Regional nature parks such as that of the Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin are spaces created to protect and enhance large inhabited rural areas. Only predominantly rural areas can be listed as regional nature parks in France. They must also be home to high-quality landscapes, natural environments, and cultural heritage with fragile balance. The Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin Regional Nature Park was created in 1991 to protect its large wetland and internationally recognized diversity of fauna and flora.