Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the French political party La France insoumise (LFI), has proposed a significant reorganization of France's administrative structure. His plan suggests replacing the current 13 regions in Metropolitan France with approximately 20 "eco-regions," which would be defined by natural features such as hydrographic basins, coastal areas, and river systems. This proposal is rooted in the concept of bioregionalism, an approach that prioritizes ecological planning and management by aligning administrative boundaries with natural landscapes. The idea was first raised during Mélenchon’s 2022 presidential campaign but has gained renewed attention following a summer marked by extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. The proposed eco-regions would be responsible for managing critical environmental aspects such as water cycles, air quality, soil protection, forest management, mobility, and environmental public health. These new collectivities could also have the authority to set standards in these areas. While the exact number of eco-regions is still under discussion, estimates range between 22 and 24. The boundaries of these regions are not yet finalized, and some areas may have overlapping or shared responsibilities, such as the Meuse and Rhine valleys, which both border the Vosges mountain range. The structure of future eco-regional councils would differ significantly from the current regional councils. They would include a diverse group of representatives—elected officials, environmental advocates, youth representatives, employees from companies involved in ecological planning, and members of political parties. Notably, all members would have equal voting rights, and politicians would not hold a dominant voice. If Mélenchon wins the 2027 presidential election, LFI plans to replace the 2028 regional elections with eco-regional elections. This would require new laws to define the responsibilities and operations of the new collectivities. The project also seeks to incorporate the "rights of nature," a concept that grants legal personhood to natural elements to ensure their protection. This idea is still being explored, with ongoing discussions involving researchers, hydrologists, and experts in bioregionalism. The notion of organizing territories around natural resources is not new in political discourse, as bioregionalism has been promoted by radical environmentalists for decades, originating in California in the 1970s. The theory emphasizes rethinking maps to reflect ecological continuities, habitats, water cycles, mountain ranges, and cultural identities. While some experts welcome the initiative, they caution that translating bioregionalist ideas into policy could be challenging. LFI’s centralizing political approach may conflict with the decentralized, federal nature of bioregionalism. Additionally, the proposal must gain public support, as it could be seen as abstract without clear benefits for everyday life. Implementing the eco-regions would require an organic law, which needs a majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate.