Participation et exclusion. La distribution des inégalités socio-spatiales dans la mise en œuvre des politiques de prévention des inondations (Blois)

Abstract

Although literature has already demonstrated socio-economic inequalities in face of climate change, there is still a knowledge gap in social sciences about the socio-spatial effects of climate change adaptation policies. In this context, this article questions flood risk management policies in France and investigates their procedural and distributive effects. Using the theoretical framework of environmental justice, we examine the mechanisms implemented since the early 2000s in the redevelopment project of the flood-prone area of La Bouillie in Blois. Marked by a heavy de-urbanization operation and now a reinvestment of local authorities, this project is accompanied by participatory mechanisms that aim at defining new shared uses and reversible functions, based on a dense associative network and forms of "reflexive solidarity" around sustainability and inclusion. However, some uses or functions of the site barely taken into account (such as the presence of travelers) and are seen as "not compatible" with the future of the site. In this paper, we show that the solidarity mechanisms publicized in the redevelopment policy may also induce a selective legitimization of certain uses of the area and lead to the establishment of exclusionary regimes.

Keywords

• Procedural justice
• Socio-spatial inequalities
• Public policies
• Flood risk
• Pathways