This cross-border area “The Alps of the Mediterranean”, a candidate for the highest level of international recognition, is based on a unique geological history and exceptional biodiversity.
Until now, the Mercantour National Park had its territory included in the French UNESCO candidacy “The Alps of the Mediterranean”, and on the Italian side, the partners were the Parco naturale Alpi Marittime, the Parco naturale del Marguareis, the Parco delle Alpi Liguri, the Natura 2000 areas managed by the Province of Imperia, and the Regional Protected Area Hanbury.
At the last meeting on March 26 in Paris, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the French members of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) agreed that the UNESCO candidacy, on the French side, should extend to the sea, like their Italian counterparts.
Thus, 16 new municipalities from the hilly and coastal areas in the east of the Alpes-Maritimes department have been added to the 28 already proposed by the Mercantour National Park to compete, on the French side, for this cross-border project proposed in the “Natural Properties” category for UNESCO World Heritage status.
