Recent developments in coastal zone management in France: The transition towards integrated coastal zone management (1973–2007)

Abstract

The institutional framework for coastal zone management in France has usually foundered due to difficulties related to natural heritage preservation and land use planning designed to control urban expansion in coastal areas. Specific policies for coastal areas are outlined in the purchasing regulations of the Coastline and Lakeshore Conservancy (CELRL), instituted in 1975; planning instruments like the Marine Area Zoning Plan (SMVM), created in 1983; and the 1986 Coastal Development, Protection and Enhancement Act, commonly called the Littoral Law. This institutional framework progressed considerably in the 1990s through the development of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) strategies in the European Union. In fact, ICZM, coupled with sustainable development, has emerged at both the international and European levels. In 1996, the European Commission launched a 4-year ICZM pilot program, based on 35 local and regional ICZM pilot projects. Three sites in France were chosen: the Opal coast (i.e., the coastline along the eastern English Channel and the southern part of the North Sea), the Bay of Brest, and the Bay of Arcachon. Coastal zone management and conservation tools are a complex combination of general rules at different scales. Though the CELRL has played an important role in preserving France's natural heritage, the application of the Littoral Law mainly depended on attempts by environmental organizations to use the courts to force local authorities to enforce the law. Given this situation, the coordination of the management and preservation activities affecting the terrestrial and maritime sectors of the coastal zone could clearly be improved. In reaction to this need, on 30 May 2002, the Council of Europe and the European Parliament adopted a Recommendation concerning ICZM implementation in Europe. According to this Recommendation, member States, with the participation of coastal stakeholders, were to determine national IZCM strategies by the end of 2006. Since 2001, many new tools have been created in France in order to improve the implementation of French ICZM strategies. This paper examines these tools and the progression towards a true ICZM policy in mainland France.