Perception des plages et des politiques de rechargement : réflexions à partir du cas du golfe d’Aigues Mortes (Hérault/Gard)

Abstract

Beaches, which are of strategic importance for both the environment and the tourism industry in coastal zones, are subject to worsening erosion. Public policies first addressed the erosion issue through the construction of sea defenses but are now moving towards soft measures, in particular beach sand nourishment. A large-scale nourishment operation was carried out in 2008 in the Gulf of Aigues Mortes and lessons can be learned from the study of user perceptions. This article begins by addressing both the positive and negative impacts of such measures. It then discusses users’ perceptions of beaches, in particular the significance that they attach to their size, and their viewpoints on beach nourishment practices. The results clarify the communication and awareness-raising efforts needed to promote such actions.

Keywords

• perception
• beach use
• sand nourishment
• erosion