Conservatoires d'espaces naturels

The Conservatoires d'espaces naturels (CEN) are a network of organizations in France dedicated to the conservation of natural areas. The 24 Conservatoires d'espaces naturels preserve and enhance our natural and landscape heritage through regional projects and a method based on consultation. In total, they manage 4,500 natural areas, including over 1,650 sites open to the public, visited by 6 million people a year. The Conservatoires are non-profit associations serving the public interest. Their 1,200 salaried employees work in 300,000 hectares of natural areas and in more than one commune in 7 in France, with the support of thousands of members and volunteers, united around a single objective: to act for nature in the territories.

• Research and conservation of species and areas (protected areas)
• Protection of natural spaces and environments (aquatic environments, forests, coastlines, wetlands, mountains, etc.)
• Information and awareness-raising for the general public