"A 10th Park, an opportunity for economic development"

Towards a new Parc Naturel Régional

September 26 marked a key milestone with the launch of the Parc naturel régional des Maures, de l'Estérel et du Tanneron project. The Région thus reaffirms its commitment to creating this 10th Park, an initiative reinforced following the tragic fire of August 2021 which devastated nearly 7,000 hectares in the Maures.

After two years of consultation, this day opened a new decisive phase for the territory. The objective is to carry out an in-depth diagnosis, co-constructed with local stakeholders.

A participatory and ambitious approach

The aim is to draft a shared charter project for the next fifteen years. Prefiguration actions will be put in place to address local challenges right now and demonstrate the concrete benefits of the future park.

The Région has set an ambitious schedule, aiming for a first version of the charter by spring 2026. The diagnosis and consultation for drafting the charter will take place concurrently.

"This prefiguration phase aims to carry out an in-depth diagnosis of the territory, co-constructed with its stakeholders, to develop the shared charter project for the next fifteen years, and to implement prefiguration actions for the charter to respond to certain local challenges right now and demonstrate what the park will concretely bring."

A dedicated project team has been set up to carry out these missions. It relies on partners and service providers, including POLITIKER, which facilitated this launch day.

The diagnosis and drafting of the charter will be the result of collective work. Elected officials, socio-professional stakeholders, and residents will be actively involved in this process.

Co-construction and governance

About ten regional workshops will make it possible to discuss the diagnosis and the draft charter. Events like today's, as well as seminars, will enrich this process.

A dedicated online platform, "actons.fr", will offer everyone the opportunity to contribute and follow the project's progress. Communication tools will also be made available to municipalities and associations.

A scientific and technical council will be created to feed into the project, particularly in its experimentation, research, and foresight dimensions. At the same time, a development council, made up of local stakeholders and residents, will strengthen consultation and citizen participation.

This council will aim to reflect the diversity of stakeholders and territories. An appeal is launched to encourage everyone's participation.

Finally, the steering committee, a governance body, will ensure regular monitoring and validation of the process. This Park project represents a major opportunity for economic and social development, while preserving and enhancing natural, cultural, and landscape heritage. It is the right decision-making scale to anchor this territorial project.