statement - Fédération des Parcs naturels régionaux de France

Transcription

Questions & Answers
on the Regional Natural Parks of France
STATEMENT
NOVEMBER 2012
Introduction
What are Regional Natural Parks?
How do they differ from National Parks or
Nature Reserves?
Why and how have they been created?
What do they protect?
How do they manage their territory?
What commitments do they imply?
Who arbitrates the sometimes divergent
parties and makes the decisions on their
territory?
All stakeholders, among which elected officials
and representatives, institutional partners, as
well as inhabitants, journalists and the general
public ask us these fair and relevant questions
every day, thereby demonstrating their interest
in Regional Natural Parks.
It is not always easy – in fact, it is often rather
complex – to satisfy their curiosity.
Indeed, each Regional Natural Park can
use its own experience. However, parks
as a whole need to have a consistent
common «statement» that is as concise and
comprehensible as possible in order to bring
clear and unequivocal answers to these people.
This STATEMENT, which results from extensive
discussions with the stakeholders, is a tool
for all those who have to explain, defend, and
provide information on the Regional Natural
Parks of France, their raison d’être and their
missions.
This tool may be improved according to the
Parks themselves and current events. In other
words, it should adapt to any future questions
that we may encounter!
STATEMENT Q&A /
1
Alpilles
Ardennes
Armorique
Avesnois
Ballons des Vosges
Boucles de la Seine Normande
Brenne
Brière
Camargue
Caps et Marais d’Opale
Causses du Quercy
Chartreuse
Corse
Forêt d’Orient
Gâtinais Français
Grands Causses
Guyane
Haut-Jura
Haut-Languedoc
Haute-Vallée de Chevreuse
Landes de Gascogne
Livradois-Forez
Loire-Anjou-Touraine
Lorraine
Luberon
Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin
Martinique
Massif des Bauges
Millevaches en Limousin
Montagne de Reims
Monts d’Ardèche
Morvan
Narbonnaise en Méditerranée
Normandie-Maine
Oise-Pays de France
Perche
Périgord-Limousin
Pilat
Préalpes d’Azur
Pyrénées Ariégeoises
Pyrénées Catalanes
Queyras
Scarpe-Escaut
Vercors
Verdon
Vexin Français
Volcans d’Auvergne
Vosges du Nord
The 48
Regional
Natural Parks
of France
2
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Contents
One purpose,
multiple
roles
page 5
page 6
page 7
page 8
page 9
page 10
page 11
What is a Regional Natural Park? What is the purpose of such a park?
What roles does it play?
How to establish a Regional Natural Park?
How does a Regional Natural Park take action?
What types of actions does it carry out?
How are Regional Natural Parks organised?
How are they funded?
Can private sponsors support Regional Natural Parks?
Identifiable
territories
page 12 How are the territories of Regional Natural Parks determined?
Can a town or village refuse to be part of a Regional
Natural Park?
page 13 How do you know you are in a Regional Natural Park?
Are they restricted or open areas?
page 14 What makes a Regional Natural Park different from other
protected areas?
page 15 What makes Regional Natural Parks different from other regional
entities such as the “Pays” and “Urban agglomerations”?
page 16 Can a Regional Natural Park be established anywhere?
Why can we also see elements that are not very “natural”
in a Regional Natural Park?
A Charter
page 17
page 18
page 19
page 20
page 21
A brand
page 22 What is the “Regional Natural Park” brand?
page 23 How is the “Regional Natural Park” brand used?
Some rules
page 24 Does a Regional Natural Park imply any advantage/disadvantage
for neighbouring towns?
page 25 Does a Regional Natural Park imply any advantage/disadvantage
for individuals?
page 26 As a Regional Natural Park cannot take disciplinary action, how
can it protect its natural and cultural heritage?
What is a Regional Natural Park Charter?
Who draws up the Charter?
What is in the Charter?
What commitments have the signatories of the Charter?
How to have a Regional Natural Park’s classification renewed?
Can a Regional Natural Park be stripped of its status?
STATEMENT Q&A /
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Contents
page 27 Can any equipment or facility be set up on a Park’s territory?
Do mayors of the villages and towns located in a Regional
Natural Park feel trapped between the interests of their
communities and the interests of the Park?
Some partners
A general
audience
The Future
A Network
4
page 28 What kind of link is there between a Regional Natural Park
and the intermunicipal structures covering its territory?
page 29 What kind of link is there between a Regional Natural Park
and the “Pays”?
page 30 What part do socioeconomic partners play for Regional
Natural Parks?
page 31 What is a “gateway town”?
How can bordering towns collaborate with a Park?
page 32 What is the government’s role in Regional Natural Park’s management?
page 33 Who comes to Regional Natural Parks and what for?
page 34 What kinds of activities are offered to the public in Regional
Natural Parks?
page 35 How to get information on activities and events organised
in Regional Natural Parks?
page 36 How can the actions of Regional Natural Parks be improved?
What does the future hold for Regional Natural Parks?
page 37 Is the number of Regional Natural Parks going to increase?
page 38 Can the French Regional Natural Park scheme be adapted
to other areas in France and abroad?
page 39 How are Regional Natural Parks connected together?
What is the Federation of Regional Natural Parks of France?
page 40 What is the Federation’s role?
page 41 How does the Federation work?
page 42 How does the Federation get funding?
Does the Federation take part in the Park classification process?
page 43 Is the Federation responsible for Regional Natural Park’s actions?
Appendix 1
page 44 Regional Natural Parks, 40 years of history
Appendix 2
page 53 Key figures on the Regional Natural Parks of France
page 55 Timeline of Regional Natural Parks of France
Appendix 3
page 57 Regional Natural Park legislation and regulations
page 59 Major laws and decrees applicable to Regional Natural Parks
of France, in chronological order
STATEMENT Q&A /
ONE PURPOSE,
MULTIPLE ROLES
What is a Regional
Natural Park?
A Regional Natural Park is an inhabited
rural area that is nationally recognised for
its valuable local heritage and landscape,
but also for its fragility(1). Such parks lean on
extensive sustainable development plans(2)
allowing the protection and promotion of
their resources.
The territory of a Regional Natural Park is
classified by decree of the French Prime
Minister after examination of a report by the
Ministry of Environment. The classification is
valid for a renewable period of 12 years.
A Regional Natural Park is managed by a
combined association of all the authorities
that have approved the Park Charter (see p. 16).
(1) Threatened by rural decay, strong
urban pressure or overly frequent
tourism.
(2) Sustainable development is
“development that meets the needs of
the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.” - Definition from the
Report of the Brundtland Commission,
«Our Common Future», 1987, for the
World Commission on Environment
and Development.
“In order to achieve sustainable
development, environmental protection
shall constitute an integral part of the
development process and cannot be
considered in isolation from it.”- Principle
4 of the United Nations Declaration on
Environment and Development, Rio de
Janeiro, 1992.
What is the purpose of
such a park?
The purpose of a Regional Natural Park
is to protect and promote the natural
resources, human resources and cultural
heritage by implementing an innovative and
environmentally-friendly policy of land-use
planning and economic, social and cultural
development.
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ONE PURPOSE, MULTIPLE ROLES
What roles
does it play?
The roles* of a Regional Natural Park are:
to protect and manage natural
resources, landscapes and cultural
heritage
Regional Natural Parks focus on compatibly
managing rural spaces, maintaining
biological diversity, preserving and promoting
the local natural resources, landscapes and
award-winning features, enhancing and
invigorating their cultural heritage.
to participate in land-use planning
As an integral part of national and regional
planning policies, Regional Natural Parks
contribute to defining and positioning the
developments of its territory so they respect
the environment.
to foster economic and social
development
Regional Natural Parks lead and coordinate
economic and social actions enhancing
natural and human resources to ensure
quality of life and environmentally-friendly
development.
to provide education
and information
Regional Natural Parks foster contact with
nature, raise environmental awareness
among their inhabitants, and encourage
visitors to know more about their region
through educational, cultural and tourist
activities.
to encourage experimentation
Regional Natural Parks contribute to research
programmes and work on new procedures
and work methods that can be applied to
other regions, both in France and abroad.
* Defined by article R333-1 of the
French Environmental Code.
How to establish a
Regional Natural Park?
Regional Councils initiate the creation of a
Regional Natural Park within the scope of its
land-use planning duties.
At the start of the process, the minister
responsible for nature conservation issues
an opinion in terms of opportunity. Upon
the deliberating ministry’s request to draw
up the Charter, the French Council for the
Protection of Nature and the Federation of
Regional Natural Parks of France issue an
opinion on the benefit of this creation and
the relevance of the scope, in particular with
respect to the criteria set forth in article
R333-4 of the French Environmental Code.
The regional authorities are responsible for
elaborating the Regional Natural Park project
with as much dialogue as possible between
the different, valuable stakeholders, from
local authorities (Regional Councils, General
Councils, city and village representatives,
EPCIs(1)) to various partners(2).
The joint project is formalised through a
contract: the Park Charter, which is subject
to public survey.
Charter, the regional authorities that are
concerned approve it and invite the Ministry
of Environment class the area among the
“Regional Natural Parks”.
After having the opinion of the French
Council for the Protection of Nature (CNPN),
the Federation of Regional Natural Parks
of France and other relevant ministries(3)
classified, the territory is listed for a
renewable 12-year period as a Regional
Natural Park by decree of the French Prime
Minister.
(1) Public establishments of intermunicipal
cooperation (amongst villages, towns and urban
agglomerations)
(2) Governmental services and establishments,
socioprofessional organisations, associations, etc.
(3) Ministries in charge of local authorities, finances
and budget, land-use planning, agriculture, urban
planning, culture, industry, tourism, energy, and
defence, as well as any other interested ministries
(see article R333-9 of the French Environmental
Code).
After all partners willingly subscribe to the
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STATEMENT Q&A /
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How does a Regional
Natural Park take action?
To implement its Charter, a Regional
Natural Park relies on the expertise of local
authorities and fosters interactions amongst
the stakeholders to carry out local nature
conservation and sustainable development
initiatives. It also drives exemplary and
innovative actions, researching and
deploying solutions that benefit the
environment.
A Regional Natural Park’s experience is also
intended to benefit other regions in France
and abroad.
One of Regional Natural Parks’ specificities is to
be required to evaluate their action (see p. 21).
Regional Natural Parks’ action embraces a
wide scope of activities:
- actions undertaken by the authorities that
approved the Charter. They can include
activities related to urban planning, local
heritage, tourism and water quality,
depending on their field of expertise.
- actions undertaken by socioprofessional
bodies (associations, farmers, producers, etc.)
through partnership agreements (to promote
the local heritage, to raise awareness on the
environment and sustainable development,
to boost sustainable tourism and agroenvironmental measures, etc.)
- actions undertaken by the government
within the scope of land use and regulation.
- actions undertaken by the park’s
management body, and by the
multidisciplinary technical team in
particular.
What types of actions
does it carry out?
The actions of a Regional Natural Park are
carried out in accordance with the project
defined in its Charter and the challenges of
its territory.
The following are some examples:
Actions to protect and manage
natural resources and landscapes
These actions include scientific monitoring
and implementing methods to protect and
manage fauna, flora and landscapes; advising
towns and villages on how to manage land
and master urban planning and individuals
on how to blend buildings into their
environment; encouraging efficient energy
management; and raising awareness of
involved partners and the general public, etc.
Actions to revivify and enhance
cultural heritage
These actions include emphasising local
culture and know-how through special
facilities; enlivening local life by organising
festivals and other cultural events; and
helping local cultural stakeholders to settle
and network, etc.
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Actions to support and develop
economic and social activities
These activities include enhancing
sustainable farming and short distribution
networks, supporting products, services and
know-how related to the territory; attributing
the “Regional Natural Park” label, setting
up a range of tourist sites and activities
that respect the environment; encouraging
companies to reach high environmental
standards and supporting new activities; and
providing assistance in maintaining services
and businesses in rural areas, etc.
Actions to raise awareness
and inform
These actions include organising through
the «Clearing Houses» and information
centres outdoor activities such as thematic
walks, nature trails and hikes; supporting
local associations and ecocitizen initiatives;
establishing educational programmes
about the environment and sustainable
development for various populations of the
local area and nearby towns, etc.
STATEMENT Q&A /
9
How are Regional Natural
Parks organised?
The actions of a Regional Natural Park’s actions
are determined and implemented by its
management body in compliance with the Park
Charter. Legally, this management body is a
combined association gathering representatives
of the French Region(s) and Department(s)
involved as well as the other towns and villages
having adopted the Charter. The management
body may include intermunicipal structures and
gateway towns (see p. 31).
The management body aims to work as closely
as possible with local partners through working
committees and consultative bodies that enable
association representatives, socioeconomic
partners and public bodies to work together to
define and implement the Park’s action plan.
To elaborate and implement programmes, the
Park management body recruits a director and
a permanent team comprising thirty people
on average responsible for implementing the
Charter, giving ideas and leading actions led
directly by the Park management body or a
partnership. The team includes members with
high levels of expertise in the environment
as well as in land-use management and
planning, economic and touristic development,
promotion of the local heritage and culture, and
in informing and raising the awareness of the
general public.
These agents are generally civil servants or
contract workers for the regional.
A scientific committee is also responsible for
enlightening the management body using its
expertise.
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The activities and facilities of the Regional
Natural Parks are co-funded in variable
proportions, mainly by local authorities
and, sometimes within the scope of various
European programmes and/or through the
participation of the government and its
public establishments.
In reference to the Park Charter, these
subsidies can fall through an agreement
within the «local development» section of
the Government/Region project.
This agreement can also receive further
financial support from the «regional
development» section of the contract
for the Government/Region project,
particularly with regards to assessment and
engineering missions that can be performed
by the Park.
* The global operating budget for a
Regional Natural Park was €2,480,000
per park on average in 2011. This
amount was funded on average at a
level of 45% by the Regions, 28% by the
other member bodies (Departments,
towns and villages, EPCIs), 10% by
the government (mainly from the
Ministry of Environment), 4% by
European subsidies and 13% by other
sources. In addition to this operating
budget, there is an investment budget
that varies a lot from one Park to the
next.
Can private
sponsors support
Regional Natural Parks?
How are they funded?
Each Regional Natural Park has an operating
budget and an investment budget*, both of
which comply with the accounting rules of
local authorities.
subsidies from various sources.
The operating budget is mainly funded
by combined association that manages
the park. The budget is further funded
by a contribution from the Ministry of
Environment and by occasional operating
Private companies and individuals can shore
up Regional Natural Parks by financially
supporting actions for conservation and
enhancement of the natural and cultural
heritage, informing and raising awareness
of sustainable development, improving the
living environment, boosting the cultural life,
etc.
These companies and individuals are entitled
to tax breaks from their patronage through
a “Regional Natural Park of France” fund
created in 2012. A Sponsor Ethics Charter
governs the shared values that guide the
relationships between sponsors and Parks.
STATEMENT Q&A /
11
IDENTIFIABLE
TERRITORIES
How are the territories
of Regional Natural
Parks determined?
The territory of a Regional Natural Park
represents, for the region, a remarkable
natural area, the qualities of which are
nationally recognised. This area is also
characterised by a strong identity. The
borders of a Regional Natural Park are
not established based on administrative
boundaries: they can involve some towns and
villages, intermunicipal structures, counties,
Departments or Regions. The scope of a
potential Regional Natural Park is negotiated
between all partners and determined by
an order of the Region(s) in question. The
territory to be classified corresponds, in
whole or in part, to the territory delimited
by the towns and villages on the outskirts of
the potential park, assuming that their local
authorities approved the Charter.
The surface area of a Regional Natural Park
varies between 48,500 and 395,000 hectares.
The territory of a Regional Natural Park tends to
include an average of 85 towns and villages..
Can a town or village refuse to be part of
a Regional Natural Park?
The request to class a territory as a Regional
Natural Park is open, voluntary and
individual. Therefore, a community can
refuse to be part of a Park by not approving
the Charter. In such cases, even if the
intermunicipal structure to which the town or
village belongs has approved the Charter, the
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territory of this town or village is not classed
as part of the Regional Natural Park and the
community subsequently won’t be allowed
to refer to itself as belonging to the Regional
Natural Park (see p. 24).
How do you know you are
Each Regional Natural Park has its own
territorial specificities, distinctive landscapes
and natural resources.
It is the quality –in terms of nature, culture,
heritage and landscape– and the identity of
the area that make each Regional Natural
Park special. A Regional Natural Park should
be easily identified by its inhabitants
and visitors. The area is equipped with
appropriate signage, information and
reception facilities and communications
material geared toward the population and
general public (including publications, press
coverage, and communication campaigns).
Are they restricted
or open areas?
A Regional Natural Park is an inhabited
area, therefore totally accessible as long
as private property is respected. Regional
Natural Parks are governed by common
law, just like anywhere else. Although
Regional Natural Parks do not have specific
regulatory powers, they do aim to ensure the
application of existing regulations on their
territory.
However, some sites on the territory of
a Regional Natural Park such as nature
reserves, and particularly fragile areas,
can have their access restricted by the
government or local bodies. Likewise, certain
activities (such as all-terrain vehicle use,
flyovers, climbing...) can be restricted or
prohibited by municipal decree in application
of the Park Charter.
STATEMENT Q&A /
13
IDENTIFIABLE TERRITORIES
What makes Regional
Natural Parks different
from other protected areas?
What makes a Regional
Natural Park different
from other regional entities such as the «Pays»
and «Urban agglomerations»?
A Regional Natural Park stands out against
other protected areas not only due to the
complementarity of its protection and
development objectives, but also to the
voluntary commitment of all stakeholders –
towns and villages,, EPCIs, Regions, Departments
and the government – to concentrate their
contributions to benefit the environment and
heritage within the framework of the Park
Charter.
Hence, a Regional Natural Park implies
management and protection measures that are
considered contractual for its entire territory,
whereas other protected areas are governed by
regulations.
A National Park comprises a “central area”,
an outstanding natural site, and a peripheral
area. By classifying a National Park through
decree, the government is responsible for the
protection of this “central area” with regard
to the international community. The French
government entrusts the management
of every National Park to a national public
establishment with the jurisdiction to apply
the special regulations for the “central area” of
the National Park. A special Charter conveys the
environmental link between the “central area”
and the neighbouring territories. The Charter
is drafted by local stakeholders, who represent
a majority public establishment’s board of
directors. Like the Regional Natural Park’s
Charter, the Charter for a National park engages
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the commitment of compliant communities
and other public bodies(1).
A National Park cannot also be a Regional
Natural Park, and vice-versa.
The purpose of a Nature Reserve is to protect
flora and fauna by regulating the use of the
area in question and setting forth protective
measures, usually over a limited area. A Nature
Reserve is created by decree of the Ministry of
Environment and is subject to a management
plan.
A Nature Reserve is a classified site that can be
located on the territory of a Regional Natural
Park.
For classified or listed sites, the purpose is to
preserve the historical, artistic, scientific or
picturesque characteristics of exceptional sites
of national interest. The Ministry of Environment
initiates the classification, and any construction
or land use is subject to the Ministry’s
authorisation. These sites are not subject to a
specific management plan, unless they benefit
from the “major national site” procedure(2).
Regional Natural Parks are not the only
structures that carry out a territorial plan
based on a Charter and can sign a territorial
agreement in application of the contract
between the government and Regions. The
«Pays» and «Urban agglomerations» are also
part of the system, driven by sustainable
development or intercommunity purposes.
However, what makes a Regional Natural
Park different is that:
- it preserves the heritage that is at the
foundation of its development plan.
In order to be classed as a “Regional
Natural Park”, the territory must have an
outstanding, yet fragile, natural and cultural
heritage that is recognised nationally, and
which stakeholders, who signed the Park
Charter, commit to preserve by developing
it while respecting the environment.
- a Regional Natural Park is listed by decree
of the French Prime Minister according
to five, decree-determined classification
criteria (see p.16) and is provided with a
national brand, which is the property of the
Ministry of Environment and is registered at
the French Institute for Intellectual Property
(INPI)
- to obtain the classification renewal, a
Regional Natural Park must have the
implementation of its Charter to verify
whether or not commitments were
honoured, before submitting a new 12-year
plan. Such a review is not compulsory for
Pays’ and Urban agglomeration’s Charters.
- a Regional Natural Park has jurisdiction,
notably in urban planning issues
(see p. 20).
- the creation of a Regional Natural Park is
initiated by the Region(s)
(1) See the French National Parks act
of 14 April 2006.
(2) Examples in France include Pointe
du Raz, Baie du Mont Saint-Michel,
Gorges du Tarn, Gorges du Verdon.
STATEMENT Q&A /
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IDENTIFIABLE TERRITORIES
Can a Regional Natural Park
be established anywhere?
The Ministry of Environment uses five criteria
to evaluate the relevance of a potential
Regional Natural Park:
- the quality of the local heritage and
landscapes and the fragility of the area in
question
- the consistency and relevance of the
boundaries of the territory
- the environmental quality of the project
presented in the Charter
- the ability of the combined association to
lead the project
- the determination of all authorities
and involved stakeholders the project
successfully.
No quotas are established a priori, therefore,
it is essential to be particularly stringent on
the scrutiny of the area and the Charter.
Why can we also see
elements that are
not very “natural”
A CHARTER
What is a Regional
Natural Park Charter?
A Regional Natural Park Charter is a contract
that formalises a plan to protect and
develop a park’s territory for a period of
twelve years.
The Charter establishes the goals to be achieved,
the strategies to protect, promote and enhance
the Park, as well as measures to implemented.
The Charter allows the actions taken by various
authorities on the Park’s territory to remain
consistent and coordinated.
The Charter represents the commitment of
all authorities that have signed it – towns
and villages, EPCIs(1), involved Department(s)
and Region(s) – that have adopted it as well
as the government, which approves it by
decree.
The government’s commitments are by the
way in the Charter.
A procedure to renew a Regional Natural
Park classification must be initiated by the
relevant Region(s) at least three and a half
years before a Charter’s expiry date. This
procedure involves the Park’s review of the
Charter in terms of past actions and changes
occurred on the territory. The renewal
enables a new 12-year plan to be defined
for the territory and to apply for a new
classification decree to request.
(1) The Charter needs to be approved
by the towns/villages and the EPCIs
to which the communities belong
for the territory to be classed and
subsequently for the decisions and
actions to be consistent.
A Regional Natural Park because is an
inhabited, dynamic territory nature has
been and will be shaped by human beings.
The presence of people in this living territory
is indeed visible and desirable, as some of
them strive for preserving the Park’s natural
heritage. However, the mission of a Regional
Natural Park, explained in its Charter, is to
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prevent inadequate activities from damaging
the quality and diversity of local nature.
Regional Natural Parks also endeavour to
clear past deterioration as much as possible.
If a Regional Natural Park fails to fulfil its
mission, it can lose its status or have its
renewal denied.
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17
A CHARTER
Who draws up
the Charter?
The Regional Council(s) initiate the
procedure for drawing up the Charter and
establishing a Regional Natural Park.
The Region deliberates to determine the
scope of the Park’s territory and charges a
local association(1) with the drafting of the
Charter together with all stakeholders.
Once the Charter is signed by the local
authorities, EPCIs and relevant Departments,
the Regional Council(s) validate and submit
the Charter through the Region Prefect(2)
to the Ministry of Environment, formally
requesting the classification of the territory
amongst the Regional Natural Parks.
The procedure for renewing a Park’s
classification is identical to that of an initial
classification request (see p. 21).
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The drafting of a new Charter is then asked
to the combined association that manages
the Park.
(1) Which will most likely become
the management body of the future
Park
(2) When a potential park spans
multiple regions, the Ministry
of Environment designates a
coordinating Region Prefect from
the start of the procedure. This
coordinating Region Prefect submits
the classification request to the
Ministry.
What is in
the Charter?
The Charter’s content is based on an initial
diagnosis of the potential Park’s territory*.
The Charter contains:
- the protection and development plan for
the territory in question over the twelve
years to come and the rules and regulations
imposed by the stakeholders for the
implementation of this plan
- a map that explains the different
approaches to apply depending on the
various areas of the Park.
- the management body
- the Park’s brand, including the Park’s logo
and name, which will be registered by the
government with the French Institute for
Intellectual Property (INPI) - (see p. 23).
Various documents need to be attached
to the Charter in a classification request: a
three-year action plan, the related operating
budget, the Park’s organisation chart, the
intermunicipal structure, etc.
(*) The initial diagnosis comprises
an analysis of the challenges
related to the local heritage and
the socioeconomic situation. In the
event of a Charter being revised for
the purposes of renewing a Park’s
classification, the review evaluates
the implementation of the previous
charter and of the evolution of the
territory from the initial diagnosis.
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19
A CHARTER
What commitments have
the signatories of the
Charter?
In compliance with article L 333-1 of the
French Environmental Code:
- Those signing the Park Charter, the public
authorities comprising the Region(s),
Department(s), towns and villages, and
EPCIs(1) are bound to comply with the
approaches and measures described in the
Charter when exercising their respective
jurisdictions. In particular, the urban
planning documents of local bodies must
comply with the Charter(2), or they will be
revised.
- Moreover, in order for the objectives of
the Charter to be achieved, partners (e.g.,
socioprofessional organisations, gateway
towns, etc.) can be asked to approve the
Charter and their participation would be
specified in conventions.
- Through its services and public
establishments at Regional and
Departmental level, the government is also
bound to comply with the measures of the
Charter.
In the event that these commitments are not
honoured, a legal remedy may be submitted
to the appropriate administrative court.
(1) These agglomerations of villages,
towns or cities run their own tax
systems.
(2) See the French Urban Planning
Code (L 122-1-12, L 123-1-9 and L 124-2).
How to have a Regional
Natural Park’s classification
renewed?
Before a Park’s classification expires the
Region must request its renewal by the
government renew the “Regional Natural
Park” classification; otherwise, the Park is
automatically stripped of its status.
This classification renewal requires the
Charter to undergo a review procedure.
This review is undertaken by the Region,
which can, on this occasion, examine the
possibility of changing the Park’s scope. Such
a Charter revision is implemented by the
Park’s management body and is based on the
Before doing so, the Ministry asks
the relevant Region(s) and the Park’s
management body for their observations.
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It is through this appraisal and the changes
in the territory over time that a new project
is being drafted for the Park.
Once all involved partners approve the
new project, the Region(s) request that
the Ministry of Environment renew the
classification of the Park for a new twelveyear period. This renewal is formalised
through a new decree issued by the French
Prime Minister.
Can a Regional Natural Park
be stripped of its status?
When a Regional Natural Park fails to
fulfil its missions, or at some point during
its Charter period no longer meets the
criteria for being classed, the Ministry of
Environment can issue a decree stripping the
Park of its status.
20
appraisal of the Park’s actions over the past
12 years (see previous page).
Furthermore, if a Charter’s revision is
deemed to be unsatisfactory or incomplete,
the government can decide not to renew
the classification, in which case the Park is
automatically stripped of its status.
In the event that a Park is stripped of its
status or is not granted a classification
renewal, the use of the Park’s brand by
anyone (see p. 23) is then prohibited.
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21
A BRAND
What is the “Regional
Natural Park” brand?
The “Regional Natural Park” brand is made,
for each Park, of a specific figurative emblem
and name, designed in compliance with a
national Graphic Charter*.
The Regional Natural Park brand is a
collective one registered with the French
Institute for Intellectual Property (INPI) by
the Ministry of Environment, which owns
the brand.
Once a Regional Natural Park obtains its
classification, the Park’s management body
is allowed to use the brand to identify its
territory and promote its actions (see p.23).
The use of the brand is granted to the
Regional Natural Park’s management body,
which remains responsible for it.
* A Regional Natural Park’s brand is
comprised of three elements:
• an oval containing an eight-pointed
star symbolising the open spaces
of Regional Natural Parks and an
peculiar symbol (of nature, landscape,
or culture) to identify each Park’s
territory
• the name of the Regional Natural
Park in standardised typography
• two colours (green and red), which
are used in all Park logos
How is the “Regional
Natural Park” brand used?
Only the Regional Natural Park management
body is authorised to deal with the brand.
Under no circumstances may the brand be used
without the Park’s express permission.
A park can use its brand for several purposes:
- to identify its specific territory and facilities
(signage, thematic walks, road signs in
compliance with the relevant Ministry, etc.)
- to fulfil institutional needs (identifying its
publications, signing actions undertaken alone
or jointly , etc.)
- to support local development as a tool to
place value on certain local products, services
or know-how when they perfectly illustrate
the objectives of the Park Charter.
Attributing the brand to these products,
services or know-how is not an official quality
certification, like «AOC» (French protected
designation of origin), «Label Rouge» or «AB»
(organic farming) label. Products bearing the
“Regional Natural Park” brand must conform
with national standards as well as three values
carried out by the brand:
development facing social issues
These values refer to the general rules for using
the brand.
Being awarded the brand also requires the Park
to implement monitoring methods. To ensure
consistency in using the brand, all branding
proposals are submitted to a specific national
commission with members from the Federation
of Regional Natural Parks of France and the
French Ministry of Environment.
This commission also supervises the national
brand strategy, defining common frameworks,
control procedure, communication strategy, etc.
Third-party use of the brand is authorised for
specific products, know-how and services for
a renewable three-year period. In case of noncompliance with the general rules for using
the brand, the Park is entitled to suspend the
authorisation for third-party use of the brand.
By end of June 2012, 219 products, services and
know-how involving over 1,000 producers,
service providers and companies were granted
the “Regional Natural Park” brand from 38 Parks.
1) Territory: contribute to the development of
the Park’s territory and take part in building
the territory’s identity.
2) Preserved and enhanced environment: rise
up to the challenges of land-use planning
and nature conservation while blending in
with the landscape
3) Human dimension: foster a controlled
22
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23
SOME RULES
Does a Regional Natural
Park imply any advantage
/disadvantage for neighbouring towns?
By becoming part of a Regional Natural
Park, towns, villages and EPCIs freely
accept to comply with the rules and
restrictions negotiated among all parties
and to contribute to the implementation
of the plan within the exercise of their
jurisdictions.
The policy of a Park is implemented by the
related towns, villages and EPCIs, particularly
when it comes to their urban planning
strategies and schemes, afforestation
regulations, municipal law, and planning and
development approaches.
In addition, the Parks provide assistance to
communities for implementing regulations
on advertisements and motor vehicle
circulation in natural areas, by applying the
provisions in the Charter (see Environmental
Code - p. 58).
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In return, the towns, villages and EPCIs
of a Regional Natural Park benefit from
advantages such as:
- involvement in a collective project that
benefits the local heritage and environment
- improved participation in land use and
nature conservation plans to be carried out
by the government or other public bodies
on the Park’s territory
- a nationally-recognised brand image for the
territory classed as a Regional Natural Park
- a multidisciplinary team to provide support
in undertaking initiatives, in compliance
with the Park’s Charter
- additional funding for developments
or programmes entitled to special
funding from Regions, Departments, the
government and the European Union, in
compliance with the Park’s Charter.
Does a Regional Natural
Park imply any advantage
/disadvantage for individuals?
A Regional Natural Park does not have any
special regulatory authority, therefore it
may not in any way modify the general
rules and regulations applicable to property,
hunting or fishing rights for examples.
However, since towns, villages and EPCIs
committed to a quality approach on their
territory when signing the Park’s Charter,
their inhabitants must comply with
the specific provisions that they apply,
(regarding construction, water and waste
management, afforestation, motor vehicle
traffic, outdoor sports activities, etc.).
Farmers, foresters and company directors
are also encouraged, through agreements
between the Park and professional
organisations, to improve their consideration
for the environment and landscape in their
practices. Targeted actions can be to maintain
natural environments, control pollution,
diversify afforestation, blend buildings into
their environment, save energy, to give but a
few examples.
Visitors have to comply with rules of good
behaviour like in any inhabited rural area
and be aware of the to special regulations
that may exist on the Park’s territory, for
certain sites like Nature Reserves, or certain
practices like motor vehicle traffic, climbing,
etc.
In return, individuals, whether residents or
visitors, benefit from the Park’s efforts to
provide them with a pleasant environment
as well as facilities and services that meet
their expectations, such as cultural and
educational activities. Residents and visitors
also benefit from information forums,
publications, targeted think-tanks for project
leaders, and more initiatives aiming at
enhanced communication.
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25
SOME RULES
As a Regional Natural Park
cannot take disciplinary
action, how can it protect its natural
and cultural heritage?
The capacity of a Regional Natural Park to
protect the local heritage and nature lies
mainly in the enforcement of its Charter’s
objectives defined by all the signatories.
Regional Natural Parks are invited to give an
opinion* on land-use planning documents
(local urban planning and land development
plan), on impact studies and on other
documents regarding activities on their
territory (quarries, waste, sites and routes,
hiking and so on).
By implementing uppermost specific, action
plans with its partners, the Park directly
contributes to preserving its heritage;
examples are: inventories to improve heritage
management, landscape plans, eco-friendly
agricultural programmes with farming
organisations, environmental assessments
for companies, preservation of architectural
heritage, assistance in controlling
construction in natural environments, river
maintenance, to give but a few.
A Park’s effectiveness comes from its ability
to raise awareness of the value of the
local heritage and provide environmental
education to the people who live, work, settle
in or pass through its territory, with a view to
modifying their behaviours and practices.
* See article R333-15 of the French
Environmental Code.
Can any equipment
or facility be set up
on a Park’s territory?
The setting-up of some facilities like heavy or
polluting infrastructures, can be problematic
on the territory of a Regional Natural Park as a
whole or in certain sensitive areas.
There are two possible scenarios:
- If the facility is deemed compatible with the
provisions of the Park’s Charter: the Park’s
management body offers the partners in
question the methods they need to set up the
facility in such a way that it blends in with the
surrounding environment.
- If the facility is deemed incompatible with
the provisions of the Park’s Charter: the
management body is then responsible for
providing all the elements required to assess
the project and encourage the competent
authorities to reject the facility setting-up.
Moreover, the Park is systematically consulted
when an impact study is required for setting up
a new facility..
In the event of non-compliance with
the provisions of the Charter, the Park’s
management body may submit the matter to
the administrative court.
Do mayors of the villages
and towns located in a
Regional Natural Park feel trapped between the interests
of their communities and the interests of the Park?
The policy of a Regional Natural Park is
established, negotiated and implemented
by the local elected officials who collectively
draw up the Charter.
By signing this Charter, mayors establish
common rules and commit to set themselves
high standards.
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When approving the objectives of the
Park Charter, involves a town, village or an
EPCI commits itself for the duration of the
Charter, regardless of the changes amongst
municipal and intermunicipal staff.
Therein lies the difficulty - as well as the
richness and strength - of the policy and
action of Regional Natural Parks.
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27
SOME PARTNERS
What kind of
link is there between a
Regional Natural Park and the intermunicipal
What kind of link is there
between a
Regional Natural Park and the «Pays»?
structures covering its territory?
Today, some Park territories overlap with
intermunicipal structures – called EPCIs*
– which have their own tax system and
authority in land-use planning, development,
environment, etc.
These structures can be included in whole or
in part within the scope of the Park.
As such, these structures take part in
drawing up the Park Charter and approving
its content.
In fact, these EPCIs – which are bound to
comply with the Charter they signed – are
essential players for implementing Park’s
policy. They are also bound to comply with
the Charter they have approved.
They can also be involved in the
implementation of the Charter by agreement.
In the case of town communities, in
addition to the requirement for their urban
planning documents to be compatible with
the Park Charter, the intermunicipal body
can now expand its cooperation with the
Park to various themes of action, including
environmental education, ecological
programme, tourism, and short distribution
networks for agricultural products.
When the various intermunicipal structures
related to a Park have gathered up in “Pays”,
there may be total or partial overlap of a
territory, depending on the specifications of
each project. Given that a Charter is enforced
by decree, the Pays’ plans and programmes
that should be applied to the territory
shared with a Regional Natural Park need to
be compatible with the Charter’s provisions.
recommended to enable connection and
coordination between missions with
common scopes. It is essential that Pays
structures adapt to the Park Charter and
implement it with consistency in the areas
they’re responsible of, while the Park leads
and coordinates actions undertaken on the
as a whole.
This obligation for compatibility specifically
applies to the land development plans
(SCOT) implemented by the Pays.
Even though agreements between parties
are not mandatory, they are strongly
* Public establishments of intermunicipal cooperation, amongst villages,
towns and urban agglomerations
They can be part of the Park’s management
body according to its articles of association.
28
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29
Some PARTNERS
What part do
socioeconomic partners
play for Regional Natural Parks?
The socioeconomic partners of a Regional
Natural Park are local driving forces,
comprising:
- professionals, or rather their representatives
(for examplefrom chambers of commerce
and unions)
- different organisations and bodies that
manage certain areas or facilities of the
Park
These partners take part in drawing up
the Charter and are involved in the Park’s
operations and action plans. They are
act as consultants* in the Park’s working
committees and as the Park’s representatives
when carrying out specific actions in the
field.
Partners may also contribute, through their
respective actions, to implementing the
Park’s project.
Finally, the Park work in tandem with local
associations, by encouraging them to
group themselves according to centres of
interest or within an ad hoc body, often
named “Association des amis et usagers du
Parc”(collective of friends and visitors of the
Park).
*
Certain
Regional
Natural
Park management bodies are
“broadened” associations that
include for their deliberation,
public establishments such as
chambers of commerce, the French
National Forest Office and the
French National Hunting Office, in
addition to public authorities.
What is a
“gateway town”?
A gateway town , be it a town or urban
agglomeration, is located on the periphery of
a Regional Natural Park.
Regional Natural Parks have always
maintained privileged relationships with
neighbouring populations welcoming local
school pupils, providing tourist information,
raising inhabitant awareness, organising
training sessions and cultural activities, etc.
Some gateway towns are members of
The relationship between the Park and
its gateway towns is built on geographic,
social and economic complementarity and
illustrates some urban-rural cohesion.
with a Park?
However, a Park may, at times, work with
peripheral villages, towns or EPCIs to spur
local actions required to maintain the
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Others have ties to the Park through
partnership agreements.
How can a bordering
towns collaborate
The provisions of the Park Charter do not
apply to villages, towns or EPCIs located
outside the classified territory.
30
the Park’s management body and provide
funding, in which case their cooperation is
set forth in the Charter.
quality of its territory. Such actions include
river maintenance, management of special
nature sites, local development plan, housing
improvement, water treatment, etc.
These partnerships can lead rise to agreements.
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31
Some PARTNERS
A GENERAL AUDIENCE
for Regional Natural Park ‘s management?
Who comes to
Regional Natural Parks
What is the
government’s role
The government creates Regional Natural
Parks following proposals from Regions,
then provides financial support for the
operations and actions of these parks.
After examining the content of the Charter,
the Ministry of Environment asks the French
Prime Minister to issue a decree classing
the territory as a Regional Natural Park. The
government owns the “Regional Natural
Park” brand registered with the French
Institute for Intellectual Property (INPI).
The other Ministries directly concerned by
the actions of Parks are called upon to give
their opinion to the Ministry of Environment
prior to a Park’s classification (see p. 7).
Moreover, the government helps funding
Regional Natural Parks providing 10% of
their operating budget and facilities. The
32
ARGUMENT QUESTIONS-ANSWERS /
subsidies of the Ministry of Environment
can be used within the scope of contracts
between the government and Regions – and
more particularly the “Park contracts” and
specific schemes (such as Natura 2000 and
Nature Reserves.
Every related ministry can also contribute to
funding Regional Natural Parks within the
scope of specific conventions or contracts
in application of contracts between the
government and Regions.
The Park Charter specifies the government’s
part in implementing the plan within the
territory. In the event that governmental
interventions on the Park’s territory
are strongly incoherent, the Ministry of
Environment may request interministerial
arbitration.
and what for ?
First, we should bear in mind that Regional
Natural Parks have a permanently resident
population and that, on their territories,
there are economic activities just like
anywhere else: the primary “users” of
Parks are therefore their residents*.
The inhabitants of towns that are located
in the vicinity of Parks are also privileged
visitors: they have access to protected sites
suitable for nature discovery, activities,
cultural facilities and entertainment,
among other things.
Moreover, due to the quality of their
environment, Regional Natural Parks
welcome tourists from all over France
and abroad who are curious about, and
concerned with, protecting the environment
and who wish to discover authentic and
preserved areas.
* 3,500,000 people live on the territories
of the 48 Regional Natural Parks already
created in France, and approximately
320,000 businesses (including 72,000
agricultural businesses) are located in
these parks.
ARGUMENT QUESTIONS-ANSWERS /
33
A GENERAL PUBLIC
What kinds of activities
are offered to the public
in Regional Natural Parks?
Regional Natural Parks offer a wide range of
specific, high-quality activities for the public:
- exploration of the Park’s nature sites
using facilities and activities that introduce
people to the environment (like discovery
walks and thematic courses) and through
eco-friendly outdoor activities such as hikes,
horseback riding, biking, canoeing and
kayaking
- visits of cultural facilities (exhibitions,
museums, themed sites, etc.) and
participation in local cultural events and
festivals
- souvenirs and curios adapted to the local,
fragile environment and local hand-crafted
and food products
- access to specific documentation (maps,
hiking guides, calendars of events,
etc.), especially in Clearing Houses and
information centres
How to get information
on activities
and events organised in Regional Natural Parks?
Each Regional Natural Park runs its own
communication on its activities and territory.
These communications usually include:
- printed material:
• general presentation
• calendar of events
• guides and topographical maps
• specific documents on the local heritage,
activities and facilities
• regular newsletter intended for inhabitants
- information available throughout the park and
in tourist offices
- a presence at festivals and other local events
- regular news in local press
- comprehensive information on the Park’s
website.
The Federation of Regional Natural Parks of
France provides general information on Regional
Natural Parks.
To carry out this mission, the Federation publishes
several informational tools:
- guidelines specifying the Parks’ major policies
regarding biodiversity, sustainable agriculture,
land-use education, etc.
partners to give them updated news on the
local and national scales, provide them with
thematic presentations of concrete actions, and
open discussions on important topics
- web documentaries , posted on the website,
that present certain initiatives and actions.
The Federation also offers an online Resource
Centre, with exclusive testimonials, documents
and extensive data.
In addition, the Extranet platform provides live
information and dialogue between the Park staff
and the Federation’s bodies.
Information intended for the general public is
given mainly through:
- the Federation’s website – www.parcs-naturelsregionaux.fr – which is also the main online
portal for all regional Park’s websites.
-a
presentation booklet to inform on the
Regional Natural Parks’ missions and actions,
and to highlight the diversity of the French
territory
- the collaboration with publishers to issue books
on the Regional Natural Parks.
- a collection called “Expérimenter pour Agir”
(Experiment to Act), which uses various
concrete approaches to present the Parks
examples, methods and know-how on various
topics of importance
- the “PARCS” magazine (18,000 copies - 2 issues/
year), distributed to the Park’s institutional
34
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35
THE FUTURE
How can the actions of
be improved?
Each Regional Natural Park’s Charter is
reviewed when the Charter comes up for
renewal.
This review must analyse how the strategies
of the Charter were implemented, whether
the commitments of the stakeholders – public
authorities partners and government – were
honoured, and the objectives were met.
This review must also be carried out with the
view of the development of the territory,
taking into account the effects of implementing
Without calling into question the Parks’ five
fundamental roles, this think-tank set the
Parks’ new objectives, which are in response
to the current and future challenges of their
territories:
- to coordinate the different public policies on
their territories
- to promote innovation and best practice
sharing
the Charter.
On the national level, the Federation of Regional
Natural Parks of France and the Ministry of
Environment develop a methodology for
defining and using a permanent review of the
implementation of the Charter, and provide
the tools to do so like EVA software, training and
publications.
In late 2010, the Federation launched an
important think-tank on the Future of
the Parks. This think-tank rallied all Parks,
Regions, national organisations and bodies
working on environmental, social and
economic issues, together with the French
Council for Strategy, Research and Outlook.
Consultations and hearings involving key
36
STATEMENT Q&A /
people, meetings and working seminars
supervised by the Federation-established
entity called “Mission Avenir” led to the
March 2012 approval by the Federation’s
General Assembly of a strategy document
containing the policies to apply for the
Future of Regional Natural Parks (available
on the Federation’s website).
- to promote social fabric and cohesion
- to take part in environmental challenges
and energy transition
These significant discussions also enabled
changes with regards to the laws and
regulations applied to the Parks.
Is the number of
going to increase?
Most likely, yes.
What does the future hold
for Regional Natural Parks?
- to anticipate and adapt to change
Fifteen potential Regional Natural Parks
have been submitted, attesting to the strong
interest of Regions and local authorities in
this scheme.
However, since Regional Natural Parks are by
definition outstanding areas, their number
cannot be increased infinitely.
It is the responsibility of Regional Councils to
suggest areas they deem most representative
of their regional heritage and that are
recognised as being of national interest for
classification as “Regional Natural Parks”.
It is also the responsibility of the Ministry of
Environment to ensure the specificity of the
Regional Natural Parks’ policies by relying on
the opinions of the French Council for the
Protection of Nature and the Federation of
Regional Natural Parks of France.
It is the level of requirement of the public
authorities when examinating a territory
and developing a project, as well as the
requirement level from the Ministry of
Environment in granting and maintaining the
classification that will ensure the richness and
credibility of the Regional Natural Parks.
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37
THE FUTURE
A NETWORK
scheme be adapted to other areas
How are Regional
Natural Parks
Can the French
Regional Natural Park
in France and abroad?
Regional Natural Parks clearly act as
experimentation for assertive, voluntary
environmental protection and sustainable
development policies.
The Parks aim to publicise their approaches
and concrete actions (through publications,
seminars, meetings, resource centre, etc.) so
that other territories, in France and abroad,
can draw inspiration and benefit from their
experiences.
This original “Natural Park à la Française”
formula:
- implements a sustainable development
policy on inhabited but fragile territories
- is led by local initiatives and involves local,
regional and governmental stakeholders
- is based on a contract –the Charter– with a
legal scope, and is of interest to numerous
countries seeking to adapt it.
connected together?
their experiences* abroad. The Parks also
enrich their own practices through these
actions of cooperation.
* In addition to the recognition of
some of the parks by international
organisations such as UNESCO and
RAMSAR, a large majority of Parks are
now involved in actions of cooperation
on a European or International
level, with nearly 30 countries. Such
cooperation can take various forms:
cross-border actions, technical and
methodological training within
the scope of decentralized policies
undertaken by their Regions and
bilateral actions to support emerging
similar approaches in other countries
(Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Morocco, Benin,
Vietnam, etc.).
Each Regional Natural Park is administratively
and financially independent.
Nevertheless, Regional Natural Parks
grouped together into the Federation of
Regional Natural Parks of France to defend
their common interests, jointly carry out
programmes and share experiences (on
a technical and scientific level), and more
generally, to inform the public (see p. 40).
They can also join forces to conduct an interPark programme, either within the same
region, or throughout a mountain range,
or around a common theme such as how
to protect endangered species or test new
development and preservation procedures.
What is the Federation
of Regional Natural Parks
of France?
Regional Natural Parks and their Federation
are indeed increasingly being asked to share
Created in November 1971, the Federation
of Regional Natural Parks of France is the
association of Regional Natural Parks.
Ideal tool for joint actions, it is responsible
for defending the Parks’ interests before
administrations, parliamentary assemblies
and institutional bodies, as well as informing
the public.
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It is also the chosen entity to enter into
dialogue with Regions and national partners
when it comes to Park actions, and especially
with the representatives of protected areas in
France and in the rest of Europe.
The Federation is comprised of three colleges:
- T he 1st college includes the Regional Natural
Parks that have been established so far with
three representatives per Park.
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39
A NETWORK
- The 2nd college includes 20 Regions up to
now.
- The 3rd college includes 20 or so national
organisations dealing with development,
property and property management, natural
and cultural heritage protection, tourism,
reception and outdoor activities.
What is
the Federation’s role?
The Federation of Regional Natural Parks
of France is the link between the Parks
and of Regions, national administrations,
parliamentary assemblies and the European
Union. Through this role, the Federation:
- represents the collective interests of the
Regional Natural Parks before national and
international bodies* and participates in
defining and implementing policies to be
applied to French rural areas
- publicises and takes into account the ethics
of Regional Natural Parks and their actions
in France and abroad ensure an exchange
of information and thoughts between the
Parks, to facilitate the sharing of experiences
and encourage collaboration with other
protected areas in France and abroad
- assist the bodies responsible for
examinating and managing the Parks,
especially during procedures for establishing
new Parks and reviewing Charters. The
Federation indeed gives an opinion on Park
classification or classification renewals (see
p. 42)
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- gives accurate information to the general
public and promotes all Regional Natural
Parks of France (see p. 35)
- ensures the protection of the “Regional
Natural Park” brand (see p. 23).
* The Federation is a member of
several national organisations
such as FNE (France Nature
Environnement), the UNCPIE (Union
Nationale des Centres Permanents
d’Initiatives pour l’Environnement),
ATEN (Atelier Technique pour
les Espaces Naturels) and also
international organisations, such
as IUCN (International Union for
Conservation of Nature), Europarc
(European Park Federation) and
the RAMSAR network (Convention
on Wetlands of International
Importance).
How does
the Federation work?
In compliance with the 1901 French
association authorisation act, the Federation
of Regional Natural Parks of France is
administered by:
- a general assembly of all Federation
members that meets at least once a
year. It discusses the Federation’s policies
and the strategies for implementing the
Federation’s actions.
- a board of directors, gathering representative
members of the three colleges (see p. 39/40).
It meets twice a year, elects the Federation
president, appoints bureau members and asks
for new commissions when needed.
- a bureau, including 21 members appointed
by the board of directors.
The Federation also relies on:
- thematic commissions and working groups
supervised by senior coordinators and
gathered together as often as necessary upon
request of their respective presidents
- regular meetings with the Park directors
- regular meetings with the departments of
Regions in charge of the Parks.
Such meetings aim at bringing new ideas
and explanations during the Federation
bodies’ deliberations.
Finally, a Council for Strategy, Research and
Outlook provides support to boost Parks’
innovation capacity by enhancing research
and shedding light on the future of Parks
with pro-active approaches.
To succeed in its missions, the Federation also
has a multidisciplinary team of about 20
people supervised by a manager. This team
comprises senior coordinators and research
managers and covers the Parks’ main areas
of intervention –space management, natural
heritage, economic development, agriculture,
energy, tourism, cultural development,
environmental education, appraisal,
communications, international affairs.
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41
A NETWORK
How does the Federation
get funding?
The resources of the Federation of Regional
Natural Parks of France come primarily from:
- membership dues, from Regional Natural
Parks, Regions and national partner
organisations)
- subsidies from ministries (of Environment
mainly, but also of Agriculture, Youth and
Sports, Tourism, Culture, etc.), particularly
within the scope of agreements with longterm objectives
- partnerships with public bodies, such
as the French “Caisse des Dépôts et
Consignations”, and the ADEME) or private
bodies
- bids to EU programmes
Is the Federation
responsible for Regional
Natural Park ’s actions?
Each Regional Natural Park acts
independently in accordance with its Charter
and is responsible for its initiatives.
Although the Federation is not responsible
for the concrete actions and decisions of
each Park, it is entitled to interface with
the Park management body and warn the
Ministry of Environment when a Park’s
initiatives may the collective image of
Regional Natural Parks.
Does the Federation take
part in the Park
classification process?
The Federation intervenes first and foremost
by providing support in drawing up or
revising Park Charters and, to this end, may
provide advice to Regions.
It is also called upon to provide its opinion
to the Ministry of Environment on the Park
classification or renewal.
Federation appoints one elected official to
be the «reporter» responsible for verifying
the relevance of the scope of and the ethical
consistency of the Park Charter in order
to prepare feedback for the Ministry of
Environment.
To this effect, for each Charter reviewed, the
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43
APPENDIX 1
their experiences, and difficulties, defend and
promote the Park’s scheme.
Regional Natural Parks,
40 years of history
In 1964, the Minister of Agriculture, Edgar
Pisani, and DATAR appointed a task force to
set a scheme for inhabited rural areas with
noteworthy heritage, that would be less
restrictive than National Parks.
From 25 to 30 September 1966, about one
hundred key people from all fields (architects,
planners, minister, civil servants, organisation
directors, etc.) gathered together at Lursen-Provence at DATAR’s initiative, and
brainstormed to invent the French “Regional
Natural Park” concept.
1967
- 1 March: General de Gaulle signed the decree
instituting Regional Natural Parks, despite the
opinion of the Council of State, which regarded
it as “soft” law. Should be classed as Regional
Natural Park “the territory, in whole or in part, of
one or several towns that, due to the quality of
its natural and cultural heritage, is of particular
interest for rest, leisure and tourism, and therefore
needs to be protected and organised”. This new
type of park was given three objectives: to
provide major metropolitan areas with leisure
areas, to boost rural areas experiencing difficulty,
and to determine, through new development
approaches, how to emphasise natural and
cultural richness and preserve flora, fauna and
landscapes.
- Fourteen future Park coordinators,
commissioned by DATAR, undertook a world
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STATEMENT Q&A /
park tour. The first Ecomuseums were initiated
with G.H Rivière Ouessant Ecomuseum in the
Armorique Regional Natural Park and Marquèze
Ecomuseum in the Landes de Gascogne
Regional Natural Park, both just being created
at that time.
1968
May: youth revolts. Consumer society was
deemed too materialistic and people were
demanding greater participation in public life,
and third-worldism, feminism, regionalism and
environmentalism emerged.
- The 1st Regional Natural Park – Saint-AmandRaismes – was created on 12,000 hectares, at the
gates of the Lille-Roubaix-Tourcoing metropolitan
area, in the North of France. It has since
expanded and been renamed the Scarpe-Escaut
Regional Natural Park.
1969
General de Gaulle’s national referendum
proposing a regional structure, amongst
other things, was rejected with 53.17% of votes
against.
- While the Armorique Regional Natural
Park is being established on 65,000 ha of
abandoned rural territories in the heart of
the Finistère Department, Regional Natural
Park directors and coordinators got together
at the Permanent Park Conference to share
1970
The Club of Rome recommended ending strong
continuous growth in its “Limits to Growth”
report and the Council of Europe launched the
first European Nature Conservation Year.
1971
- The newly created French Ministry of
Environment took over responsibility for
Regional Natural Parks from DATAR. On 17
November, while instituting the Federation
of Natural Parks of France, Robert Poujade,
Minister of Environment, characterised
Regional Natural Parks as “territorial fineplanning tools”. Until 1989, the Federation was
presided over by François Giacobbi, President of
the Corse Regional Natural Park.
- Unesco launched the Man and Biosphere
Programme (MAB).
1973
- There were already 10 Regional Natural Parks:
Saint-Amand-Raismes, Armorique, Brière,
Camargue, Landes de Gascogne, Morvan,
Vercors, Forêt d’Orient, Corse and HautLanguedoc.
- After months of negotiating with the
French Ministry of Finance, the maintenance
of the goverment’s financial support of the
government to operating Regional Natural
Park’s budget was approved (CIANE, 6 February).
However, this contribution had to be degressive
and Regions were to take over after a period of
three years.
- The Federation of Nature and National Parks
of Europe was created on the initiative of parks
in Germany and Belgium and the Federation of
Natural Parks of France.
1975
- 15 October: with the creation of Regions,
a new decree specified Regional Natural
Park’s role and establishment. The first article
reiterated: “their purpose is to determine and
promote the implementation of joint actions to
plan and economically develop the territories
in question and ensure their consistency”.
Regions were then entitled to propose a Park,
draw up the Park’s Charter, and deliberate on a
classification. Above all, Regions could finance
the operating of Regional Natural Parks.
Thanks to the Parks and their Federation, the
government maintained its role of approving
the Charters and classing Parks.
1976
The French Nature Protection Act stipulated that:
“the protection of nature sites and landscapes,
the preservation of animal and plant species, the
maintenance of the biological balance in which
they participate and the protection of natural
resources from any degradation are of general
interest.” An amendment was added to article 1
in extremis: “the achievement of these objectives
must also ensure that both urban and rural
populations benefit from harmonious and
balanced living conditions”.
- After numerous parliamentary discussions,
a budget line was added to the Secretary of
State for the Environment for operating of
Regional Natural Parks “that take part in the
general policy of improving the distribution of
the population throughout the territory and
the human and economic revitalisation of rural
areas.” (André Fosset, Minister of Quality of
Life, General Assembly of the Federation - 11
June). This governmental financial assistance
would vary - from 15 to 45% - depending on the
demographic and financial situation of each Park,
on its “ecological value” and the Park’s efforts to
develop its territory and protect nature.
1977
- By this time, Regional Natural Parks had
been in existence for 10 years and included
20 Parks, with the addition of the following
STATEMENT Q&A /
45
APPENDIX 1
ones: Brotonne (now known as Boucles de la
Seine Normande), Pilat, Lorraine, NormandieMaine, Martinique, Montagne de Reims,
Vosges du Nord, Luberon, Queyras and Volcans
d’Auvergne.
- Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, President of
France at the time, declared that “In our
country, Regional Natural Parks exemplify the
harmonisation between economic development
and nature conservation” and it was decided to
perpetuate the government’s contribution to
the operating and equipment of the Regional
Natural Parks after the end of the 7th plan,
which should have been the last.
- The application decree for article 2 of the
French Nature Protection Act related to impact
studies stipulated that “The director of a
Regional Natural Park is necessary in charge of
the impact study for any construction projects
within the Park area.”
- After an amendment proposed by Park
Parliament members, the application decree
of the French Architecture Act instituting the
Councils of Architecture, Urban Planning and
the Environment stipulated that these councils
can “delegate their missions to the architectural
departments of the Regional Natural Parks”. This
was an acknowledgement of the pioneer role
played by Parks in this sector.
1979
- 12 September: French Prime Minister at the time,
Raymond Barre, sent a circular to all Ministers
and Secretaries of State specifying that the
government must comply with Regional Natural
Park Charters and continue to support their
territories. Moreover, the circular acknowledged
the economic development role played by these
Parks.
- A French advertising law regulated displaying
posters in Regional Natural Parks to ensure
protection of the living environment.
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1981
- Report on the financial support provided by
the government to Regional Natural Parks:
Although in 1972 the government funded
43% of the Park budget, it only funded 18% in
1976 (these credits were to be re-discussed
each year within the scope of a quality of life
intervention fund, or FIQV, and reduced due
to the increasing number of Parks). From this
date (creation of the Park budget line), the
budget allocated by the government to Parks
doubled: it increased from FRF 4.7 million to
almost FRF 10 million for operating and from
FRF 11 million to nearly FRF 20 million for
equipment.
1982
The laws of decentralisation were promulgated:
The executive power was transferred from the
Prefects to the Presidents of Regional assemblies
and the economic scope of local authorities was
widened.
- Regional Natural Parks celebrated their 15th
anniversary and their Federation organised
the first “National Parks Days” in the Volcans
d’Auvergne Regional Natural Park.
1983
The “Bouchardeau Act” generalised public
surveys. ZPPAUs (Architectural and Urban
Heritage Protection Areas) were defined: 40
ZPPAUs were established and 400 were under
consideration.
- Huguette Bouchardeau, Secretary of State
in charge of the Environment and Quality of
Life under the French Prime Minister, stated:
“Regional Natural Parks today are noteworthy
examples of self-propelled development. They
are, and will increasingly be, pilot schemes for
policies that will be enforced one day in our
entire country”.
1984
While milk production quotas were
established to run out surplus stocks, the
EEC implemented the first environmentallyfriendly agricultural measures and tackle the
agricultural diversification issue.
- In the first contracts for Government/Region
initiatives, one of the general objectives
was the Regional Natural Parks and “the
implementation of their Charter”.
- An agreement signed between the Ministry
of Agriculture and the Parks Federation
acknowledged the role of Regional Natural
Parks in the overall development of rural areas,
which Park territories belong to.
1985
- A first Regional Natural Park was created in the
Ile de France greater Paris region. It was called
the Haute-Vallée de Chevreuse.
- The French “Mountain Act”, law 85-30 of 9
January 1985 pertaining to the development
and protection of mountains, came into effect.
1986
- France ratified the Unesco RAMSAR
Convention on wetlands.
- The French “Coastline Act”, law no. 86-2 of 3
January 1986 pertaining to the development,
protection and enhancement of coastlines,
came into effect to protect and develop France’s
coastlines in the long term.
1987
This was the First European Year of the
Environment. The G.H Brundtland report –
“Our Common Future” – defined sustainable
development as “development that meets the
needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own
needs”.
- The Parks Federation launched the “PARCS”
magazine (three issues a year) intended for the
institutional partners of Parks.
- The publication of a study on “local heritage
as a tool for development” (based on about
thirty actions conducted in Regional Natural
Parks) was presented at the “First Forum for a
United Heritage” at the Cité des Sciences et de
l’Industrie de la Villette in Paris.
1988
- After being worked on for nine years, a new
decree aligned the policy of Regional Natural
Parks with decentralisation: the decree reaffirmed
the primary objective of Parks (protecting and
managing local heritage) and also recognised
their role in economic and social development,
as well as their objective of experimentation,
exemplarity and research. Although Regions were
still the initiators of Parks, the decree confirmed
that it was the government that, due to
performance requirements, classed the territory
for a renewable 10-year term.
This classification is by decree issued from the
French Prime Minister following a proposal by
the Ministry of Environment. The management
bodies of Parks had to be consulted when it comes
to impact studies and recommendations.
1989
- At this point, there were 25 Regional Natural
Parks.
- Jean-Paul Fuchs, Deputy of the Haut-Rhin
Department and President of the Ballons des
Vosges Regional Natural Park, took François
Giacobbi’s position as President of the Parks
Federation.
- The Parks Federation and “Mairie-Conseils”
(a section of the French “Caisse des Dépôts et
Consignations”) committed in a first agreement
to providing analysis and decision-assistance
tools to local authorities through the “Cahiers
de l’Intercommunalité (intermunicipal structure
STATEMENT Q&A /
47
APPENDIX 1
guidelines)”, while a reference document,
“How to enhance the economic power of local
resources”, based notably on Park experiences,
was published by Editions Syros Alternatives.
1990
- The Vercors and Marais Poitevin Regional
Natural Parks, along with two other French sites,
experimented at the government’s initiative,
with the application of article 19 of the EEC
regulation pertaining to environmentallyfriendly agricultural measures, five years after
its establishment.
1991
- 25-26 June: under the theme “Regional
Natural Parks - Horizon 2001”, the Parks got
together in the Morvan Regional Natural
Park to uphold the three core values of all
Parks – a territory, a plan and a contract – and
ponder their future. On this occasion, François
Mitterrand, President of France at the time,
announced that “Regional Natural Parks are one
of the best ways to integrate nature protection
into our behaviours and lives…” and that “by
organising and managing existing parks in a
more demanding and rigorous way, [they will be]
an example for the entire nation”.
- The law regulating motor vehicle traffic
in natural environments stipulated that
“Every Park’s Charter must contain an article
establishing the traffic rules for motor vehicles on
roads and paths in all villages and towns located
in the Park.”
- In application of the agreement signed in 1989
between the French Ministries of Environment
and Tourism on the development of nature
tourism, the Federation launched a range of
specific holiday tours advertised under the
“Natural Parks of France” brand; these “Nature
Trips” obtained the “Tourism Innovation Award”
from the French Ministry of Tourism a year later.
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1992
Twenty years after Stockholm, the second
United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development gathered 175 countries in Rio de
Janeiro for the “World Summit”. A convention
on biodiversity was signed and the “Agenda 21”
action plan for the 21st century was adopted.
- In reply to the “Park image and
communications” study (by B.Emsellem
Consultant), the Regional Natural Parks decided
to claim their specific positioning. The Federation
of Natural Parks of France became the Federation
of Regional Natural Parks of France.
- Of the 35 initial proposals presented by
France in application of the European LEADER
programme, four initiatives presented by
Regional Natural Parks were accepted (Brenne,
Corse, Haut-Jura and Livradois-Forez).
- The “Water Act” law. 92-3 of 3 January 1992
came into effect. Resource management was
planned and organised based on Masterplan
for Water Facilities and Management (SDAGE)
and Plan for Water Facilities and Management
(SAGE).
1993
- Article 2 of the French “Landscape Act” provided
legal material to Regional Natural Parks for the
first time. By specifying the mission entrusted
to the Parks, which “work on protection of the
environment, land planning, economic and social
development, and public education and training…
and represent a privileged framework for public
authorities’ actions to promote the conservation
of landscapes as well as natural and cultural
heritage…”, this article above all provided Park
Charters with a proper jurisdictional value. From
this point forward, urban planning documents
needed to be compatible with Park Charters.
- Of the 60 French sites experimenting with agroenvironmental measures that had been accepted
by Europe between 1990 and 1993, 20 were
specific to Regional Natural Park territories.
- With the protocol signed by the Parks Federation,
the WWF and the Federation of Gîte Holiday
Homes of France, the “Panda Gîtes” concept
initiated by the Brenne Regional Natural Park and
the WWF was extended to to all Regional Natural
Parks.
- Europarc (the new name for the Federation of
Nature and National Parks of Europe) was inspired
by the experiences of the Regional Natural Parks
of France to publish the “Loving them to death”
report, which provided recommendations to
develop tourism in protected areas. The Federation
of Regional Natural Parks of France was chosen to
draw up a European sustainable tourism charter.
1994
- 1 September: the application decree for article
2 of the French “Landscape Act” specified
the three key criteria for Park classification
– heritage quality, territorial consistency,
project quality and ability to implement the
plan – set forth the rules for drawing up Park
Charters: Charters became opposable against
urban planning documents. The decree also
requested the signature of a convention with
the government to ensure the compatibility of
public policies with the Park Charter.
- Regional Natural Parks contributed to the
national debate on land planning and reinforced
the “4 key approaches to land planning”. An
initial inventory of the areas pertaining to the
European “Habitats” directive demonstrated that
among the 205 such European areas, 140 were in
France and 110 in Regional Natural Parks.
1995
- The French “Barnier Act” completed the
legal framework for Regional Natural Parks.
In particular, it specified that new Parks must
compulsorily be managed by open combined
associations and introduced, among other
things, the ability for Parks to recruit qualified
“forestry guards”, to exercise a preemptive right
on properties upon Departmental agreement
and to receive the visitors’ tax, intended to
promote the protection and management of
natural areas for tourism purposes.
- 25 March: to raise the public’s awareness on
the protection of “ordinary” nature, the “First
Night of the Owl” was organised by the Parks
Federation in cooperation with the LPO (the
French Birds Protection League): over 30,000
people took part in 300 outings organised all
over France and Belgium.
- The Federation of Regional Natural Parks
became a member of the International Union
for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), where it
represented all Regional Natural Parks of France.
1996
- The results of a study (conducted by CDC
Consultants) undertaken at the request of
the French Ministry of Environment provided
the proof that the environmentally-friendly
development policy implemented by the
Regional Natural Parks created jobs (if the
long-term nature of these jobs is taken into
consideration, the activity of the Parks was
generating 30,000 full time job equivalents/year).
- The “PARCS” magazine expanded its distribution
to all mayors of villages and towns belonging to
Parks, bringing the readership to 12,000. Éditions
Gallimard publishers launched a collection
dedicated to the Parks and the first edition of the
“Regional Natural Park hiking guide” was released
in kiosks in the first days of spring that year.
- On 31 December, since the Marais Poitevin
Regional Natural Park was not succeeding in
completing the revision of its Charter, it became
the first Regional Natural Park to lose its status.
1997
- By the time the Parks celebrated the 30th
anniversary of the publication of the founding
decree with a huge event at the Parc du Luberon
(with 1,500 participants), the 32 Regional
STATEMENT Q&A /
49
APPENDIX 1
Natural Parks of France covered 10% of the
French territory. Ten or so Park projects were
being developed and the Park scheme had
been taken up in over 15 countries on three
continents.
1998
- Three new Parks came into being: Perche,
Périgord-Limousin and Avesnois, while the
first ever Park, St-Amand-Raismes, after being
expanded as one of the divisions of the
Nord-Pas-de-Calais Park, was classified as an
independent Park named “Scarpe-Escaut”.
1999
- The Causses du Quercy and Gâtinais Français
parks were created (the latter meant there
were now three parks in the Ile de France
Greater Paris area). At that point, there were
38 parks.
- The “LOADDT Act” providing guidelines for
the planning and sustainable development
of territories acknowledged Regional Natural
Parks as territorial planning tools. Just like the
Pays and Urban agglomerations, Parks could
sign a special agreement on the territorial
section of a Government/Region contract.
Territorial overlap between Parks and Pays
was authorised subject to a prior agreement
structuring the respective missions of the Park
and the Pays on the shared territory. The Charter
of the Pays needed to be compatible with the
Park Charter.
- The French agricultural act enabled Regional
Natural Parks to bring up charges as a plaintiff.
Parks could be represented in Departmental
commissions for agricultural strategy according
to the application decree.
2000
Regional Natural Parks were represented by
their Federation as part of the French delegation
to the IInd World Summit on sustainable
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development in September in Johannesburg.
- The legislative provisions of the policies of
Regional Natural Parks were organised and
codified in the French Environmental Code
promulgated on 18 September 2000 (see p. 57).
- The French act on urban area’s cohesion
and renewal (known as “SRU”) redefined
urban planning tools and allowed the Parks to
cooperate in their design and renewal. The Park
Charter was subject to public survey by the
relevant Region(s) before the Park classification.
2001
- The Monts d’Ardèche and Guyane Regional
Natural Parks were created. At this time, there
were 40 Parks covering over 11% of the French
territory.
2002
- The Local Democracy Act enabled the
combined associations of the Parks (considered
as open combined associations) to freely
determine the statutory participation of their
members.
- Jean-Louis Joseph, President of the Luberon
Regional Natural Park, Vice-president of the
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, took JeanPaul Fuchs’s position at the head of the Parks
Federation.
2003
- A Parks delegation prepared a publication on
governance for the Vth World Parks Congress,
organised by the IUCN (International Union
for Conservation of Nature), in Durban in
September.
- In application of the LOADDT Act for the
planning and sustainable development of
territory, 17 Regional Natural Parks signed a
specific contract within the framework of the
Government/Region projects.
- The Urban planning, Housing and Construction
Act modified the Pays policy and its association
with Regional Natural Parks: agreements with
a Park were no longer required prior to the
creation of the Pays and the Park ensured, on its
territory, the implementation and coordination
of Pays’ policies within the remit of Park missions.
The obligation for the Local Area Charter to be
compatible with the Park Charter was confirmed.
- The Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Regional
Natural Park was created.
- The Parks Federation opened up to Regions:
through modification of its articles of
association, a special college was opened up
to them in the Federation’s decision-making
bodies.
2004
- The Parks Federation became involved in the
national strategy on biodiversity and published
“The 4 cornerstones for conserving the
biological diversity of Parks”.
- Three new parks were created: Oise-Pays de
France, Pyrénées Catalanes and Millevaches en
Limousin.
2005
- The Rural area Development Act extended
the duration of a Regional Natural Park’s
classification (from 10 years to 12 years)
and integrated the public survey into the
classification or classification renewal
procedure before the Charter’s validation by
local authorities.
- At this time, 18 Regions were members of
the Parks Federation, which released “Lien
Parlementaire”, a newsletter providing
information on the Federation’s positions and
legislative proposals to national and European
parliamentary members.
- The French government undertook a reform
of the National Parks policy and proposed to
create Marine National Parks.
- The Environmental Charter was integrated
into the French Constitution.
2006
- The National Parks, Marine National Parks
and Regional Natural Parks Act was adopted
in April. To meet the Parks’ expectations,
Parliament integrated provisions to improve
the structure of Regional Natural Parks.
The duration of the classification of a
Regional Natural Park was extended to 12
years (exceptional prolongations were still
possible). This enabled Parks to carry out a
land development plan named SCOT, made
the Park’s feedback compulsory for various
planning documents, made a combined
association mandatory as Park management
body and outlined compensation schemes for
Park Directors.
2007
- Februar : – the 45th Regional Natural Park, Alpilles,
was created.
- The “Horizon 2020” strategic framework was
adopted. Horizon 2020 provided the Regional
Natural Park network with four strategic
directions: preserve and develop living heritage,
– share a lifetime project with men and women,
– make the “Regional Natural Park” concept thrive,
– turn the Charter into a territorial contract.
- The Council for Strategy, Research and
Outlook (CORP) of the Parks Federation was
created in March 2007. With 22 researchers,
professors, experts, elected officials and
executives of Regional Natural Parks, the
purpose of the Council was to help Parks
ponder their future.
- Regional Natural Parks celebrated the 40th
anniversary since the signature of their founding
decree with events organised throughout 2007
and the adoption of a new communication
strategy with the following motto: “Creating
now tomorrow’s way of living”.
STATEMENT Q&A /
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APPENDIX 1
2008
- 25 June: the French GMOs Act led to the
creation of a High Council on Biotechnologies,
established the complete monitoring of
cultivation on a land parcel level, and specified
the conditions for GMO and non-GMO coexistence.
2009
- The 47th Regional Natural Park, Pyrénées
Ariégeoises, was created.
- French act 2009-967 of 3 August 2009 for
programming the implementation of the
Environmental Grenelle forum (the so-called
“Grenelle 1”) was passed.
- The 2009 consultation of the “Trame Verte et
Bleue” (a key biodiversity preservation measure)
took place under the responsibility of Senator
Paul Raoult (who is also the President of the
Avesnois Regional Natural Park). The Trame Verte
et Bleue Operational Committee (COMOP), to
which the government asked in 2007 to carry out
the iGrenelle initiatives, got down to defining the
content and modalities of the Trame framework.
2010
- French act 2010-788 of 12 July 2010 on the
French national commitment to the environment
(“Grenelle 2”) amended article L. 333-1 of the
French environmental code.
- French act 2010-1563 of 16 December 2010 on the
public authorities reform was passed.
- The “Future of the Parks” mission was
established with six Park Presidents and six Park
Directors as well as two CORP members.
2011
- The Ardennes Regional Natural Park was
created.
- A Seminar for Presidents and Directors of
Regional Natural Parks and their partners took
place in Lurs en Provence and Forcalquier in the
Luberon Park to ponder the Future of the Parks.
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STATEMENT Q&A /
APPENDIX 2
- A large-scale round table took place with
partners, hearings with well-known people, and
the CORP report “What does the future hold for
parks?” was issued.
2012
- The Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park
was created.
- French decree no. 2012-83 of 24 January
2012 on Regional Natural Parks with various
provisions related to Marine National Parks and
Nature Reserves was issued.
- A political strategy text on the Future of the
Parks was adopted by the Federation’s General
Assembly.
- The “Regional Natural Park Trails” guide
was issued by Editions Projection. This 450page document, containing over 800 photos
and original maps, enables people to discover
the richness of the 48 Regional Natural Parks.
QR codes enable the trails of each park to be
followed using a Smartphone.
- The Update of the Regional Natural Parks
Statement was issued, with over 50 questions
and answers on the Parks.
In 2012, there were 48 Regional Natural Parks
covering 15% of the French territory and
including 23 Regions, 71 Departments, 4,100
villages and 3.5 million inhabitants.
Key figures on the Regional
Natural Parks of France
Parks
Alpilles
Listed villages/
towns, excluding
gateway towns
Surface area in ha
(rounded)
16
51,000
Ardennes
91
117,200
Armorique (over 60,000 ha at sea)
44
126,000
Avesnois
131
125,000
Ballons des Vosges
187
264,500
Boucles de la Seine Normande
72
80,500
Brenne
51
183,000
Brière
17
49,000
Camargue
3
101,000
Caps et Marais d’Opale
152
132,000
Causses du Quercy
102
180,000
Chartreuse
60
76,700
Corse
145
350,500
Forêt d’Orient
57
71,500
Gâtinais Français
69
76,600
Grands Causses
97
328,500
Haut-Jura
118
178,000
Haut-Languedoc
93
260,500
51
63,300
Landes de Gascogne
41
303,000
Livradois-Forez
158
284,800
141
272,500
Lorraine
188
219,500
Luberon
77
185,000
STATEMENT Q&A /
53
KEY FIGURES ON THE REGIONAL NATURAL PARKS OF FRANCE
Listed villages/
towns, excluding
gateway towns
Surface area in ha
(rounded)
Massif des Bauges
65
85,600
113
314,000
Montagne de Reims
68
53,300
Monts d’Ardèche
136
180,000
Parks
Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin
54
150
146,700
Morvan
117
285,000
Narbonnaise en Méditerranée
21
70,000
Normandie-Maine
164
234,000
Timeline of Regional
Natural Parks of France
Year
Parks
No. of Parks
Saint-Amand-Raismes
1
Oise - Pays de France
59
60,000
1968
Perche
126
194,000
1969
Armorique
2
Périgord-Limousin
78
185,500
Pilat
49
70,000
1970
Camargue, Brière, Forêt d’Orient, Vallées de
la Leyre et du Val de L’eyre, Morvan, Vercors
8
Préalpes d’Azur
45
89,000
1972
9
142
246,500
Corse, (Landes de Gascogne,
new name for Vallées de la Leyre)
Pyrénées Catalanes
64
137,100
1973
Haut-Languedoc
10
Queyras
10
57,400
1974
Brotonne, Lorraine, Pilat
13
Scarpe-Escaut
55
48,500
1975
Normandie-Maine
14
Vercors
85
206,000
1976
Montagne de Reims, Vosges du Nord,
Martinique
17
Verdon
46
180,000
1977
Luberon, Queyras, Volcans d’Auvergne
20
Vexin Français
99
71,100
Volcans d’Auvergne
153
395,000
Vosges du Nord
113
130,000
Total number of Regional Natural Parks in
mainland France
4,114
7,513,300
Guyane
3
224,700
Martinique
32
Total number of Regional Natural Parks in
French overseas departments (DOM)
35
TOTAL NUMBER OF REGIONAL
NATURAL PARKS IN MAINLAND
FRANCE AND DOMs
4,149
STATEMENT Q&A /
1979
Marais Poitevin
21
1985
22
1986
24
63,000
Nord - Pas-de-Calais (Park broken down into
3 sectors: Plaine de la Scarpe et de
l’Escaut which includes the expanded zone
of the first Saint-Amand-Raismes park, the
Audomarois sector and the Boulonnais sector);
Haut-Jura, Livradois-Forez
1989
Ballons des Vosges, Brenne
26
287,700
1991
Marais du Cotentin
27
1995
Chartreuse, Grands-Causses,
Massif des Bauges, Vexin Français
31
1996
31/12: Marais Poitevin Park classification not
renewed
31
1997
Verdon
32
7,801,000
STATEMENT Q&A /
55
TIMELINE of Regional Natural Parks of France
APPENDIX 3
Regional Natural Park
legislation and regulations
Year
Parks
No. of Parks
1998
Avesnois, Perche, Périgord-Limousin,
Scarpe-Escaut (independence and new
name for the North division: Plaine de la
Scarpe)
35
1999
Causses du Quercy, Gâtinais Français
37
2000
Caps et Marais d’Opale (new name for the
Audomarois and Boulonnais division of the
Nord - Pas-de-Calais Park)
38
2001
Monts d’Ardêche, Guyane
(Boucles de la Seine Normande,
new name for Brotonne)
40
LEGISLATIVE SECTION
2003
Narbonnaise en Méditerrannée
41
2004
Oise-Pays de France, Pyrénées Catalanes,
44
Book I: Common provisions
L132-1: Regional Natural Parks may bring up
charges as a plaintiff
2007
Alpilles
45
2009
46
2011
Ardennes
47
2012
Préalpes d’Azur
48
FRENCH ENVIRONMENTAL CODE
adopted on 18 September 2000
Incorporates the legislative provisions pertaining to Regional Natural Parks
Book III: Natural environments
L331-2: A National Park may not comprise,
in whole or in part, a village or town
listed in a Regional Natural Park.
L331-15-7: Communities classed in part in the
Amazonian Park and in part classed
as a Regional Natural Park
L333-1 to L333-3: Defines the policy of
1° contractualisation
2° mountain
3° management body
L334-2: Representation of interested Regional
Natural Parks in the board of directors
of the Marine Environments Agency
L335-1: GMOs
L362-1: Pertaining to the circulation of
vehicles in natural environments
L371-1: “Trame Verte et Bleue”
L371-3: Representation of RNPs within
“Trame Verte et Bleue” committees
Book IV: Fauna and flora
L421-1: Representation of Regional Natural
Parks within the board of directors of
the French National Office of Hunting
and Wild Fauna
56
STATEMENT Q&A /
Book V: Prevention of pollution,
risks and nuisances
L541-14: O
pinion on the Departmental waste
plan
L581-8: Advertising, signs and displays
L581-14: Local advertising regulations
REGULATORY SECTION
Book I: Common provisions
Article R133-1: Opinion of the National
Council for the Protection of
Nature (CNPN), on Regional
Natural Parks
Article R133-5: Composition of the CNPN
Book III: Natural environments
Article R321-10: Departmental right of
way
Article R333-1 to R333-16
Article R334-4
Article D371-3: R
epresentation of RNPs within
the French “Trame Verte et
Bleue” committee
DEVL1220791C CIRCULAR of 4 May 2012
on the classification and renewal of
classification of Regional Natural Parks and
the implementation of their Charters
STATEMENT Q&A /
57
APPENDIX 3
FRENCH URBAN PLANNING CODE
Incorporates the legislative and regulatory
provisions pertaining to Regional Natural
Parks
FRENCH GENERAL CODE OF LOCAL
AUTHORITIES
Incorporates the legislative and regulatory
provisions pertaining to Regional Natural Parks
L111-1-1 and L122-1-12 S
COT compatibility with
the RNP Charter
L121-4: I nvolvement of Regional Natural Parks
in the elaboration of urban planning
documents
L122-1: SCOT
L122-4-1: SCOT application
L122-5: SCOT scope
L123-1: Local urban planning strategy (PLU)
L123-1-9: PLU compatibility with the RNP
Charter
L123-14: PLU compliance
L124-2: Municipal maps
L143-2: C
ompatibility of protection and
promotion programmes for periurban agricultural and natural areas
with the RNP Charter
L 2333-27: Transfer of the visitors’ tax
collected by villages and towns
to the Regional Natural Park
management body
Book I: General provisions
L4424-35: Convention between the Corsica
Office of the Environment
and the RNP
L5211-11: Presidential compensation
Book VII: Combined Association
L5721-1: T
he combined association
is a public establishment
5721-2: C
omposition, creation, election
of the president
5721-2-1: Modification of the articles of
association
5721-6-2: Withdrawal of jurisdiction power
5721-7: Dissolution
5722-1 to 5722-7: Financial provisions
Major laws and decrees
applicable
to Regional Natural Parks of France, in chronological order
DECREE 75-783 of 24 October 1975 on
Regional Natural Parks: Establishment
and operation of Regional Natural Parks,
appended by decree 77-1141
ACT 84-610 of 16 July 1984 on the
organisation and promotion of physical and
sports activities. The Federation of Regional
Natural Parks of France is a member of the
French national council of physical and
sports activities
ACT 77-2 of 3 January 1977, the so-called
“Architecture Act”, art.7. The Council on
Architecture, Urban Planning and the
Environment (CAUE) can delegate its
missions to a Regional Natural Park
DECREE 88-443 of 25 April 1988 on Regional
Natural Parks
CIRCULAR 89-43 of 28 July 1989 on the
implementation of decree 88- 443 of 25 April
1988
DECREE 77-1141 of 12 October 1977 in
application of article 2 of act 76-629 of 10
July 1976: addition of article 7 a in decree
75-783 on construction subject to the impact
study procedure
ACT 93-24 of 8 January 1993 on the
protection and promotion of landscapes art.
2
DECREE 67-158 of 1 March 1967 establishing
CIRCULAR of 12 September 1979 on National
Parks and Regional Natural Parks
ACT 83-8 of 7 January 1983 on the
jurisdictions of villages and towns,
Departments, Regions and the government,
the so-called “Deferre Act”. Art 34: Regional
Natural Parks are involved in the elaboration
of the regional planning and territorial
development scheme.
Art 34 b: Regional Natural Parks are members
of the regional planning and territorial
development conference.
ACT 83-630 of 12 July 1983, named
“Bouchardeau Act”
58
STATEMENT Q&A /
DECREE 94-765 of 1 September 1994, in
application of art. L.244-1 of the French rural
code
ACT 95-101 of 2 February 1995, named
“Barnier Act” on the reinforcement of the
protection of the environment art. 37, 46 (37),
41, 50 (53), (55)
ACT 95-115 of 4 February 1995 providing
guidelines for territorial planning and
development. Art. 22: compatibility of the
Pays Charter with the Park Charter
CIRCULAR 95-36 of 1 September 1995 on
the implementation of decree 94-765 of 1
September 1994
STATEMENT Q&A /
59
APPENDIX 3
ACT 99-533 of 25 June 1999, named “Voynet
Act” on the strategies for land-use planning
and sustainable development on a territorial
level, amending act 95-115 of 4 February 1995
providing guidelines for territorial planning and
development, art. 25 and 29
ACT 95-586 of 12 July 1999 on the
reinforcement and simplification of
intermunicipal cooperation. Art. 49
amending article L.5721-2 of the French
general code (of local authorities combined
associations)
DECREE 99-731 of 26 August 1999
DECREE 2000-909 of 19 September 2000 on
the Pays and applying art. 22 of amended act
95-115
LOI 2000-1208 of 13 December 2000 on
urban area’s cohesion and renewal. Art. 1,3,4
(amending the French yrban planning code),
art. L.121-4, L.122-1, L.123-1 (compatibility of
urban planning documents with the Park
Charter) and art.45 (Charter subject to public
survey).
ACT 2002-276 of 27 February 2002 on
local democracy Art. 49 amending art.
L.5721-2 of the French general code of local
authorities (with regards to open combined
associations).
ACT 2003-590 of 2 July 2003 on urban planning,
housing and construction Art. 6 and 8 amending
articles L.122-4 and 122-18 of the urban planning
code (coordination of SCOTs limited to combined
associations comprised exclusively of relevant
villages, towns and intermunicipal entities,
mandatory withdrawal of other bodies) and
article 95 amending article 22 of the 4 February
1995 act (new Pays policy)
ACT 2005-157 of 23 February 2005 on
the development of rural areas. Art. 231:
Two-year prolongation of the duration of
classification of RNPs for legal or factual
60
STATEMENT Q&A /
circumstances.
ACT 2006-436 of 14 April 2006 on National
Parks, Marine National Parks and Regional
Natural Parks. In particular, chapter
III on Regional Natural Parks: duration
of classification, application of SCOTs,
compensation for presidents, opinion on
planning documents and strategies for
landscapes.
DECREE 2006-1614 of 15 December
2006 on the compensation received for
Regional Natural Park President and Vicepresident positions, amending the French
Environmental Code
ACT 2007-1773 of 17 December 2007 on the
Camargue Regional Natural Park. NOR:
DEVX0764674L, JO, 18 Dec.
DECREE 2007-673 of 2 May 2007 on various
provisions pertaining to Regional Natural
Parks and National Parks
DEVN 0811377C CIRCULAR of 15 July 2008
on the classification and the renewal of
ACT 2009-967 of 3 August 2009 regarding
the programming of the Environmental
Grenelle forum implementation (“Grenelle 1”)
ACT 2010-788 of 12 July 2010 on the French
national commitment to the environment
(“Grenelle 2”) amending article L. 333-1 of the
French Environmental Code
DECREE 2012-83 of 24 January 2012 on
DEVL1220791C CIRCULAR of 4 May 2012
on the classification and the renewal of
Regional
48Natural
Parks
of France
Belgium
Germany
Switzerland
Italy
SURINAM
BRAZIL
French Guiana
Spain
q
key figures
- 48 Regional Natural Parks
(46 metropolitan and 2 overseas)
- 15 Park projects under consideration
- 7 million hectares
- 15% of the French territory
- 23 Regions
- 71 Departments
- 3.5 million inhabitants,
or 30% of the French population
living in predominantly rural areas
- 1,900 agents
- 72,000 farms
- 320,000 companies, representing 7% of the
French economic fabric
- 37% of the French wooded areas
- Covering more than 50% of the of French
Nature Reserves (mainland), generally managed
by Regional Natural Parks
- 19% of the French land area classified as the
Natura 2000, 3 out of 4 parks are participants and
supervisors of Natura 2000 sites
- 6 out of 10 Reserves of the French biosphere are
located in Parks
Ce document a été réalisé avec le concours financier du MAEE et de l’AFD. Cette publication n’engage que son auteur
et l’AFD n’est pas responsable de l’usage qui pourrait être fait des informations contenues dans cette publication.
Fédération des Parcs naturels régionaux de France
9, rue Christiani - 75018 Paris
Tél. 01 44 90 86 20 - Fax. 01 45 22 70 78
[email protected]
PEFC/10-31-1598
SIRET: 784 845 026 00037 Photo credits: PNRMR / M. ECONOMIDES / PNRVN Designed by Bee Happy - A Come Back Production. Produced with the financial support of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Luxembourg

statement - Fédération des Parcs naturels régionaux de France

Transcription

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