STRUCTURAL AND EVOLUTIONARY EFFECTS UPON CONSERVATION POLICY PERFORMANCE - COMPARING A UK NATIONAL AND A FRENCH REGIONAL PARK

This paper examines aspects of the structure and performance of two similar forms of Park dealing with issues of local farming and rural conservation policy. A comparative, qualitative examination highlights the importance of Park structure and Park evolution in shaping such policy. Despite similar conservation objectives and agricultural characteristics, the French and U.K. Parks examined have evolved quite different strategies of operation which are reflected in the relative successes and failures of past policy as evaluated by policy administrators and local people, both of whom have an important role to play in this respect. The French model has stressed local involvement and rural development while the U.K. one has worked mainly through powers of constraint and an emphasis upon its national role. Some perceived strengths and weaknesses of each model are discussed, and the comparison seeks to pinpoint ways in which the experience of the two Parks is relevant to the future generation of more integrated policies for rural areas, both within and beyond the Parks themselves.