Inhabitants of Coastal Muncipalities Facing Coastal Risks: Understanding the Desire to Stay

Elisabeth Michel-Guillou; Nathalie Krien; Catherine Meur-Ferec

Elisabeth Michel-Guillou Université de Bretagne Occidentale
Nathalie Krien Université de Bretagne Occidentale
Catherine Meur-Ferec Université de Bretagne Occidentale

Abstract

This study focuses on the representation of coastal risks (marine erosion and submersion), in a highly topical context relating to global environmental changes, and more specifically on the consequences of the increasing attraction of coastal areas. Through a psycho-socio-environmental approach, we sought to identify how inhabitants of coastal municipalities in a so-called "at risk" area represent the coastal risk of their surroundings. A survey by questionnaire was carried out to compare inhabitants of the risk zone defined in the Risk Prevention Plan – RPP [Plan de Prévention des Risques] with those living outside this zone. The main results reveal that inhabitants are very attached to their living environment, which appears to them to have more advantages than constraints. When asked to describe risks to their town, inhabitants mention coastal risk the most often. A social representation of coastal risks then appears, objectified through marine submersion. This makes it possible to understand the ambivalence of a discourse in which the sea is both a danger and a source of pleasure. These results are discussed in the light of cognitive polyphasia.

Author Biographies

Elisabeth Michel-Guillou, Université de Bretagne Occidentale

Elisabeth MICHEL-GUILLOU is a Senior Lecturer at the Université de Bretagne Occidentale (Brest, France). She works at the Centre de recherches en psychologie, cognition et communication (CRPCC EA 1285). Her research activities focus on a psychosocial and environmental approach towards individuals’ relationships with the social and natural environment, and deal mainly with the themes of sustainable development, climate change and coastal risks. Address: CRPCC, 20 rue Duquesne – CS 93837 – 29238 Brest cedex 3 – France.

Nathalie Krien, Université de Bretagne Occidentale

Nathalie KRIEN is a doctor in social and environmental psychology, graduate of Université de Bretagne Occidentale (Brest, France). She works as a Research Engineer at the Centre de recherches en psychologie, cognition et communication (CRPCC EA 1285). Her research activities focus on social representations, identity building, place attachment and relation to natural risks.

Catherine Meur-Ferec, Université de Bretagne Occidentale

Catherine MEUR-FEREC is a Professor of Geography at Université de Bretagne Occidentale (Brest, France). Her research initially focused on coastal geomorphology and has gradually moved towards the field of coastal management, in particular the preservation of natural spaces, coastal risks and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).