Relations sociétés-nature et stratégies intégrées de conservation et du développement : cas de la Réserve de Biosphère Intercontinentale de la Méditerranée
The thesis falls within the overall framework of research on the relations of societies with their territories, in connection with the integrated strategies of conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development. While the first protected areas were created on a segregated basis, they are now part of integrative models that are more subtle than expected. The object of the study is a critical perspective of the processes of planning and management of protected areas that generate stereotyped development models. In naturally heterogeneous and dynamic contexts, the overall objectives of conservation policies struggle to integrate representations of nature, interests and local practices. How then can these strategies be adapted to a convergence of mutual interests, with a socio-cultural reappropriation of the conservation, well-being of human populations and development at the local level?  The Talassemtane Natural Park, part of the territory of the Mediterranean Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve (RBIM), is subject to the challenges of integration between local, national and transnational. The exploration of methodologies presenting certain attractiveness in the study of the complexity of socio-ecosystems has made it possible to highlight the socio-cultural basis of local populations through which the use of spaces and natural resources passes. The construction of relationships with nature derived from them, anchored in the historical dynamics of societies, reveals the one-dimensional logic of systemic nature-culture reasoning. The implementation of strategies for the conservation and multiple and sustainable use of natural resources requires the integration of all social groups, their cultural and spiritual values of spaces and resources, their endogenous knowledge and practices. When the past intervenes in the present, it can project the future towards a convergence of mutual interests that guarantees the sustainable management of protected areas.
Biodiversity Integrated conservation Socio-ecosystems Traditional ecological knowledge Social representations Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean