Questions to elected representatives: interview with the Mayor, Patrick Martin
January 2, 2024
What role does a municipality play in sustainable transition?
The municipality must play the role of catalyst, leader and facilitator. This is true in general on all subjects, but on this one in particular.
In your programme, you spoke of implementing sustainable, reasoned development that respects nature: halfway through your term of office, where do you stand on this objective?
We're on the right track. It takes time, like any public policy, but what we've been doing for the past 3 years is already extremely virtuous: creating a sustainable development commission, obtaining the Flocon vert label for continuous improvement... It's only the beginning, of course, but we've already built solid foundations.
What are the 3 major projects you will be undertaking between now and the end of the term?
I want to continue with the competition project for the former swimming pool, undertake the modification of the PLU (Plan Local d'Urbanisme) and continue to develop the energy renovation of public buildings.
The municipality has been awarded the Green Snowflake. How long has the municipality been working on this theme?
The previous mayor's teams had begun to think about this, but we were able to move up a gear right from the start of the mandate. The recruitment of a sustainable transitions coordinator was a real catalyst for moving forward rapidly on this theme.
Which project are you most proud of?
I'm not proud of what I've done. I'd rather talk about happiness. I'm delighted every time we succeed in bringing a project to fruition, working hand in hand with partners. I think it's important to know the region well, and not just our own. Opening up to others, collaborating with our neighbors in Tignard, with the Communauté de Communes (CCHT), singing with the mayor of Bonneval: these "little" moments bring me great joy.
In the magazine, you told us about the 3 most important actions. Are there any others?
That goes without saying! I think it's essential to underline the support the commune gives to associations and to the development of actions in favor of a mountain that's inhabited. Val d'Isère is first and foremost a village. It's this village that gave birth to the resort, so we have to be careful that the resort doesn't destroy it.
Your vision of a sustainable Val d'Isère 30 years from now?
In 30 years' time, there will still be a village. People have lived here for over 1,000 years, so there's no reason for them to leave in the years to come. The tourist resort will still be here too: we're almost celebrating its centenary. There will be snow, but gradually we'll see a balance between winter and summer activity. I think people will come to Val d'Isère in search of breathable summer temperatures and a preserved environment.
Interview in December 2023