Concerted management of wetlands: are local stakeholders the most suitable? The case of the Little Camargue Gardoise

Abstract

A certain number of measures have been set up in France to protect wetlands. They are usually initiated by government organisations or nature conservancy associations. They are frequently confronted with opposition from users of these areas (hunters, farmers, etc.) and management problems. With respect to these problems encountered in defining a wetland protection policy, what use are protection measures initiated by local government organisations and what are the likely advantages and disadvantages? In order to answer these questions, this paper presents some results from a case study. In particular, it puts forward a set of conditions required for successful protection and development of wetlands. Local government organisations have a role to play in this field, although action by national government is also necessary.