Environnement et processus de territorialisation : le cas du Parc naturel régional de la Chartreuse (France)/ The environment and the process of territorialisation : the case of the Chartreuse regional natural park (France)

Abstract

Abstract : Using the example of the Chartreuse regional natural park (French Pre-Alps), the paper examines the development of such parks from the point of view of two territorialisation processes. The first, known as institu- tionalisation, is based on public opinion and is in favour of a collective identification focussing on the special heritage of the area. The second territorialisation process concerns a whole set of groups, the « players and mediators », and in this case is based on new types of collective action. Both processes are mutually nourishing provided that they have a common interest in environmental management. Initially used as justification for creating spatial homogeneity, the environment is gradually becoming a vector of social dynamism which finds its spatial expression in the Park. The fragile nature of such processes must, however, be underlined.