Charter

There are 58 regional natural parks in France (56 in metropolitan France and two in the overseas territories). Territorial projects are developed around these Parks where heritage preservation is at the service of local development.

A Natural Regional Park Charter is an agreement that materializes the protection and sustainable development project designed for its territory. It sets protection, promotion and development targets for the Park, as well as measures to achieve them. It ensures the coherence and coordination of actions conducted by various public authorities on Park Territory. It remains valid for 12 years. A charter-amending procedure enables to redefine its new project and renew its classification. Following a public enquiry, the Charter is authorized by the Park Territory’s municipalities, and the towns, Region(s) and Departments involved. Socio-occupational and non-profit partners are involved in its implementation.

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To Convince rather than to Constrain

agir-introThe nature protection capacity of a Natural Regional Park lies above all in its ability to implement, via dialogue, the Charter aims defined by its signatories. A Natural Regional Park does not have any specific regulatory powers. However, by approving the Charter, the authorities undertake to implement the specific provisions listed (for example, in terms of construction, water and waste management, motorized traffic, afforestation…).

The Park is systematically consulted for advice whenever any territory planning or facility requires an environmental impact assessment. Furthermore, the town planning documentation must comply with the charters, and the Park may be consulted during their drafting and review.

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