Conservation, valorisation, labellisation : la mise en patrimoine des hauts-lieux pyrénéens et les recompositions de l’action territoriale

This paper intends to provide a framework in order to analyze common dynamics between natural heritage and territorial public policy. Three key notions are put ahead : conservation, valorization and certification. Their interactions explain how work the patrimonialization process. Here we highlight the key role of the certification, which have become a driving force ruling new forms of territorial action dynamics, carrying new standards for action and political legitimacies. Certification stresses how distinction and recognition are now main targets for the patrimonialization process. Thus we put a cross analysis between two famous Pyrenean places, Gavarnie and the Canigou mountain range. We intend to outline how, through certification influence, their patrimonialization paths have been - or not - changing themselves, building-up new projects and new forms of territorial collective action and public policy