The requested extension of the natural protected areas and the expected need for a more careful management of the natural resources force us to think about a better articulation of the existing environmental instruments and tools. Among them, the French systems PNR (Regional natural parks) and ENS (Fragile and vulnerable natural spaces) represent emblematic examples of two different families of intervention (contractual and regulatory) that intertwine preservation of natural spaces and management of natural resources for territorial development. After analyzing their principles and methods in the light of their results after several decades of existence, this article proposes to consider the conditions for a better interaction between them and to measure their interests and limits. The hypothesis followed here is to consider that the triple necessity of transcalarity, extraterritoriality and a multi-partner approach is one of these conditions. PNR and ENS participate to a territorialization of natural ressources process. If they operate jointly, their differences shaded by the territorial factor, they work to create territorial commons and thus to go beyond the usual categories and oppositions between public and private. This third category of common territorialized action could only reinforce the quantitative and qualitative objectives of the French national strategy for protected areas adopted in January 2021.