Risk perception, a key component of systemic vulnerability of the coastal zones to erosion-submersion. A Case study on the French Mediterranean coast

¹ Géomer, UMR 6554 CNRS LETG, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Plouzané, France
meurferec@univ-brest.fr
² Université Lille Nord de France, F-59000 Lille TVES (EA 4477), F 59170 Dunkerque, France
hflanquart@yahoo.fr ; aph@univ-littoral.fr
³ REEDS, EA 4456, Université de Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines, Guyancourt, France
benedicte.rulleau@reeds.uvsq.fr

Abstract

This research is based on a view of vulnerability comprised of four main components: hazards (marine-meteorological factors and climate change, geomorphologic process), assets at stake (identification and valuation, commercial and non commercial goods, damage valuation), management (public policies of prevention and reparation), and perception of risk. Risks perception has a major position in systemic vulnerability evaluations because it gives precious indications on the variability of the points of view of the stakeholders, the degree of conscientiousness and sensibility of the exposed inhabitants, their attachment to their territory, their reactions to the hazards, etc. So it provides indications on their adaptation capacity. The results of a large survey conducted in 2009 of over more than 560 inhabitants and shopkeepers of a low and very urbanised stretch of the French Mediterranean coast (Palavas zone, Hérault) are analysed.