Rhône-Alpes is a privileged region with the richness of its natural environs and landscapes and the great diversity of its flora and fauna. Parks and nature reserves Rhône-Alpes has 2 national nature parks (Vanoise national park and Ecrins national park) 6 regional nature parks : in total, the parks of Vercors, Pilat, Chartreuse, Massif des Bauges, Haut-Jura and Monts d'Ardèche cover 10 % of the Rhône-Alpine territory. The regional nature parks are created on the initiative of the region for rural territories where the natural and cultural heritage is rich, but where the balance is often fragile. This initiative enables a local development of the territory in a global and durable fashion. 39 nature reserves totalling 61'975 ha. Natural heritage and landscapes Situated at the crossroads of alpine, continental and Mediterranean climatic influences, Rhône-Alpes has the privilege of harbouring a remarkable natural heritage and a great diversity of landscapes. Conscious of this richness, the region has developed a policy aimed at perpetuating this ecological capital while enhancing its value as it also forms an asset for development. Water, rivers and lakes Two major rivers (the Rhône and the Loire), rivers bathing in large spaces (the Isère, the Saône etc.), countless torrents (about 7'000 km of streams, rivers and waterways), lakes ranking among the largest in the country (18 lakes of more than 50 ha including Bourget - 4'462 ha - and Annecy - 2'700 ha), 400 km2 of glacier : water structures the Rhône-Alpes landscape.   Source : Rhône-Alpes region