Why public policies face difficulties in protecting mountain pastoral landscapes: some lessons from the history of the volcanic landscape of the Chaîne des Puys / Limagne fault, France

Public policies aimed at preserving the unique volcanic landscape of the Chaîne des Puys / Limagne fault in France have faced significant challenges, despite spanning over 400 years. This study reveals that while some areas have seen improvements in biodiversity and landscape quality due to effective management practices, others have been abandoned or forested, leading to closed landscapes with reduced biodiversity. The research employs a systemic analysis of historical policies to identify the reasons behind their ineffectiveness and proposes principles for future policies to better protect mountain grazing landscapes with local community support.

Michelin, Y., & Montoloy, C. (2018). Why public policies face difficulties in protecting mountain pastoral landscapes: some lessons from the history of the volcanic landscape of the Chaîne des Puys / Limagne fault, France. Landscape Research, 43(8), 1097–1116. https://doi.org/10.1080/01426397.2018.1503238