The Écoferme Départementale de la Barre is a sensitive natural area that was originally reserved for school groups and specialized institutions. Since its opening to the general public in 2020, the site has seen increasing visitor numbers, prompting the need for accurate tracking. The farm spans multiple areas, including a fenced section with animals such as rabbits, goats, and donkeys, as well as wild zones designated as a refuge for birds and other wildlife. Given its educational purpose, maintaining controlled access is crucial to protecting biodiversity and managing visitor impact.
Kiomda supplied and maintains a pedestrian counting device, installed with anti-vandalism protection to ensure durability. The bidirectional data collected every 30 minutes is accessible via the Reports Kiomda interface, allowing stakeholders to track visitor numbers in real time.
The data collected is essential for ensuring sustainable site management and making informed decisions.
"We use the device to track site attendance. Local officials request visitor data from us, but counting visitors manually is nearly impossible because the site is structured like a large open garden."
The numbers are primarily used for reporting to local authorities and help assess the balance between educational activities and site preservation.
"We try to limit the number of visitors because this is a protected area. We now restrict access for certain groups, such as summer camps, to prevent excessive wear on the environment."
The Reports Kiomda platform enables the team to track visitor trends, measure the impact of seasonal events, and plan accordingly.
"These data help us understand site usage and determine if additional facilities, such as small cafés, should be installed for visitors. We want to avoid overdevelopment beyond what is necessary."
The only minor challenge is ensuring accurate data collection under all conditions.
"Certain anomalies appear in the count, such as activity on closed days. We even have a fox on-site, but fortunately, it wouldn’t be counted!"
With a 10/10 rating, the Kiomda solution meets all expectations, providing a reliable and effective tool for monitoring visitor traffic and supporting data-driven site management.
