The wide range of climates and types of terrain in Rhône-Alpes has an obvious impact on the multitude of natural environments in the region.
For example, half of the flora in France is present in the Parc des Ecrins and 43 of the 49 fish species in France are present in Rhône-Alpes.
Wolves, lynx, beaver, ibex and lammergeyers are among the animals found in Rhône-Alpes, often living in the protected natural spaces of the region. Indeed, Rhône-Alpes has two National Parks (Vanoise, Ecrins) and six (a French record) Regional Nature Parks (Pilat, Vercors, Chartreuse, Massif des Bauges, Monts d'Ardèche, and the extension of the Haut-Jura Park). The territory of Rhône-Alpes also includes 26 nature reserves, covering a total surface area of 64.4 thousand hectares.
The Rhône-Alpes region goes beyond merely protecting nature, and works to ensure these areas can reconcile economic development that respects the environment and a fulfilling living environment for its inhabitants.