ABSTRACT
When reviewing French wetland policy, it is important to keep two important characteristics of the French environment in mind. The first of these relates to the broad geographic diversity of France - a diversity which is large by European standards, in terms ofboth its natural conditions and its development history. This diversity is also reflected in France's wetland environments. The northwestern part of the country contains wetlands reminiscent of those in England, Belgium, and Holland. Northeastern wetlands resemble more those of Central Europe - in particular, Germany, and Austria. In the South, the ecological conditions are closer to those of Spain or Greece. Finally, the numerous mountain regions possess their own wetland types and specific environmental problems. Understanding this diversity is fundamental to understanding French wetlands.
