Lignes de Villes

This paradigm shift is now observed on a global scale. Under the effect of climate change, the coastline evolves and gradually recedes, weakening the existing balances. Coastal erosion thus constitutes a major challenge for the populations, infrastructures, economic activities and natural environments located near the shore.

Faced with a phenomenon that is set to intensify, coastal cities and territories are undergoing a profound transformation of their development policies. The objective is to reconcile the protection of the most exposed areas, the reduction of vulnerabilities, the preservation of ecosystems and the anticipation of future developments, in a sustainable and balanced approach.

Acting effectively presupposes, upstream, a detailed understanding of the dynamics at work. This involves analysing natural processes, taking into account multiple and interdependent issues, mobilising appropriate tools and operating within a constantly evolving legal and financial framework.

Throughout the coastline, public and private actors at all levels of governance are mobilizing to support these transitions. Faced with the decline of the coastline, the challenge is no longer just to resist, but to adapt, evolve, and strengthen the resilience of territories.

This book, coordinated by CITY Linked, an urban strategy consulting agency, benefited from the contributions of the French Development Agency, the French Global Environment Fund, Grand Paris Aménagement, the Ingérop group, d'Oyat, of the EPF Guadeloupe Terres Caraïbes and of Segat. It offers a collective lighting to better understand the ongoing transformations and the responses provided by the territories.

In summary

1. Anatomy of a groundswell 
2. Between struggle and adaptation ... the time of choice
3. Move forward in the face of hindsight