In port-cros get to know Karine Hamel-Cam, Director Le Jardin des Méditerranées au Domaine du Rayol

She describes it as "atypical", and it is. However, the career path of Karine Hamel-Cam, director of the Domainedu Rayol, has never deviated from a single priority.

A native of Normandy, she was educated between LeHavre, where she was born, and Rouen. Interested in "research and mediation", she studied human sciences up to a master's degree, followed by a doctorate in history, then a second master's degree in economics, law and management, specializing in "strategy". A not necessarily logical sequence, but one that already attests to a need to follow her intuitions and "find meaning...".

I was lucky enough to be asked as a historian to participate in the creation of the first natural park dedicated to sustainable development at the Cistercian abbey of Valasse in Normandy. Apart from the humanities, I had no scientific training, but - and this is what has motivated my entire career - I have always been passionate about, and motivated by, everything to do with nature and its protection, and I see this as a commitment that is also at the heart of my personal life.

I had to imagine a future for this territory with a strong industrial past, at a time when the notion of sustainable development was emerging.

In2010, Karine Hamel-Cam took over the management of Micropolis, the Insect Cityin Aveyron, for 8 years. And then came the job offer for the Mediterranean Garden at the Domaine du Rayol.

All the boxes were ticked: the sea, nature, culture... the Conservatoire du littoral, therefore a benevolent owner, and an associative structure which I know, from experience, is the most adequate response to the enthusiasm of a team with flexibility in decision and reaction.

Two years after her arrival, Karine is more enthusiastic than ever:

'We have eight business lines here and even more different professions... But we are all united by our attachment to this garden...None of us is here by chance, and that's very unifying!

Applying for the Esprit Parc National - Port-Cros brand was an obvious choice because we share the same commitment to the preservation of biodiversity, we are in the same geographical area and we have a common history!