Parc naturel régional & Géoparc mondial Unesco Normandie-Maine

What Parc naturel régional & Géoparc mondial Unesco Normandie-Maine does

The Parc naturel régional et Géoparc mondial UNESCO Normandie-Maine is a French public territorial establishment (établissement public) founded on October 23, 1975, operating as both the 14th Regional Nature Park in France and, since March 2024, a UNESCO Global Geopark. It manages 259,041 hectares across 136 communes and 15 intercommunalities spanning four departments (Orne, Sarthe, Mayenne, Manche) and two regions (Normandie and Pays de la Loire), serving approximately 93,900 inhabitants. Governance is provided by a mixed syndicate of elected officials from member territorial collectivities, currently presided by Catherine Meunier (elected October 2025). Its operational mandate encompasses biodiversity and geological heritage conservation, territorial planning support, environmental education, agricultural transition, and citizen science coordination.

The organization's service portfolio includes two physical visitor destinations—the Maison du Parc et du Géoparc in Carrouges (headquarters with exhibitions, shop, and educational facilities) and the Musée du Poiré in Barenton (perry museum)—plus a network of conservation orchards documenting 205 apple and pear varieties, a black bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) preservation initiative, Atlas de la Biodiversité Communale programmes across multiple communes, and animation of 12 Natura 2000 sites. Underlying technology comprises GIS-based territorial observatory tools, a free Mission Nature mobile application (developed with external partner Natural Solutions) supporting citizen biodiversity data collection, a fruit variety database built with the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle since 1975, and the Biodiv' Normandie-Maine platform hosting more than 300,000 biodiversity observations. Approximately 28 staff are organized into four operational poles: Médiation, Biodiversité et Géodiversité, Aménagement-Développement Local, and Secrétariat Général.

The entity is financed predominantly through public institutional funding from the French state, the two regional councils, four departmental councils, and European Union programmes (LIFE, FEADER, FEDER), supplemented by project-specific grants (notably OFB co-funding for ABC programmes, 80% of the Haute Sarthe Alpes Mancelles project). Direct commercial revenue is marginal: small boutique sales at the two visitor sites and nominal fees (typically €2.50) for select activities, with the majority of public-facing events offered free of charge. The go-to-market model is community-led and mission-driven, relying on elected official governance, volunteer biodiversity observer networks, school education programmes, and citizen science participation rather than commercial distribution.

Name

Parc naturel régional & Géoparc mondial Unesco Normandie-Maine

Legal name

Parc naturel régional Normandie-Maine

Website

https://parc-naturel-normandie-maine.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Parc naturel régional et Géoparc mondial UNESCO Normandie-Maine is a French public territorial establishment founded in 1975, managing 259,041 hectares across 136 communes as both a Regional Nature Park and UNESCO Global Geopark, delivering biodiversity conservation, geological heritage protection, environmental education, and territorial development through 28 staff.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nature park and conservation services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Conservation Parks & Private Nature Reserves (Visitor Operations) (THAAAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Parks & Reserves (Visitor Operations) (THAAAAAG), National Park & Protected Area Tours (THAJAIAA), Parks, Recreation & Protected Areas Administration (BPAIAMAH), Conservation & Research Lodges (Citizen Science, Field Stations with Guests) (THAAAHAJ)

Keywords

• Regional nature park
• UNESCO Global Geopark
• Biodiversity conservation
• Natura 2000 management
• Territorial sustainable development

Headquarters

HQ city

Carrouges

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Institutional Funding: Core funding from French state, Regions (Normandie, Pays de la Loire), Departments (Orne, Manche, Mayenne, Sarthe), and European Union programmes (LIFE, FEADER, FEDER). Additional financing from municipal contributions.
2. Project-specific Grants: Time-limited funding for specific projects such as LIFE programme for biodiversity restoration, Natura 2000 animation, ABC programmes funded by OFB, and agricultural environmental measures (MAEC)
3. Visitor Services and Merchandise: Revenue from boutique shops at Maison du Parc and Musée du Poiré, as well as some paid educational activities and events (e.g., 2.50€ entrance fees for certain activities)

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Parc naturel régional et Géoparc mondial UNESCO Normandie-Maine is a public territorial establishment that delivers biodiversity and geological heritage conservation, sustainable territorial development, environmental education, and geotourism across 259,041 hectares in four departments of northwestern France. Its core offerings include two physical visitor destinations (Maison du Parc et du Géoparc and Musée du Poiré), conservation programs (orchards, black bees, biodiversity atlases), Natura 2000 site management for 12 protected sites, and a free mobile application for citizen science biodiversity observations. The park serves member municipalities, residents, farmers, schools, and visitors through governance, funding coordination, and public engagement programs.

Product overview

The Parc naturel régional et Géoparc mondial UNESCO Normandie-Maine operates as a dual-purpose regional nature park and UNESCO Global Geopark spanning 259,041 hectares across Normandy and Pays de la Loire regions. Its offerings center on two physical visitor destinations (Maison du Parc et du Géoparc in Carrouges and Musée du Poiré in Barenton), complemented by conservation programs including conservation orchards for ancient apple and pear varieties, the Abeille Noire bee preservation initiative, and communal biodiversity atlas programs. The organization manages 12 Natura 2000 sites and completed the European LIFE Avaloirs project for habitat restoration. A free mobile application called Mission Nature enables citizens to participate in biodiversity data collection through geolocation-based species identification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Maison du Parc et du Géoparc The main discovery center and headquarters of the park located in Carrouges, offering exhibitions, educational activities, a shop, and information about the territory's natural and geological heritage. Free admission to exhibitions.
• Musée du Poiré A museum in Barenton dedicated to poiré (perry), presenting exhibitions on traditional cider production and local fruit heritage, with educational programs and a shop. Hosts a new Poiré Domfront AOP exhibition for 3 years.
• Mission Nature Mobile Application A free mobile application that invites users to discover nature around them through gamified missions, geolocation-based species identification, and contributes to a national biodiversity inventory by collecting and sharing observations with experts. Available on iOS and Android.
• Vergers Conservatoires (Conservation Orchards) A network of orchards preserving 205 ancient varieties of apples and pears (75 cider apples, 61 eating apples, 69 perry pears, 40 eating pears), with varieties documented and maintained at the Maison du Parc, Musée du Poiré, and partner sites including Sainte-Anne-de-Champfrémont and Ambrières-les-Vallées.
• Abeille Noire (Black Bee) Preservation Program Program to protect and preserve the native black bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) through educational apiaries at park sites, beekeeping training, and participation in the regional APINOIRE NORMANDIE preservation plan. Includes beekeeping school at Maison du Parc and mating apiary at Musée du Poiré.
• Atlas de la Biodiversité Communale (ABC) Program Communal Biodiversity Atlas programs conducting naturalist inventories, citizen awareness activities, and biodiversity mapping for participating communes, including ABC Haute Sarthe Alpes Mancelles and ABC Sources de l'Orne. Combines citizen science, environmental education, and spatial mapping of biodiversity issues.
• LIFE Avaloirs Project European LIFE program project (2018-2024) focused on restoring and preserving heathlands, peat bogs, and protected bird species in the Mont des Avaloirs and Corniche de Pail areas. Restored 130 hectares of heathland, 4 hectares of peatlands, and 8 hectares of meadows, and sensitized 84,159 people to biodiversity.
• Natura 2000 Sites Animation Management and animation of 12 Natura 2000 sites across the territory, including habitat conservation, species protection, and coordination with local stakeholders through committees and action plans. Includes ongoing revision of management plans for sites such as Landes du Tertre Bizet et Fosse Arthour, Alpes mancelles, and RNR Mont des Avaloirs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 130 hectares of heathland restored through LIFE Avaloirs project (2018-2024)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Primary funder (80%) of the Atlas de la Biodiversité Communale Haute Sarthe Alpes Mancelles project, providing funding and technical support for biodiversity inventory and citizen science initiatives.
• Région Normandie - APINOIRE NORMANDIE programmecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Participation in the regional plan for the preservation of Norman heritage breeds, specifically the APINOIRE NORMANDIE programme aimed at making Normandy the first region for conservation and production of black bee swarms.
• Département de la MayennecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Associated beneficiary in the LIFE Avaloirs European project (2018-2024), co-financing land acquisition (59 hectares) and participating in the restoration of heathlands, peatlands, and meadows on the Mont des Avaloirs.
• Association ALMA (Les Amis d'Aymak Djangaliev)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Partnership for the conservation of Malus sieversii (wild apple species) with the Association for the Safeguarding of Malus sieversii, supporting bioethical sustainable development between France and Kazakhstan.
• Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (Paris)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1975Long-standing partnership since park creation in 1975 for fruit variety identification and documentation. The Muséum helped identify 205 varieties of apples and pears in the territory and provided scientific expertise for conservation orchard development.
• Union Apicole Ornaise / CETA ANOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with the Ornais Beekeeping Union and its successor CETA ANO for beekeeping school operations and black bee conservation at Maison du Parc in Carrouges.
• Abeille des Bocages NormandscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation operating the mating apiary (Sud-Manche) as part of the APINOIRE programme at the Musée du Poiré in Barenton, contributing to black bee breeding and preservation.
• Communauté de Communes des Sources de l'OrnecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partner for ABC Sources de l'Orne project, providing co-funding and local coordination across 9 communes for biodiversity inventory activities.
• Multiple universities and research institutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with 13 institutions including Université Rennes 2, CNRS Caen, Institut Agro Rennes Angers, INRAE, INRAP, IRD, MNHN, EHESS, and regional universities supporting scientific council and research activities.
• Comité National des Géoparcs de France (CNGF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational committee uniting France's 10 (now) UNESCO Global Geoparks, providing coordination, representation, and support for the French geopark network. Vice-president Christelle Moussay elected in October 2025.
• Natural SolutionsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTechnology partner that developed the Mission Nature mobile application for citizen biodiversity observation, based in Marseille (68 rue Sainte, 13001 Marseille).
• Multiple local associations and organizationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with CBN Brest, Gretia, Association Faune & Flore de l'Orne, GMN, CPIE Collines Normandes, Lycée agricole de Sées, ONF, and other local organizations for ABC project implementation.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Fédération des Parcs naturels régionaux de France: National federation of France's 58 PNRs providing network coordination, representation, and shared services; the broader-incumbent industry body of which the subject park is a member and through which collective advocacy is conducted.
• Réserves Naturelles de France: National federation representing France's network of nature reserves; relevant as a broader-incumbent umbrella covering overlapping conservation and biodiversity-monitoring activities that the subject park participates in.

Direct peers

• Parc naturel régional de Camargue: Major French PNR with a comparable territorial governance model, biodiversity monitoring mandate, and integration with agricultural and tourism economies on a protected-area territory.
• Parc naturel régional du Perche: Adjacent Regional Nature Park in Normandy/Centre-Val de Loire; same PNR legal classification, similar size and rural/territorial mandate, comparable mix of heritage conservation, agricultural support and visitor services.
• Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande: Norman Regional Nature Park sharing the same legal PNR framework, member-commune governance, Natura 2000 animation responsibilities, and educational programme model in a comparable rural territory.
• Parc naturel régional du Luberon: Provence PNR that is also a UNESCO Global Geopark; shares the dual PNR + UNESCO Geopark designation, comparable governance and geotourism positioning, and similar mix of biodiversity programmes and heritage interpretation.
• Parc naturel régional des Monts d'Ardèche: Ardèche PNR also designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark; the most direct dual-designation peer, with identical governance, EU project profile, and territorial-scale conservation mandate.
• Géoparc mondial UNESCO du Beaujolais: French UNESCO Global Geopark with a similar agricultural/heritage product dimension (Beaujolais wine terroir) paralleling the Poiré Domfront AOP heritage programme run from the Musée du Poiré.
• Géoparc mondial UNESCO de Haute-Provence: French UNESCO Global Geopark with similar geological heritage interpretation, school education programmes, and geotourism centre model; a near-substitute for visitors interested in the geopark dimension of the subject's offering.
• Géoparc mondial UNESCO du Chablais: Alpine UNESCO Global Geopark with a comparable mix of geological heritage, biodiversity programmes, school education, and territorial-scale partnership model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ParcNormandieMai
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCz6XxR5xKKKKKKKKK
• Facebookfacebook.com/ParcNormandieMaine
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pnr-geoparc-normandie-maine
• Instagraminstagram.com/parc_normandie_maine

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Parc naturel régional & Géoparc mondial Unesco Normandie-Maine