Relever le défi de l’habitat spontané en Guyane

Abstract

Formal social housing in French Guyana fails to meet the needs of low-income households, spurring the uncontrolled growth of informal settlements. These neighborhoods pose a major urban, health, social and environmental challenge for Guyana. The border town of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, where population growth is unusually high, with an average rate of 4.3 % per year, for the period of 1999-2010, is particularly exposed. Local actors are reluctant to experiment with new methods which differ from national policies and tools meant to be relevant everywhere in France.This article seeks to increase awareness and recognition of the potential of local practices and know-how in informal settlements. It also discusses possible solutions. Findings are based on field work conducted during three years, from 2012 to 2014, on behalf of the Deal (State directorate of environment, spatial development and housing) of French Guyana and the municipality of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni.The first section presents informal settlements as a result of residents’ efforts and initiatives to adapt to a quickly changing environment. It characterizes informal settlements and highlights the importance of negotiations, compromises and modes of organization found in these neighborhoods.The second section focuses on adaptation as a means to address the challenge of informal urbanization. It argues that adapting urban, land and housing policies made up in metropolitan France to the specific characteristics of French Guyana and supporting and improving local practices are key in moving towards a more inclusive and sustainable development.

Keywords

• French Guyana
• informal settlements
• alternative servicing and layout strategy of land
• Saint- Laurent du Maroni
• action-research