Abstract

PARRA, Constanza. Natural Borders versus Politico-administrative Borders: Challenges and Dilemmas faced by Regional Natural Parks in a Multi-level Government. Estud. Polit. [online]. 2008, n.32, pp.227-264. ISSN 0121-5167.

This paper examines the main governance challenges of protected areas, underlining tensions and dilemmas derived from the simultaneous existence of natural frontiers and politico-administrative borders, which rarely correspond. Assuming that the articulation among territorial scales is an essential factor to foster sustainability in all kinds of territories, this paper focuses on the main challenges faced by French regional parks within the context of multilevel governance. Particularly, the author analyzes contradictions between the multiplication of politico-administrative frontiers at the sub-national level and the sustainability directives to which protected areas are subordinated. From the examination of the Morvan Regional Park case, the author concludes that the superabundance of sub-national institutions, whose creation attempted to encourage sustainability principles of democracy as well as civil society participation, produce dynamics of rivalry and competition among territories that threaten their sustainability. The field work was conducted through a qualitative methodology. And indepth interviews with key actors were used as a basis for gathering information and conducting observations, as well as field visits and analysis of secondary sources.

Keywords : Natural parks; Multi-level governance; Sustainable development; Border conflicts.

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