"I started to campaign for a Pure Mountain to prevent the Mont-Blanc from becoming a vast amusement park. The mountains are fragile and human presence here isn't without negative consequences. For the past seven years Saint-Gervais has promoted freedom and purity in an eco-friendly campaign for the future. We have deliberately chosen to respect our natural and architectural heritage and campaign against the use of the mountains for excessive commercial benefit. The Mont Blanc in particular must not be seen as a consumer product for the mass-market. Instead it should remain a privileged natural creation that mankind must dutifully respect !"
Jean-Marc Peillex - Mayor of Saint-Gervais
A leader in sustainable development, Saint-Gervais has always been conscious of its extraordinary natural heritage. In 2003, the local authorities committed to educate, prevent and safeguard the environment in a campaign to preserve Mont-Blanc! The town Mayor, Jean Marc Peillex, is responsible for this active environmental campaign for a pure mountain. After seven years of education and awareness, Saint- Gervais has seen a definite change in behaviour, an encouraging promise for the future. .
Putting words into actions... In order to control the access to Mont-Blanc and reduce the impact of mass frequentation, the resort has put a number of simple ideas into action:
- Dry toilets at Mont Joly, Le Crozat, the Eagle's Nest and the Vallot shelter (the highest shelter in Europe to be equipped with such toilets, at 4,362m on the way up Mont Blanc).
- Saint-Gervais is the first locality in the region to use eco-friendly materials to resurface roads.
- Media events and awareness campaigns.
- Advertising campaigns on the Paris underground.