Conflicts, acceptance problems and participative policies in the national parks of the French Alps

Abstract

This article provides an updated insight into the now completed compliance process with the charters of the French Alpine national parks (Vanoise, Ecrins, Mercantour), a participative measure that was initiated in 2006. A theoretical approach to social acceptance is given, followed by an analysis of the upsurge or the rise of conflicts during the negotiation process with local municipalities of the national park perimeter in a more empirical way. It will be demonstrated that fostering acceptability and participation does not necessarily produce wider social acceptation.