Agriculture and the terrestrial and aquatic ecological network strategy: design and implementation of a public policy in agricultural spaces in the Rhône-Alpes Region

Abstract

This paper deals with the design and the implementation of the terrestrial and aquatic ecological network ("Trame Verte et Bleue" in French) strategy in agricultural spaces in the former Rhône-Alpes region in France. We show how the notion of "permeable spaces" along with work closely involving farmers has allowed to reduce the disagreements between agricultural and environmental stakeholders. While their original role was limited to contractualize environmental measures that were designed by others, today farmers are taking ownership of the concerns linked to ecological connectivities. They include them in all their own concerns and imagine innovative solutions to manage and preserve them in line with their activities and with the issues of their territory.