The European Natural Park “Alpi Marittime – Mercantour,” comprised of the Mercantour National Park (France) and the Alpi Marittime Natural Park (Italy), is engaged in the process of seeking classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This project incorporates other transalpine protected areas such as the Marguareis Park, the Ligurian Alps Park, the protected areas of the Province of Imperia, and the marine area of the Villa Hanbury Biological Garden. Together, they will present a unique cross-border candidacy, “The Alps of the Sea,” which adds a certain appeal to the file.
For the record: The cities of Nice, for its Promenade des Anglais, and Grasse, for its perfume-related expertise, are also candidates, which creates a certain enthusiasm for the same region. Will there be an Azur competition to advance these files? More than just global recognition, we should aim beyond mere local pride.
This candidacy follows the classification on the “tentative lists” of France and Italy, an essential first step in the classification process. Other steps are equally important and will need to be addressed in the near future.
The foundation of this project lies in the geological uniqueness of this territory, a true testament to an ancient era with evidence visible in few places on earth, including the “Alpi Marittime – Mercantour.” This fact, resulting from complex tectonic movements, explains more simply in our eyes the great landscape diversity of this site, but also the multiplicity of animal and plant species that make it one of the planet’s 34 biodiversity “hotspots.”
To support this project, which holds high visibility and added value for the entire territory, the partners will put all the odds in their favor. Goodwill will be welcome to support them.
All the active forces of the territory must be behind the candidates: schools, universities, professionals, hikers, nature lovers, residents, schoolchildren, artists, etc…
The vitality and notoriety of the territory, already favored by the presence of a national park, will be the beneficiaries of this highest international distinction a region can hope for.
