What Ecosphere does

Écosphère is a French environmental consulting firm (bureau d'études en environnement) founded in 1988 by Jean-Christophe Kovacs, Marc Thauront, and Véronique Bobe Leloup and headquartered in Saint-Maurice, Île-de-France. The group operates through 18 agencies and antennas across metropolitan France, complemented by two wholly-owned subsidiaries — TBM Environnement (marine, coastal, and terrestrial expertise, joined 2000) and SOMME (underwater acoustics and advanced marine monitoring, created 2012) — and a partnership with Hydrosphère for continental aquatic environments. Services span ecological inventories, regulatory studies (Natura 2000, IEDA, Water Law, species derogations), ecological engineering and project management (ERC-A measure design and full master contracting), urban ecology, biodiversity conservation, advisory and training, audiovisual production, and geomatics, serving project developers, energy operators (EDF, RTE, CNR, Boralex, EDP, WPD, Imerys), transport infrastructure owners (SNCF Réseau, Vinci Autoroutes), and French and European public authorities.

The firm's competitive position rests on proprietary technology and deep regulatory expertise. Its GéoÉcosphère GIS platform integrates ArcGIS Enterprise, SQL Server, mobile field collection (FieldMaps on Android), and the MNHN TaxRef taxonomic reference. R&D programs develop multi-sensor autonomous buoys for marine avifauna, drone-based AI species detection (TRIDA, Butors & co, AVIAIR-Agri, Somme EEE), automated bioacoustic protocols (Avicoust), and standardized evaluation of automated detection-reaction systems for wind turbine bird-collision mitigation (SDA). Écosphère has worked for the European Commission's DG Environment since 1991 through The N2K Group GEIE and co-founded the European Consortium for Renewables and Wildlife (ERWC) in June 2024 with four other European consultancies, pooling roughly 500 specialists for cross-border renewable-energy mandates.

Revenue is generated through professional-services engagements (project-based, multi-year contracts) priced individually on scope, complexity, regulatory requirements, and geography, with no public pricing or standard rate cards. Distribution is exclusively direct via the regional agency network and a dedicated international team covering Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and French overseas territories. GTM is relationship-driven and enterprise-focused, supported by a professional website, LinkedIn presence, YouTube productions, and conference participation rather than paid digital marketing.

Name

Ecosphere

Legal name

Écosphère S.A.S.

Website

https://ecosphere.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Écosphère is a French environmental consulting firm founded in 1988 that provides ecological audits, regulatory studies, biodiversity monitoring, and ecological engineering to project developers, energy operators, and public authorities across France, Europe, and international markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Consulting Services

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Environmental Consulting Services (541620)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Engineering Services (8711)

akta.pro primary industry

Nature, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Conservation (BPADALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA), Ecological Restoration Planning & Monitoring (Habitat, Wetland, Stream) (EUAHAHAF), Conservation, Restoration & Biodiversity Services (Habitat, Wetlands, Riparian) (IMAMAJAH), Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI)

Keywords

• Environmental consulting services
• Ecological impact assessments
• Biodiversity conservation studies
• Ecological engineering
• Regulatory environmental studies

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint-maur-des-fossés

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices17 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Environmental Consulting and Studies: Écosphère generates revenue through professional services engagements including ecological inventories, regulatory impact studies (environmental impact assessments, Natura 2000 incidence studies, water law dossiers, protected species derogation dossiers), ecological engineering, project management, and ecological monitoring. Revenue is project-based and contract-driven, with pricing determined by project scope, complexity, and duration. The firm serves both public entities (government agencies, municipalities, public institutions) and private sector clients (developers, energy companies, industrial operators). As an independent firm with no disclosed pricing, engagements are quoted individually based on project specifications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Écosphère is a French environmental consulting firm (bureau d'études en environnement) that provides ecological expertise, regulatory studies, ecological engineering, biodiversity conservation advisory, geomatics, and urban ecology services for project developers, public authorities, and infrastructure operators. The firm delivers end-to-end services including naturalist inventories, environmental impact assessments, Natura 2000 incidence studies, ERC-A (Avoid-Reduce-Compensate-Accompany) measure design and implementation, ecological construction supervision, and post-project ecological monitoring. Operating through 18 regional agencies across France with subsidiaries TBM Environnement (marine/coastal) and SOMME (underwater acoustics).

Product overview

Écosphère is an independent French environmental consulting group founded in 1988, operating as a bureau d'études en environnement (environmental consulting firm). The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of ecological consulting services organized around core activities: ecological expertise and regulatory studies, ecological engineering and project management, urban ecology, biodiversity conservation, advisory services, European/international consulting, geomatics, training, and audiovisual production. The group includes subsidiaries TBM Environnement (marine and coastal expertise), SOMME (underwater acoustics), and operates through the Hydrosphère partnership for continental aquatic environments. The company conducts significant R&D in drone-based AI, bioacoustics, automated detection systems, and innovative monitoring technologies including a multi-sensor buoy for marine avifauna.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ecological Expertise and Regulatory Studies Ecological expertise and regulatory studies including naturalist inventories, ecological diagnostics, environmental impact assessments, and compliance with environmental legislation (Natura 2000, protected species derogations, wetland delineation). For project developers, public authorities, and infrastructure operators requiring ecological assessment and regulatory authorization support.
• Ecological Engineering and Project Management Ecological engineering and project management services including habitat management plans, ecological project design, ERC-A measure implementation, construction supervision, species relocation, and ecological audits. For project developers requiring full implementation of biodiversity compensation and ecological restoration works.
• Urban Ecology and Nature in the City Urban ecology services integrating natural elements into city planning, addressing climate change through green infrastructure (tree shading, vegetated walls and roofs, water features), and supporting BiodiverCity, HQE Bâtiment Durable, and BREEAM certifications. For urban developers, municipalities, and construction firms.
• Biodiversity Conservation Biodiversity conservation services including Natura 2000 site management and animation, protected species action plans, ecological coherence schemes, and environmental assessment of regional planning documents. For public authorities, conservation organizations, and regional planners.
• Advisory and Strategic Support Advisory and strategic support services including regulatory expertise, biodiversity strategy development, policy evaluation, and technical-juridical accompaniment for environmental projects. For project developers and public authorities requiring expert guidance on environmental compliance and strategy.
• European and International Consulting European and international environmental consulting services including work for the European Commission since 1991 through the N2K Group GEIE, biodiversity assessments, conservation strategies, and ecological engineering for projects worldwide. For international organizations, governments, and energy companies operating across continents.
• Geomatics and Nature Information Systems Geographic Information Systems and spatial analysis services including GIS data management, ecological mapping, online cartography platforms, and the proprietary GéoÉcosphère SIG system based on ArcGIS Enterprise. For project developers, public authorities, and research organizations requiring spatial ecological data management.
• Targeted Training and Communication Support Customized training and communication support including specialized ecology courses for universities, pedagogical material production (panels, brochures, films), and nature discovery trails. For universities, engineering schools, public institutions, and project developers requiring stakeholder engagement.
• Audiovisual Production Audiovisual production services including naturalistic films, project documentation, environmental sensitization videos, and scientific vulgarization content using drones and 4K capture. For project developers, public institutions, and conservation organizations.
• TBM Environnement (Subsidiary) Subsidiary specializing in marine, coastal, and terrestrial environment expertise and complete regulatory studies, including habitat cartography, population monitoring, and environmental impact assessment. Based in Auray, France.
• SOMME (Subsidiary) Subsidiary specialized in underwater acoustics and advanced technologies for environmental study, including real-time noise monitoring and marine mammal vocalization analysis. Based in Brest, France.

Quantifiable outcome

• Wetland restoration project at Rochefort-sur-Nenon: improved water supply confirmed, open habitats increased by 10%, new floristic species established (Oenanthe fistulosa, Deschampsia cespitosa pseudalpina, Ranunculus flammula) within 3 years of restoration
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers22 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• ERWC (European Renewable Energy and Wildlife Consortium)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 June 2024Écosphère is a founding member of the European Consortium for Renewable Energy and Wildlife (ERWC), formed on 21 June 2024. The consortium brings together ~500 specialists across five leading European ecological consulting firms (Écosphère and its subsidiaries TBM/SOMME, Nature Conservation Consultants/Greece, Waardenburg Ecology/Netherlands, Oikon/Croatia, BioInsight & Ecoa/Portugal) to provide high-quality ecological research and advisory services for renewable energy projects. The consortium aims to enable responsible renewable energy development while protecting nature, establishing consistent European quality standards for ecological assessment and mitigation.
• The N2K Group (European Economic Interest Grouping)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1991Écosphère has worked since 1991 for the European Commission's DG Environment Nature unit through The N2K Group GEIE, registered in Brussels. The group includes Écosphère and four other European firms (Ecosystems/Belgium, Atecma/Spain, Comunita ambiente/Italy, Daphne/Slovakia), with consultants across all EU countries and partnerships with other European private or associative structures. The group provides technical and scientific support for the implementation of EU nature directives (Birds, Habitats, Water Framework, Marine Strategy).
• HydrosphèrecoreTechnology or IntegrationHydrosphère is Écosphère's specialized partner for expertise in continental aquatic environments. The partnership extends Écosphère's capabilities to freshwater ecology and aquatic system assessment. Hydrosphère is also listed among Écosphère's recognized partners for completing expertise on specific missions and domains.
• ProdronesmajorTechnology or IntegrationÉcosphère has maintained an exclusive partnership with Prodrones since 2016 for drone technology applications in ecological conservation. Collaboration spans multiple innovative R&D projects including TRIDA (marine bird drone inventory), Butors & co (bittern monitoring), Somme EEE (invasive species drone surveys), and AVIAIR-Agri (agricultural work detection for wind farm raptor protection).
• GreenLawminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGreenLaw is listed as a recognized partner of Écosphère, providing environmental law expertise to complement Écosphère's ecological and engineering services on specific missions.
• Land'ActminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLand'Act is listed as a recognized partner of Écosphère, providing land management and environmental expertise to complement Écosphère's ecological studies on specific missions.
• UPGE (Union des Promoteurs du Génie Écologique)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerÉcosphère is committed alongside UPGE to support the ecological engineering sector. UPGE is the professional union representing ecological engineering companies in France, and Écosphère's engagement demonstrates its dedication to the field's professional development and standards.
• Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale / LISIC LaboratorymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerÉcosphère collaborates with the Image, Signal and Computer Science laboratory (LISIC) of the Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale on developing ontologically explainable image classifiers for automated marine bird detection using drone-acquired data from the TRIDA project. Also collaborated on the AVIAIR-Agri project with the university.
• PNR Caps et Marais d'OpaleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Natural Regional Park of Caps and Opale Marshes collaborated with Écosphère and Prodrones on the Butors & co drone-based bittern and reedbed species monitoring project.
• Réserves Naturelles Nationales (Cherine, Estuaire de la Seine, Étangs de Romelaere)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree French National Nature Reserves (Cherine, Seine Estuary, Étangs de Romelaere) collaborated as field sites for the Butors & co project testing drone-based methodologies for bittern and reedbed species monitoring in 2022 and 2023.
• GIS Oiseaux Marins (Groupement d'Intérêt Scientifique sur les Oiseaux Marins)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Scientific Interest Group on Marine Birds collaborates with Écosphère on the TRIDA project, contributing ornithological expertise for the development of standardized drone-based marine bird census methodologies.
• Groupe Ornithologique et Naturaliste du Nord-Pas-de-Calais (GON)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe GON collaborates with Écosphère on the TRIDA drone-based marine bird inventory project, contributing local ornithological expertise in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region.
• Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels des Hauts-de-FrancemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels des Hauts-de-France is the lead organization for the Chemins des Ducs project, with Écosphère as the implementing partner for GPS telemetry tracking of juvenile Eurasian Eagle-Owls, using GSM/GPRS tracking equipment on 24 birds.
• OFB (Office Français de la Biodiversité)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOFB is a project partner in the Chemins des Ducs GPS telemetry study of juvenile Eurasian Eagle-Owl dispersal behavior in the Hauts-de-France region.
• CRBPO / MNHN (Centre de Recherches sur la Biologie des Populations d'Oiseaux)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe CRBPO of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle supports the Chemins des Ducs project, contributing genetic analysis via salivary samples and scientific oversight through the national bird population research center.
• GeCoLAB — Université de LiègeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe GeCoLAB laboratory at the University of Liège collaborates on the Chemins des Ducs project, providing geospatial connectivity analysis between regional and extra-regional (Hauts-de-France and Belgium) populations of Eurasian Eagle-Owl.
• IkoulaminorOthersWebsite hosting provider. Ikoula: 2 Cité Paradis – 75010 Paris, France – 01 84 01 02 50. Écosphère's website is hosted by Ikoula.
• Conservatoire botanique national de BailleulminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with Écosphère and Prodrones on the Somme EEE project for drone-based experimental inventory of invasive Ludwigia peploides species across the Haute Vallée de la Somme (2020–2021).

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• WSP: Global professional services firm with strong environment and ecology capabilities in France; competes for environmental impact assessments, biodiversity strategies, and infrastructure environmental work.
• Arcadis: Global design and consultancy with a sizable environmental practice in France; competes on impact assessments, ecological engineering, and ESG/biodiversity advisory across infrastructure and energy.
• Ingérop: French engineering consultancy with an established environment and biodiversity practice delivering ecological studies, regulatory dossiers, and project management comparable to Écosphère's offering.
• Ramboll: International consultancy with significant European environmental practice, including biodiversity and nature-based solutions work, competing with Écosphère on EU-level projects and large infrastructure.
• Tractebel (Engie): International engineering consultancy with environmental and biodiversity services for energy, infrastructure, and water projects, often competing for the same large-scale mandates as Écosphère.
• Egis Group: Large French engineering group whose Environment and Ecology practices compete with Écosphère on regulatory studies, impact assessments, and biodiversity engineering for transport, energy, and urban development projects.
• ERM (Environmental Resources Management): Global environmental consultancy delivering biodiversity impact assessments, ecological surveys, and ESG advisory; competes for multi-national infrastructure and energy mandates across Europe.

Direct peers

• Biotope: French ecological consulting firm offering similar ecological inventories, regulatory dossiers, and species/habitat expertise; headquartered in France with nationwide agency network, making it the closest direct competitor to Écosphère.
• Oikon: Croatian environmental consultancy and fellow ERWC consortium member; provides ecological studies, impact assessments, and biodiversity research comparable to Écosphère's services, with regional focus on Southeast Europe.
• Waardenburg Ecology: Dutch ecological consultancy and fellow ERWC consortium member; comparable in services (bird surveys, ecological impact studies, monitoring) and target clients (renewable energy, infrastructure), with complementary geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@groupe_ecosphere
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ecosphere-fr

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ecosphere