Rapports à la nature, modes d’habiter et ingénierie écologique :les zones humides artificielles comme symboles de l’écologisation de l’action environnementale

Abstract

The paper deals with representations of nature from the environmental and social geography’s point of view. Is it based on a grounded theory approach. The field studies are two constructed wetlands implemented in the south of France. Representations of nature are analysed through the dominant system of representations grid. On the one hand, nature is considered as an object, a tool that can be designed and monitored. On the other hand, nature is used as a legitimation of action on the environment, in the name of landscape or biodiversity. Those two conceptions differ from the ways of living analysed on the field. Inhabitants are keen on considering constructed wetlands as useful tool, but they do not expect those ecosystems to be developed.

Keywords

• Nature
• Wetlands
• Qualitative
• Social representations
• Ways of living
• France