An Institutional Analysis of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management in France

Abstract

"This paper is based on the findings of the European Union funded research programme COASTMAN comparing the conditions of emergence of Integrated Coastal Zone Management policy in three European countries (Norway, France and Greece). The particular case of the preparation and implementation of the French Littoral Law (1986) will be presented. It is an original attempt to legally frame the contradiction between economic development and nature conservation objectives in coastal areas. An association of a vague definitions of concepts and a rigid regulatory approach has not produced the expected outcome of what is viewed in Europe as the most ambitious legal tool to ensure a balanced development of coastal zone under strong anthropic pressure. Although many stakeholders are generally concerned in designing local term collective objectives of development and conservation, the law has given an overwhelming role to State institution under the motive of the difficulty to coordinate many opposed interests. In the meanwhile, France has undergone a deep process of decentralisation increasing the responsibility of locally elected bodies. This contradiction explains a large part of the globally negative appraisal of the implementation of the law while the need for is recognised by all."