The challenge of developing a shared vision: Marittime Alps-Mercantour

A common conservation strategy is the driving force of sustainable socio-economic development in the Marittime Alps-Mercantour Transboundary Protected Area (TBPA). This area of about 1,000 km² consists of the contiguous Italian Marittime Alps Regional Park and the French Mercantour National Park. The territorial connection, together with the high value of the natural and cultural heritage, has given this area a strong identity that transcends administrative, legal and cultural barriers. Close collaboration is the result of a long history of shared endeavour and a maturing of a common inter-organizational vision. The two parks have come together to experiment using new forms of cooperative management and governance, expressed in a strategic plan for the governance of this TBPA.