“Imagine tes montagnes” (Imagine Your Mountains) is a joint call for projects launched in 2021 with the aim of empowering young people to take action for mountain environments. The initiative supports funding for practical projects that help shape the mountains of tomorrow, protecting biodiversity, respecting the environment, and fostering community engagement. Its mission is clear: to support initiatives and project leaders who inspire and empower younger generations to preserve mountain ecosystems. (source : https://auvergne-rhone-alpes.ambition-ess.org/appels-a-projet/aap-collectif-imagine-tes-montagnes/) 

Among the four winners of the 2026 edition, the Sidas World Foundation selected the Nemeton project for funding in recognition of its contribution to scientific research while promoting the social inclusion of young adults from underprivileged urban neighborhoods. 

This citizen science project consists of two separate three-day expeditions to the Robert Lakes in the Belledonne mountain range. A total of 40 young adults aged 18–25 participate, divided into two groups of 20. Half of the participants are recruited through priority urban neighborhoods in Grenoble and the local Youth Employment Service (Mission Locale), with their participation fully funded by the association. The other half are eco-volunteers who cover the cost of their own stay.

Guided by mountain professionals and scientists, participants take part in genuine scientific research protocols focused on Alpine biodiversity. 

The objectives of these scientific expeditions are to:

• Remove barriers to accessing the mountains by giving young people from underserved communities the opportunity to discover mountain environments.
• Contribute to scientific research by collecting field data for partner laboratories Biophonia and Argaly.
• Raise awareness of environmental issues by helping participants understand the impacts of climate change on mountain ecosystems through hands-on observation and fieldwork.
• Promote social inclusion by bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds, encouraging teamwork, mutual understanding, and intercultural exchange.
• Extend the project’s impact beyond the expeditions through the creation of photo and video content. Participants who wish to do so may also share their experience in middle and high schools, helping to raise awareness among younger students about mountain conservation and environmental challenges. 

Bioacoustics Expedition – in partnership with Biophonia, 3–5 July 2026 

This expedition explores Alpine biodiversity through sound, combining active listening in the field with the deployment of autonomous audio recorders. From the second day onward, participants work alongside scientists to analyze the recordings and identify species using bioacoustic algorithms. 

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Environmental DNA Expedition – in partnership with Argaly, 7–9 August 2026 

The second expedition focuses on the genetic traces left behind by living organisms in the environment. Participants collect biological samples in the field, analyze them using PCR protocols, and interpret the results with the support of the scientific team. 

These scientific expeditions not only generate valuable field data for biodiversity research but also provide an immersive educational experience that helps participants understand the many factors affecting mountain ecosystems and their impact on Alpine fauna and flora.