Creation of the Brie et Deux Morin Natural Park (France)

The Brie et Deux Morin Natural Park project in Île-de-France embodies the European Landscape Convention’s focus on local action and citizen engagement. Spanning 96,000 hectares and 82 municipalities near Paris, the initiative tackles territorial planning and climate adaptation by integrating diverse perspectives—from farmers to urban newcomers—through participatory workshops and expert analysis. Central to the project is rebuilding territorial knowledge. By combining historical maps, geological studies, and resident insights, the team uncovered how past practices shaped the landscape, revealing solutions for modern challenges like flooding and biodiversity loss. For example, restoring traditional water storage systems and reviving diverse agricultural sectors (e.g., hemp, livestock) address both environmental and economic needs. The park fosters a sustainable local economy, partnering with businesses like organic mills to create value-added products tied to the region’s terroir. This approach not only preserves landscapes but also empowers residents to adapt their lifestyles to environmental realities. Ultimately, the project transforms the Convention’s abstract principles into actionable, context-driven policies, proving that landscape management can unite ecology, economy, and community for resilient territorial development.