A Regional natural park (French: Parc naturel régional or PNR) is a public establishment in France between local authorities and the French national government covering an inhabited rural area of outstanding beauty, in order to protect the scenery and heritage as well as setting up sustainable economic development in the area.[1]
A PNR sets goals and guidelines for managed human habitation, sustainable economic development, and protection of the natural environment based on each park's unique landscape and heritage. The parks also foster ecological research programs and public education in the natural sciences.[2]
As of 2011 there are 45 PNRs. These account for 13% of all French territory, over 7,000,000 hectares (17,000,000 acres). The parks encompass over 3,500 communes with more than three million inhabitants.[2] The PNR system was created by a decree of March 1, 1967. The territory covered by each PNR is decided by the French Prime Minister and is reexamined every 10 years.
In total 46 PNRs have been created, of which one subsequently lost its status and one was renamed. They are listed here in order of creation.