Description

Coastal territories have to face an increasing vulnerability due to the global change of the environment, and simultaneously the concentration of building and human activities on the shorelines. Coastal risks are therefore closely linked with the natural evolution of the coastline (erosion and submersion).

Therefore, knowledge and understanding of coastal specific risks require an in-depth research on different themes. These research themes are particularly focused on coastal sediment dynamics, in particular knowledge and measurement of the processes leading to erosion and marine flooding, and the reconstruction of marine sea levels and extreme events (recent and during the Holocene) using sedimentary records and historical archives. It is also essential to work on land use evolution, issues (built and natural) and damages economical assessment. These researches need to jointly study the social representations of coastal risks. Social representations (values, beliefs, knowledge, etc.) help to understand behaviors and stances (positions) regarding risk. Coastal risk can thus be considered as a social construction which is specific to groups in a given context. Finally, the analysis of risk management policies must be taken into account by studying networks and stakeholders relationships, decision making processes, territorial projects, legal and regulatory aspects…

In recent years, some significant progresses have been achieved in these research themes, both in terms of concepts and methods coupled with innovative technology. Considering these works, the International Conference “Coastal risks knowledge and understanding: hazards, issues, representations, management” will bring together experts whose works help to improve coastal risks knowledge and understanding.

Coastal risks also require an integrated, systemic and multidisciplinary approach focusing on global vulnerability. It is only by using crossed approaches (geomorphology, geology, geography, sociology, psychology, economy, legal expertise) that scientific research projects can improve global vulnerability knowledge. On that way, the conference is also dedicated to highlighting interdisciplinary scientific works.

Damages caused by Johanna storm, March 2008, Gâvres, France (credits: E. Le Cornec, Geos AEL)