radical vision for the future. HZ was strictly opposed to the “Paris axe Seine” development project which, most notably, strengthened shipping routes from Le Havre to the French capital; a project which demanded the use of many non-renewable resources, such as for a port expansion. Hangar Zero embodies an alternative to this industrial expansion.
Instead of destroying and replacing infrastructure to pursue “development” HZ affirms the possibility of eco-alternatives to building, both physical structures and communities. It is constructed from a majority of reused building materials. The architects working at HZ are exemplary of a new movement in architecture towards rejuvenation through reuse. It is open to the public and deeply integrated in the neighbourhood. Its governance embodies a horizontal philosophy, as such is a collaborative non-profit enterprise (SCIC) and association (LH-0). It is the perfect place to debate environmental topics, enjoy a meal and drink, and get involved in volunteering.
How to get involved:
There are a plethora of events and volunteer opportunities at Hangar Zero:
- It can be a place for recreation.
- Hangar zero has a small store with eco-friendly cosmetics, local art, and home goods.
- A rotating menu of locally sourced foods and drinks offers the perfect place to meet with friends for a meal.
- Additionally, conferences, movie screenings, and debates are regularly held throughout the week.
- If you’re feeling inspired, you can take the initiative to organize your own events.
Unfortunately, HZ can be harder for non-French speakers to access. But it is always possible to do English events catered towards the Sciences Po population. People are very kind and will tolerate any level of French! They’re just happy you’re there.
- HZ is looking for volunteers every Thursday!
- They are interested in people to help with further construction projects. This entails working with reused materials to renovate and expand parts of the physical structure.
- Those interested can also help manage the bar and, or cinema-debate club.
Who to contact: contact@lehangarzero.fr
Location: 13 rue de Tourville (close to Pôle Simone Veil)
This small association combats the arbitrary wasting of food. They collect items that super markets would no longer sell, sort through the edible material (composting what is not) , and cook meals that are affordable and healthy.
The group at Havre de Vers is incredibly warm and welcoming. It is a laid back atmosphere which nourishes one’s body as well as social needs. One can learn very useful cooking skills by helping out, and especially best practices for avoiding food waste. It is a very human and warm group, where you can have a chill time, share a meal, make friends and learn useful cooking skills.
Location: 12 Rue Horace Vernet, 76620, Le Havre
Ecologie pour le Havre is the main ecological advocacy group in LH. Since LH is an important industrial hub, they do their best to monitor this activity and function as a check on companies that don’t comply with environmental regulations. While their focus is environmental, they acknowledge the economic and social aspects of climate change, and are committed to centralizing marginalized groups in their activities.
They are in contact with the local government and lobby for environmental progress. They have filled many lawsuits against companies that dumped waste into the water or engaged in air pollution. As an association they have a scientific and pragmatic approach to the furtherance of ecological ends.
What to do:
- Help with lobbying efforts
- Research the environmental effects of Le Havre industry and development
- Organize protests and education campaigns.
Who to contact:
Instagram works @ecologiepourlehavre
Location: 12, rue Horace Vernet, 76620, Le Havre
General description: Clos Val Soleil was founded in 2022 to preserve and reinvigorate an 18th century manor and its grounds. The area is large, taking up 6,900 m2 (about 1.7 acres) in the Sanvic neighbourhood of Le Havre. Their objective was two-fold, to use the historic house for affordable housing, rather than tear it down and rebuild something in its place, and to maintain the biodiversity and beauty of the vast grounds.
They reached an agreement with Logeo Seine, an affordable housing network, to refurbish the house—converting it into 12 units. The renovations were set to start at the beginning of 2025. Meanwhile, Clos Val Soleil has managed the community life aspect of the project. Their organization offers opportunities to get involved with the conservation of their lands, and workshops are dedicated to environmentally friendly practices like repair shops and eco-gift making.
What to do:
- Creative workshops (gift-making, furniture repair, etc.)
- Fix your bike (Wednesday 14h to 16h) Text 06 09 74 98 74 to book a reservation
- Chat with people (Café Papotage)—Wed 14h-16h & Sat 10h-12h).
- Take care of the Garden—Tuesday and Thursday 14h-17h30
- Other events
Who to contact:
Email: asso.closvalsoleil@mailo.fr
Facebook: @Clos Val Soleil
Location:
General description:
Graine en Main provides organic vegetables to subscribers of their service, a variety of grocery stores, and markets. Their association started in 2016 when a six-hectare organic farm was put up for sale. Community members came together, raising 120000€ for a loan to buy the property. From there the association has grown into one of the largest local and organic providers of produce in the area. Their goal is to provide everyone with organic produce regardless of their financial situation.
They provide food for AMAP’s where local consumers, farmers, and artisans bring their goods together at a fixed price. Everything that is produced is divided into baskets and distributed to the consumers. The prices are such that the consumer gets a good deal on high quality goods, and the providers are guaranteed an income.
What to do:
- Go to their market every Friday from 8h30 to 12h30 at 1 Avenue René Coty.
- Pick up the weekly veggie basket from Sciences Po!
General description:
An estuary is the transitional area between a river and the ocean, in the case of Le Havre, where the Seine and English Channel meet. Estuaries are particularly important as locations of biodiversity. As an example of “ecotone,” the transitional area between two plant communities, and a place where freshwater and saline water meet, estuaries are particularly productive ecosystems. Further, wetlands are among the most endangered places on the planet and are home to an immense diversity of species. Migratory birds spend lots of time in Le Havre’s estuary and can be spotted from the Observatoires de l’Estuaire.
The Maison de L’estuaire was founded to mediate discussions between stakeholders in Le Havre’s estuary. It served a crucial role in 1995 when the Port 2000 project was being decided, the result of which aimed at balancing economic development and environmental preservation. While there are still tensions between the two camps, there have been clear victories for both. In December 1997 the Nature Reserve of the Seine Estuary was created and ever since the land has been preserved and reinvigorated. It is a wonderful place to go for a hike and observe the changing seasons. Last year we went on a hike and some pictures of it are attached to this article.
What to do:
- Go hiking
- View the migratory birds
Le Dragon Déchaîné 