ABSTRACT

France is one of the largest countries in the European Community with an area of 549 km2. Geographically and climatically, France has remarkable diversity unparalleled anywhere within the European Community with 'Atlantic', 'Central European', 'Alpine' and 'Mediterranean' biogeographical zones. France has several layers of government in common with most European countries. France has several layers of government in common with most European countries. France reflects the fact that prior to 1972 the responsibility for nature conservation lay with the Ministry of Agriculture. The process of regionalization is still progressing in France having been given legal impetus through legislation in 1982 and 1983. The system of land designation and the means of financing the management of these designations has evolved in France as a result of many factors. France is one of the founding members of the European Community and has thus been in an important position to influence policy at a European level including nature conservation policy.