François Mitteault, Chairman of the Conseil d’orientation, recherche et prospective (CORP) of the Fédération des PNR (testimonial from the dossier “Regional nature parks and INRAE, a partnership for regional transition” – 2024)
“As Chairman of CORP, I lead a composite community of around twenty scientists, agronomists, naturalists, sociologists, economists, town planners, architects and cultural specialists. This mix of disciplines is our identity and essential for supporting the NRP network, which touches on all these domains. CORP is also seeking to federate the network of 1,000 experts and scientists on the parks’ scientific councils, with the aim of mobilising them collectively on all issues related to transitions. Better sharing of initiatives taken here and there develops a synergy that benefits the whole network. The conversion to agroecology, at the heart of the partnership with INRAE, provides an illustration of our initiatives (webinars, agroecology forum, etc.), which still have room for improvement, because the mass adoption of agroecology in RNPs is indeed a matter of urgency and we need research to better understand the processes involved. The presence of a scientific council in each park is also a valuable asset, as each area faces these transitions differently and requires tailored support. One example is the local seminar organised by the scientific council of the Queyras Regional Nature Park on the future of the region in the face of climate change, which led to a very practical (and no doubt non-exportable) debate with local stakeholders. The connection between research and action within the NRP leads to many perspectives and prospects, and can open up unexplored avenues for transition, at the risk of sometimes having to shake up one’s habits.”
Testimonial from our thematic dossier
Thematic dossier
Regional nature parks and INRAE, a partnership for regional transition
The regional nature parks (PNR), set up in 1967 and now numbering 58, are important partners for INRAE. This partnership has been strengthened since the signing of a framework agreement with the Fédération des PNR in 2021. INRAE’s scientists, who are committed to the issues of sustainable development of territories and transitions, are involved in a variety of ways, ranging from research collaboration to expertise on scientific councils. This dossier illustrates the rich and diverse partnership between the two partners, which makes the NRPs innovative laboratories for change and research areas for public policy support.
