Ce que gérer la faune implique : une approche par la théorie de l'acteur-réseau – le cas de la conservation de l'ours brun dans les Pyrénées françaises

What "managing wildlife" implies : An actornetwork theory approach to the conservation of brown bears in the French PyreneesThe conservation of wildlife lies at the center of projects that tap seldom studied qualifications. The human dimensions of managing nature are usually seen in terms of governance, of diverging conflicting interests and disputes. This review of the symbol of brown bears in the French Pyrenees does not seek to draw attention to conflicts around this issue but, instead, to focus on the work and qualifications of the persons involved in this conservation project. The actor-network theory is used to pragmatically explore "what stakeholders should be capable of" in order to accomplish this project. Four fields of key qualifications, each specific but also related to the others, are identified that put stakeholders to the test in the field. Managing nature is not just a matter of the guidelines, directives and arrangements to be implemented. It relies heavily on commitments from several participants and their ability to work together. These "ways of working together" are described.