Research-action: analyze, imagine, consult, adapt the socio-ecosystems of the Mediterranean coast to climate change

Context

The Mediterranean coastline, particularly in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, is being affected by the consequences of the extreme climate changes. The average temperature has been gradually increasing since 1960, summer droughts are increasing in time and intensity, and episodes of intense rainfall and flooding are becoming more frequent. Climate change is also affecting temperature and sea level, creating situations of “underwater heatwaves” and sea level rise that could evolve in uncertain ways. 

The CASadapt project “Research-action: analyze, imagine, consult, adapt the socio-ecosystems of the Mediterranean coast to climate change” vise à réaliser un aims to carry out a foresight exercise on a local scale (intercommunality), nested in a process taking place on a regional scale (SUD/PACA Region)and internationally(Mediterranean coastline).

The CASadapt project aims to:

• create a bridge between scientific research and local policies;

• compare directives/strategies/action plans related to anticipation and adaptation to climate changeat local (CASA) and regional (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Mediterranean region) levels;
• Encourage a process of foresight and multi-stakeholder participation on the theme of adapting the coast to climate change.

The development, monitoring and analysis of a foresight and participation methodology will enable the project to be replicated in other territories.

Plan Bleu, Air Climat/GREC-SUD, the Sophia Antipolis Agglomeration Community and its development council, and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region are jointly piloting this project, at the science-policy-society interface. 

This methodology is based on a multi-stakeholder consultation bringing together scientists, socio-economic actors of the territories, civil society, local authorities and public administrations in a Foresight Group.