摘要：Among theoretical fields addressing the conceptualization of interrelationships between nature and society,patrimonial approaches remain relatively unexplored. Stressing the multiplication of local dynamics where elements of natureare redefined as "patrimonies" (ranging from local patrimonies to world heritage) by various social groups, this conceptual fieldtries to qualify these dynamics and their determiners to understand how they allow us to better address contemporaryenvironmental challenges. Through a multidisciplinary approach in social sciences, centered on rural forests, we analyze themultiplication of patrimonial processes in forest development at various scales. First, we elaborate on the concept of patrimonyand on patrimonial processes and present the current construction and dynamics of forest patrimonies. A crucial question concernsthe links that form between the many spatial–temporal levels where these processes develop. Moreover, these patrimonialprocesses can be quite divergent, not only across scales from local to global, but also between "endogenous" (or bottom-up)and "exogenous" (or top-down) processes. We present two detailed examples in Morocco and Sumatra, where patrimonialconstructions are developing simultaneously at various scales and through various actors who treat the forest in very differentways. Drawing from these examples, we discuss how and why the simultaneous development of different, often overlapping,patrimonial constructions along these scales allows collaboration or, conversely, can lead their holders into conflict. Lastly, wediscuss the contribution of patrimonial concepts to resilience thinking and social–ecological systems theory
关键词：international policies; local forest management; patrimonial processes and approaches
