An integrated approach used to set up the management structure of an urban natural space: The Vidal-Mondélice peri-urban natural space in French Guiana, France

Andréa Poiret () and Pierre Pech ()
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Andréa Poiret: ENS de Lyon - École normale supérieure de Lyon - Université de Lyon
Pierre Pech: LADYSS - Laboratoire Dynamiques Sociales et Recomposition des Espaces - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - UP8 - Université Paris 8 - UPN - Université Paris Nanterre - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UPCité - Université Paris Cité

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Abstract: Under the mega challenges of climate change and urbanization, natural areas in urban environments gain significant attention. In scientific literature, little attention is given to participatory processes that involve users and local residents in decisions regarding the management of these urban natural spaces. This research presents a multi-dimensional approach based on an integrated urban development project management approach that involves the users and residents of the protected area of the Vidal-Mondelice Park in French Guiana. French Guiana's status makes it an example of a poor territory, marked by stark social contrasts, currently undergoing development. The method, using collaborative governance, centres on understanding the practices and motivations of the local population. Participatory workshops were organized to train users interested in participatory monitoring. A sample of 167 questionnaires was used to assess the approaches to biodiversity and uses of the park. Most users are regulars, with almost 70 % of respondents visiting the site at least once a month. They are more concerned with local issues, particularly services provided, than with more global issues such as environmental issues. The 40 workshop participants facilitated the establishment of participatory monitoring at the site, with forest ecosystem indicators adapted to a participatory approach. This approach demonstrates the effectiveness of participatory processes in developing management methods that incorporate both conservation objectives and the maintenance of uses and amenities.

Keywords: Urban natural area; Social ecological system; Empowerment; Collaborative governance; Participatory processes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Published in Human Settlements and Sustainability, 2026, 2 (2), pp.134-143. ⟨10.1016/j.hssust.2025.11.001⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05652022

DOI: 10.1016/j.hssust.2025.11.001

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