Anchorage and light equipment area in the Var in 2019

The Zmel system (wetting area and light equipment) was established by the Act of 3 January 1986 on the development, protection and development of the coastline and by the Decree of 22 October 1991; In 2017 France adopted a national strategy based on ecosystem and economic balances. Zmel’s aim is to contribute to the sustainable development of coastal areas, reconciling the interests of recreational boating, the safety of the water body and the protection of the environment. The Zmel consists of delimiting and developing, on the natural public domain, a reception and parking area for pleasure craft. This scheme (Zmel), which is aimed primarily at municipalities and their groups, is intended to contribute to the sustainable and integrated development of coastal areas. These areas are not intended to compensate for the lack of places in marinas, but can be created to absorb the so-called “wild” anchorages that illegally occupy the DPM. Distributed along the coast into four sectors and comprising a total of 10 areas, these areas, as well as any occupation of public maritime domain (MPD) dependencies, are precarious and revocable. The development, organisation and management of these areas are governed by the specific provisions of the General Code on Ownership of Public Persons and the Tourism Code. Certain provisions of the Environmental Code and, in certain circumstances, the Urban Planning Code must also be adopted. The implementation of this scheme takes account of Natura 2000 areas, entailing regulations for the mooring system adapted for the conservation of fauna such as herbarium of posidonia or other (ecological wetting).