HOTSPOT STATEMENT. Sainte-Marie. Languedoc-Roussillon. France. Part of the RESPONSE LIFE-Environment Project 2006

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1 HOTSPOT STATEMENT Hazard and risk potential, Scale of the problem, When the Part of the RESPONSE LIFE-Environment Project 2006 For more information: /response.html Purpose of this hotspot statement Sainte-Marie Languedoc-Roussillon France The purpose of a hotspot is to identify an area of the coast where the impacts of climate change on natural hazards should be examined and considered in planning and adaptation strategies. Definition of a hotspot A hotspot is defined as an area which has been identified in the higher risk categories following mapping of the current and future natural hazards affecting the coastal communities in the region. Key reason(s) why this Hotspot has been identified: LIFE project investigation by: Hotspot Statement prepared by: 1. Location Progressive erosion of the beach, increased since setting of hard defences in the 60 s. Marine flooding events BRGM Y.Balouin, BRGM All the beach of Sainte-Marie-plage is concerned, and particularly the northern unprotected part. SCAN25 IGN 2. Responsible Authorities Commune de Sainte-Marie 3. Setting Narrow beach, urbanized lido and low lying hinterland. Gently sloping shore face with sand bar).touristic use 4. The Risk Problem Summary of Hazard and Risk: Erosion, marine flooding. Urban areas at risk Setting (geomorphology and coastal processes etc.): Sainte-Marie beach used to be supplied in sediment by the output of the Têt river outlet by south to north alongshore drift. Sediment output decreased progressively and the erosion process was enhanced by the construction of hard defences in the 60. Vulnerability of the site and Assets at risk, Consequences: Urban and tourism area at risk

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3 HOTSPOT STATEMENT Part of the RESPONSE LIFE-Environment Project 2006 For more information: /response.html Purpose of this hotspot statement Les cabanes de Fleury Languedoc-Roussillon France The purpose of a hotspot is to identify an area of the coast where the impacts of climate change on natural hazards should be examined and considered in planning and adaptation strategies. Definition of a hotspot A hotspot is defined as an area which has been identified in the higher risk categories following mapping of the current and future natural hazards affecting the coastal communities in the region. Key reason(s) why this Hotspot has been identified: LIFE project investigation by: Hotspot Statement prepared by: 1. Location Known marine flooding and likely increased erosion hazard, putting at risk recreational area and environmental BRGM Y. Balouin, BRGM Approximately 2 km from the Aude river stabilized outlet. SCAN25 IGN 2. Responsible Authorities Commune of Fleury-d Aude 3. Setting Beach down drift of the stabilized Aude outlet (grau de Vendres) Recreational beach. Protected lowlying backshore 4. The Risk Problem Summary of Hazard and Risk: Known marine flooding, likely increase of erosion

4 Setting (geomorphology and coastal processes etc.): Lowlying backshore, very low barrier dune, and narrow beach. Gently sloping shore face with sand bar Westward longshore transport; very low sediment supply (due to outlet infrastructures Vulnerability of the site and Assets at risk, Consequences: Protected wetlands, tourism and urban areas Hazard and risk potential, Scale of the problem, When the current problems began: Tourism and environmental assets likely to be flooded. Erosion of the beach and barrier dune likely to increase Examples of the past problems at the site: marine flooding during the 1997 storm event 5. Current Management Situation and Approach: Current management policy at the site (regarding natural risks): Existing Plans and Strategies of relevance: Decision making structures and funding organisations: Importance of the site / Public safety: Environmental and touristic Public awareness and involvement: Experience, successes and problems with the current approach: IMPORTANT: 6. Future Management Strategy and needs: Integrate increase of coastal hazards due to climate change hypothesis in management planning. Validate changes hypothesis by local measurements and process modelisation 7. Key Issues for Action: 8. Who is responsible for taking this forward?: 9. Deadline / Date for action: Photo 1 Orthophotoplan ( ortholittorale2000) Photo 2 Northeastward view of the aude

5 outlet.( EIDMéditerranée) For Further Information: RESPONSE Specific report on Aquitaine and Languedoc Roussillon pilot regions 11. Contact: C.Vinchon (head of RESPONSE project for the French pilot regions)brgm/arn/esl BP Orléans Cedex-France, Y.Balouin (Coastal Engineer)BRGM/SGR/LRO, 1039, rue de Pinville MONTPELLIER,

6 HOTSPOT STATEMENT Part of the RESPONSE LIFE-Environment Project 2006 For more information: /response.html Purpose of this hotspot statement Lido of Sète to Marseillan Languedoc-Roussillon France The purpose of a hotspot is to identify an area of the coast where the impacts of climate change on natural hazards should be examined and considered in planning and adaptation strategies. Definition of a hotspot A hotspot is defined as an area which has been identified in the higher risk categories following mapping of the current and future natural hazards affecting the coastal communities in the region. Key reason(s) why this Hotspot has been identified: LIFE project investigation by: Hotspot Statement prepared by: 1. Location Eroding barrier dune threatening the national road, vineyards and tourism infrastructures. Important management project in progress. BRGM Y.Balouin,BRGM Nowadays, the north-eastern part of the lido is particularly concerned, but the entire lido (12 km) can be considered as a Hotspot. SCAN25 IGN 2. Responsible Authorities Communauté d Agglomération du Bassin de Thau commune de Sète et de Marseillan CG34, CR-LR, SMNLR, MIAL 3. Setting Barrier dune( Lido) separating the Mediterranean sea from the lagoon of Thau. Vineyards and tourism infrastructures as well as major communication road and railway. Shell farming on the lagoon

7 4. The Risk Problem Summary of Hazard and Risk: Erosion, marine flooding Setting (geomorphology and coastal processes etc.): Low sand barrierdune, narrow beach and gently sloping shore face with sandbars. Belongs to the littoral cell limited by Mont-Saint-Clair hill and the Cap d Agde. No longshore sediment supply. Hard defence (groynes and breakwaters) seaward of the eastern part of the lido. Vulnerability of the site and Assets at risk, Consequences: Important communication infrastructures, tourism and agricultural assets (Vineyards, shell farming) Hazard and risk potential, Scale of the problem, When the current problems began: Nowadays risk focused on the eastern part (endangered road, vineyards and salt parks assets). Hazard likely to increase drastically in the coming century due to climate change(depending on future works).hazard to be considered on the whole lido Examples of the past problems at the site: Partial destruction of the national road, on the eastern part of the lido. 5. Current Management Situation and Approach: Current management policy at the site (regarding natural risks): Important studies(models and scenarios) as well as an European project (INTERREG IIIC MESSINA) dedicated to management strategy on the lido. Project of strategic retreat of the road, and rehabilitation of the dune system to be started soon. Seaward defence engineering of the eastern part under discussion. Existing Plans and Strategies of relevance: Orientations stratégiques pour la gestion de l érosion en Languedoc Roussillon (MIAL 2003) Decision making structures and funding organisations: MIAL, SMNLR, CR-LR, CG34, CABT, EC (interreg IIIC Messina) Importance of the site / Public safety: Ancient road destroyed by storm waves Public awareness and involvement: Involvement of the Communauté d agglomération du Bassin de Thau. Experience, successes and problems with the current approach: IMPORTANT: 6. Future Management Strategy and needs: 7. Key Issues for Action: Integrate hazard increase due to climate change in configuration of defence works.

8 8. Who is responsible for taking this forward?: 9. Deadline / Date for action: Photo 1 - aerial view of the Lido of Sète to Marseillan (ortholittorale2000) Photo 2 photos of the beach on the lido, during a storm For Further Information: RESPONSE Specific report on Aquitaine and Languedoc Roussillon pilot regions 11. Contact: C.Vinchon (head of RESPONSE project for the French pilot regions),brgm/arn/esl BP Orléans Cedex-France, c.vinchon@brgm.fr Y.Balouin (Coastal Engineer)BRGM/SGR/LRO, 1039, rue de Pinville MONTPELLIER, y.balouin@brgm.fr

9 HOTSPOT STATEMENT Part of the RESPONSE LIFE-Environment Project 2006 For more information: /response.html Purpose of this hotspot statement Lido de Maguelone Les Arresquiers Languedoc-Roussillon France The purpose of a hotspot is to identify an area of the coast where the impacts of climate change on natural hazards should be examined and considered in planning and adaptation strategies. Definition of a hotspot A hotspot is defined as an area which has been identified in the higher risk categories following mapping of the current and future natural hazards affecting the coastal communities in the region. Key reason(s) why this Hotspot has been identified: LIFE project investigation by: Hotspot Statement prepared by: 1. Location Very low barrier beach ( lido ), easily submerged by storms, eroding coast without sediment stock on the shoreface. Potential increase of coastal hazard with climate change hypothesis. BRGM Y. Balouin, BRGM Approximately 8 km from the cathedral of Maguelone to the Aresquiers SCAN25 IGN 2. Responsible Authorities Communes of Villeneuve-les-Maguelones, Frontignan-la Peyrade, Conservatoire du littoral 3. Setting Low sand barrier, narrow beach, gentle sloping shoreface with sand bars. Northern part: low sand barrier isolating les pierres blanches lagoon from the sea, tourism infrastructures, Cathedral Southern part: low barrier partially urbanised 4. The Risk Problem Summary of Hazard and Risk: erosion, marine flooding

10 Setting (geomorphology and coastal processes etc.): Low sand barrier backed by salt lake, narrow beach, gentle sloping shore face with sandbar. Longshore sediment transport from SW to NE is trapped by Frontignan-plage groynes. The coastline orientation enhances cross-shore processes during storms, and sediment stock is low (underwater outcropping of the bedrock). On the southern part of the Lido, sediment is composed by gravels (ancient Rhône deposits) Vulnerability of the site and assets at risk, Consequences: Near Maguelone, salt basins and vineyards are currently at risk. Near Frontignan, urban and tourism activities are concerned by coastal hazards. Hazard and risk potential, Scale of the problem, When the current problems began: Current erosion and marine flooding hazard concern the entire lido. Late Quaternary barrier retreat was increased by urbanisation during the 60 s. Both hazards are likely to increase drastically in the coming century due to climate change. Examples of the past problems at the site: Overwash and landward sediment transport. 5. Current Management Situation and Approach: Current management policy at the site (regarding natural risks): Discussion on a possible strategic retreat: retreat of threaten salt basin, reconstruction of dune, nourishment when assets at risk are identified (Villeneuve-les-Maguelone), and do nothing on the part of the lido where no assets at risk. Existing Plans and Strategies of relevance: Orientations strategiques pour la gestion de l Erosion en Languedoc Roussillon (MIAL, 2003) Decision making structures and funding organisations: MIAL, SMNLR, CR-LR, CG34, Commune du Villeneuve-les-Maguelones, commune de Frontignan-la Peyrade Importance of the site / Public safety: Limited risk on public safety. Agricultural assets at risk Public awareness and involvement: Experience, successes and problems with the current approach: IMPORTANT: 6. Future Management Strategy and needs: 7. Key Issues for Action: Integrate increased hazards linked to climate change hypotheses in management planning. Validate changes hypothesis by local measurements and process modelisation. No data

11 8. Who is responsible for taking this forward?: No data 9. Deadline / Date for action: Photo 1 Orthophotoplan ( ortholittorale2000) on les Arresquiers Photo 2 Orthophotoplan ( ortholittorale2000) on Maguelone. Photo 3 Eroding barrier dune and view on groynes (southward) Photo 4 :Overwash of sediment on barrier dune sout of Maguelone 10. For Further Information: RESPONSE Specific report on Aquitaine and Languedoc Roussillon pilot regions 11. Contact: C.Vinchon (head of RESPONSE project for the French pilot regions) BRGM/ARN/ESL BP Orléans Cedex-France, c.vinchon@brgm.fr Y.Balouin (Coastal Engineer)BRGM/SGR/LRO, 1039, rue de Pinville MONTPELLIER, y.balouin@brgm.fr

12 HOTSPOT STATEMENT Part of the RESPONSE LIFE-Environment Project 2006 For more information: /response.html Purpose of this hotspot statement Petite Camargue Languedoc-Roussillon France The purpose of a hotspot is to identify an area of the coast where the impacts of climate change on natural hazards should be examined and considered in planning and adaptation strategies. Definition of a hotspot A hotspot is defined as an area which has been identified in the higher risk categories following mapping of the current and future natural hazards affecting the coastal communities in the region. Key reason(s) why this Hotspot has been identified: Rapid erosion of coastline protecting a large lowland (Rhone delta) area where environmental assets (and indirectly urban, agriculture and tourism) are nowadays submitted and will be submitted to an increasing erosion and marine flooding risk in the hypothesis of climate change.. BRGM Hotspot Statement prepared by: Y.Balouin, BRGM 1. Location Extension: 600 m SCAN25 IGN 2. Responsible Authorities Syndicat Mixte pour la Protection et la Gestion de la petite Camargue gardoise Commune du Grau-du-Roi Communauté de commune de la Petite Camargue Conservatoire de l espace littoral et des rivages lacustres 3. Setting Sandy beach located on the Espiguette spit, narrow to large beach and dune system (altitude 4 m), low-lying backshore Recreational beach, agricultural and. environmental asset (Natura2000) in the hinterland : -protection of salt parks and associated fauna and flora) Westward longshore sediment drift 4. The Risk Problem Summary of Hazard and Risk: erosion, marine flooding Setting (geomorphology and coastal processes etc.):

13 Espiguette spit is an accretionary coastline of Languedoc Roussillon. However,eastern sediment supply from the Rhone river has became very low and most of it is trapped by groynes on the upstream 20 km protected beach. A natural sand bypassing exists on the shoreface but does notprovideenough sediment for beach stability just downstream of the groynes. Vulnerability of the site and assets at risk, Consequences: Beach erosion may impact on tourism; potential marine flooding of the Natura 2000 area Hazard and risk potential, Scale of the problem, When the current problems began: Existing erosion hazard on a coastal length of 600 m downstream of groyne. Existing overwashes on low trenches of the dune leading to marine flooding of the adjacent wetland. Problem started in the XXth century due to progressive embankment of the Rhone delta, inducing decrease in sediment output). This erosion and marine flooding hazard is likely to increase drastically in the coming century with climate change Examples of the past problems at the site: Frequent flooding of the Petite Camargue, breaching and marine flooding of the salt parks. 5. Current Management Situation and Approach: Current management policy at the site (regarding natural risks): -Classification grand site : the operation began in 1998 with preliminary studies (beach frequentation, management of the Espiguette beach). Management of the erosion process and marine floding hazard for shoreline of the Grau-du-Roi was decided in May 19th 200. Management scenarios are being built -ONF proposition to LIFE Enviroement program : Building of an artificial line of dunes landward Existing Plans and Strategies of relevance: Orientation stratégiques de la Mission Littoral (2003) Decision making structures and funding organisations: MIAL, SMNLR, ONF, CR-LR, CG30, Syndicat Mixte pour la Protection et la Gestion de la petite Camargue gardoise, Commune du Grau-du- Roi, Communauté de commune de la Petite Camargue Importance of the site / Public safety: limited risk on public safety Public awareness and involvement: Experience, successes and problems with the current approach: IMPORTANT: 6. Future Management Strategy and needs: Include in management projects potential increase of coastal hazards due to climate change. Validate changes hypothesis by local measurements and process modelisation.

14 7. Key Issues for Action: 8. Who is responsible for taking this forward?: No data No data 9. Deadline / Date for action: Photo 1 orthophoplan ( ortholittorale 2000) of Petite Camargue hotspot Photo 2 Looking westward from dune top at l Espiguette ( M.Garcin) Photo 3 Oblic view of the last groyne and Eroding beach ( EIDMéditerranée) 10. For Further Information: RESPONSE specific report on Aquitaine and Languedoc Roussillon pilot region 11. Contact: C.Vinchon (head of RESPONSE project for the French pilot regions)brgm/arn/esl BP Orléans Cedex-France, c.vinchon@brgm.fr Y.Balouin (Coastal Engineer)BRGM/SGR/LRO, 1039, rue de Pinville MONTPELLIER, y.balouin@brgm.fr

15 HOTSPOT STATEMENT Part of the RESPONSE LIFE-Environment Project 2006 For more information: /response.html Purpose of this hotspot statement Port-la-Nouvelle N Languedoc-Roussillon France The purpose of a hotspot is to identify an area of the coast where the impacts of climate change on natural hazards should be examined and considered in planning and adaptation strategies. Definition of a hotspot A hotspot is defined as an area which has been identified in the higher risk categories following mapping of the current and future natural hazards affecting the coastal communities in the region. Key reason(s) why this Hotspot has been identified: LIFE project investigation by: Hotspot Statement prepared by: 1. Location Industrial harbour area located on a very low sand barrier BRGM Y.Balouin, BRGM 1 km northwards from Port-La- Nouvelle harbour northern jetty SCAN25 IGN 2. Responsible Authorities Commune de Port-la-Nouvelle, CR-LR

16 3. Setting Sand beach located on the downdrift part of the harbour (North of the jetty). Currently accreting beach, behind very low barrier dune and lowland occupied by industrial asset (petrol, wine storage) 4. The Risk Problem Summary of Hazard and Risk: Marine flooding, erosion Setting (geomorphology and coastal processes etc.): Large eroding sand beach located on the downdrift (S to N) part of the harbour of Port la Nouvelle, very low barrier dune. Known flooding risk, Vulnerability of the site and assets at risk, Consequences: Industrial area of the harbour. Flooding risk of the industrial site Hazard and risk potential, Scale of the problem, When the current problems began: Flooding risk likely to increase with climate change; and may induced pollution risk Examples of the past problems at the site: marine flooding by wave action, combined with watertable inundation of back shore to rise of lagoon water table 5. Current Management Situation and Approach: Current management policy at the site (regarding natural risks): Existing Plans and Strategies of relevance: Planning of future extension of the harbour. Decision making structures and funding organisations: Importance of the site / Public safety: Potential pollution risk might put population at risk Public awareness and involvement: Experience, successes and problems with the current approach: IMPORTANT: 6. Future Management Strategy and needs: 7. Key Issues for Action: Integrate increased hazard due to climate change hypothesis in risk management planning. Validate changes hypothesis by local measurements and process modelisation. 8. Who is responsible for taking this forward?:

17 9. Deadline / Date for action: Photo 1 Orthophotoplan ( ortholittorale2000) of industrial asset north of Port la Nouvelle Photo 2 soutwestward view of Industrial site of Port La Nouvelle ( EIDMéditerranée) Photo 3 : Rock wall fronting barrier dune, North of the industrial zone 10. For Further Information: RESPONSE Specific report on Aquitaine and Languedoc Roussillon pilot regions 11. Contact: C.Vinchon (head of RESPONSE project for the French pilot regions)brgm/arn/esl BP Orléans Cedex-France, c.vinchon@brgm.fr Y.Balouin (Coastal Engineer)BRGM/SGR/LRO, 1039, rue de Pinville MONTPELLIER, y.balouin@brgm.fr

18 HOTSPOT STATEMENT Part of the RESPONSE LIFE-Environment Project 2006 For more information: /response.html Purpose of this hotspot statement Port-Leucate Languedoc-Roussillon France The purpose of a hotspot is to identify an area of the coast where the impacts of climate change on natural hazards should be examined and considered in planning and adaptation strategies. Definition of a hotspot A hotspot is defined as an area which has been identified in the higher risk categories following mapping of the current and future natural hazards affecting the coastal communities in the region. Key reason(s) why this Hotspot has been identified: LIFE project investigation by: Hotspot Statement prepared by: 1. Location Northern coast of the harbour of Leucate and the grau de Leucate. Harbour infrastructures deprive downstream beaches of natural sand nourishment BRGM Y.Balouin, BRGM 1 km from the northern jetty of port-leucate to the Grau of Leucate, and 600 m northwards from the grau of Leucate SCAN25 IGN 2. Responsible Authorities Commune of Leucate, SIVOM de Leucate-Barcarès 3. Setting Longshore drift from South to North.

19 Narrow beaches on the downdrift coast of the harbour and the downdrift coast of the Grau. Very low barrier dunes, urbanized and industrial.narrow beach and gentle sloping shoreface with sandbars. 4. The Risk Problem Summary of Hazard and Risk: Erosion, marine flooding Setting (geomorphology and coastal processes etc.): low sandy coast where the longshore sediment drift (from south to north) is trapped successively by the port of Port-Leucate and the Grau of Leucate. Rockwalls on some spots of the beach Vulnerability of the site and Assets at risk, Consequences: large naturist village north of the harbour; shell farming on the salt lake Hazard and risk potential, Scale of the problem, When the current problems began: Marine flooding; no sediment supply. Likely drastic Increase of erosion hazard, significant to drastic increase of flooding hazard. Examples of the past problems at the site: Marine flooding of the entire lido in December 2003 (storm surge + waves) 5. Current Management Situation and Approach: Current management policy at the site (regarding natural risks): diagnostic in progress Existing Plans and Strategies of relevance: No data Decision making structures and funding organisations: local authorities, SIVOM, SMNLR, MIAL, CG11 Importance of the site / Public safety: Industrial and tourism assets Public awareness and involvement: No data Experience, successes and problems with the current approach: IMPORTANT: 6. Future Management Strategy and needs: Integrate increased hazard due to climate change hypotheses in risk management planning. Validate changes hypothesis by local measurements and process modelisation. 7. Key Issues for Action: 8. Who is responsible for taking this forward?: 9. Deadline / Date

20 for action: Photo 1 Orthophotoplan ( ortholittorales2000) of the grau of leucate. Thinning of the beaches Photo 2 North of the grau of Leucate. Thinning of the beach. Roch defense on the beach ( EIDMéditerannée) Photo 3 : From the grau North jetty, wiew on the narrowing beach 10. For Further Information: RESPONSE Specific report on Aquitaine and Languedoc Roussillon pilot regions 11. Contact: C.Vinchon (head of RESPONSE project for the French pilot regions)brgm/arn/esl BP Orléans Cedex-Franc, c.vinchon@brgm.fr Y.Balouin (Coastal Engineer)BRGM/SGR/LRO, 1039, rue de Pinville MONTPELLIER, y.balouin@brgm.fr

21 HOTSPOT STATEMENT Part of the RESPONSE LIFE-Environment Project 2006 For more information: /response.html Purpose of this hotspot statement St Cyprien Languedoc-Roussillon France The purpose of a hotspot is to identify an area of the coast where the impacts of climate change on natural hazards should be examined and considered in planning and adaptation strategies. Definition of a hotspot A hotspot is defined as an area which has been identified in the higher risk categories following mapping of the current and future natural hazards affecting the coastal communities in the region. Key reason(s) why this Hotspot has been identified: LIFE project investigation by: Hotspot Statement prepared by: 1. Location Erosion linked to harbour structures trapping the northward longshore drift. Recent defences works on northern beach to trap sediments South of the harbour marine flooding events associated with groundwater flooding Likely increase of those hazards with climate change BRGM BRGM The city front located north from the harbour is particularly concerned by erosion. However, the whole town of Saint-Cyprien is submitted to frequent groundwater flooding associated with marine flooding during storms. SCAN25 IGN 2. Responsible Authorities Commune de Saint-Cyprien, communauté de communes Sud Roussillon 3. Setting Low lying and urbanized barrier beach, backed by lowlands, fronting beach and gently sloping shoreface with sandbars. Recent defence works (groynes and beachfronting dyke north of the harbour infrastructures). Recreational uses of the beach on each side of the Harbour of Saint-Cyprien. South to north alongshore drift. 4. The Risk Problem Summary of Hazard and Risk:

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23 HOTSPOT STATEMENT Part of the RESPONSE LIFE-Environment Project 2006 For more information: /response.html Purpose of this hotspot statement Sainte-Geneviève Portiragnes-plage Languedoc-Roussillon France The purpose of a hotspot is to identify an area of the coast where the impacts of climate change on natural hazards should be examined and considered in planning and adaptation strategies. Definition of a hotspot A hotspot is defined as an area which has been identified in the higher risk categories following mapping of the current and future natural hazards affecting the coastal communities in the region. Key reason(s) why this Hotspot has been identified: LIFE project investigation by: Hotspot Statement prepared by: 1. Location Eroding low dune threatening urban and tourism areas BRGM Y.Balouin, BRGM 3.3 km, 335 ha SCAN25 IGN 2. Responsible Authorities Commune de Vias, Communauté d Agglomération Hérault-Méditerranée 3. Setting Lowland area with important tourism activity 4. The Risk Problem Summary of Hazard and Risk: Erosion Setting (geomorphology and coastal processes etc.): low coast ; longshore sediment transport is perturbed by local sea defences sediment supply is insignificant

24 Very local (illegal) protection of touristic assets by rockwalls inducing increased erosive processes on adjacent beaches Vulnerability of the site and Assets at risk, Consequences: Recrationnal beaches and Camping sites at risk of erosion.. Hazard and risk potential, Scale of the problem, When the current problems began: Erosion risk will be maintained if no action Examples of the past problems at the site: marine flooding, partial erosion of the campings 5. Current Management Situation and Approach: Current management policy at the site (regarding natural risks): Classified as Zone inondable in PPR (does not discriminate continental and marine flooding) induce building restrictions Existing Plans and Strategies of relevance: Discussion in progress on a possible strategic retreat, and shoreface protection involving geotextile tubes as well as soft reconstruction of the dune system (wood paling). Decision making structures and funding organisations: Communauté d Agglomération Hérault-Méditerranée, MIAL, SMNLR, CR- LR, CG34 Importance of the site / Public safety: camping sites, mobil-homes and houses at risk Public awareness and involvement: Experience, successes and problems with the current approach: IMPORTANT: 6. Future Management Strategy and needs: Integrate increased coastal hazard due to climate change hypothesis in risk management planning. Validate changes hypothesis by local measurements and process modelisation. 7. Key Issues for Action: 8. Who is responsible for taking this forward?: 9. Deadline / Date for action:

25 Photo 1 (aerial view of Sainte Genevieve area- ortholittorale2000) Photo 2 (oblic view of Ste Geneviève beach EIDméditerranée). Photo 3 : Eastward view of illegal protection on Ste Geneviève beach Photo 4: Westward view of illegal protection on Ste Geneviève beach 10. For Further Information: RESPONSE Specific report on Aquitaine and Languedoc Roussillon pilot regions 11. Contact: C.Vinchon (head of RESPONSE project for the French pilot region) BRGM/ARN/ESL BP Orléans Cedex-France, c.vinchon@brgm.fr Y.Balouin (Coastal Engineer)BRGM/SGR/LRO, 1039, rue de Pinville MONTPELLIER, y.balouin@brgm.fr

26 HOTSPOT STATEMENT Part of the RESPONSE LIFE-Environment Project 2006 For more information: /response.html Purpose of this hotspot statement Valras-plage Languedoc-Roussillon France The purpose of a hotspot is to identify an area of the coast where the impacts of climate change on natural hazards should be examined and considered in planning and adaptation strategies. Definition of a hotspot A hotspot is defined as an area which has been identified in the higher risk categories following mapping of the current and future natural hazards affecting the coastal communities in the region. Key reason(s) why this Hotspot has been identified: LIFE project investigation by: Hotspot Statement prepared by: 1. Location The low lying and artificial shoreline of Valras is nowadays subject to marine flooding. Hard defence (breakwaters) in front of the urbanised coast lead to erosion downstream (Vendres) BRGM Y.Balouin, BRGM Approximately 4 km from the Orb jetty southwards SCAN25 IGN 2. Responsible Authorities Commune de Valras-plage, Communauté d Agglomération Béziers Méditerranée, commune de Vendres 3. Setting Lowlying hinterland and shoreline. Narrow beach and gentle sloping shoreface. Hard management (breakwaters, in the Northern part of the spot. Eroding of the urban beach Valras-plage, and hard defences increasing the vulnerability of the downstream natural beach 4. The Risk Problem Summary of Hazard and Risk: erosion, marine flooding. Erosion more specifically on the unprotected part

27 of the beach(downstream of breakwaters). Setting (geomorphology and coastal processes etc.): This spot belongs to the Orb-Aude littoral cell. Infrastructure of both outlets deprives the cell of sediment supply. The city front of Valras-plage is totally artificial (promenade dike and beach protected by breakwaters). The littoral cell is limited by stabilised rivers outlets limiting eventual sediment supply. Vulnerability of the site and Assets at risk, Consequences: Eastern part of the littoral cell between Orb and Aude rivers outlets is urbanized. Tourist resort. Hazard and risk potential, Scale of the problem, When the current problems began: Existing marine flooding hazard known. Erosion hazard likely to increase drastically, if no management. Examples of the past problems at the site: Marine flooding events 5. Current Management Situation and Approach: Current management policy at the site (regarding natural risks): Issued from studies on the whole littoral cell, management works on the littoral of Valras-plage are beginning. Existing Plans and Strategies of relevance: Management project of the littoral cell: breakwaters + dune + submerged seawall + nourishment Decision making structures and funding organisations: SMNLR, CR-LR, CG34, commune de Valras, commune de Vendres Importance of the site / Public safety: City front Public awareness and involvement: Experience, successes and problems with the current approach: IMPORTANT: 6. Future Management Strategy and needs: 7. Key Issues for Action: Integrate increased hazard due to climate change hypothesis in risk management planning. Validate changes hypothesis by local measurements and process modelisation 8. Who is responsible for

28 taking this forward?: 9. Deadline / Date for action: Photo 1 orthophotophan ( ortholittorale2000)of Valraq Photo 2 : promenade dike on city front. breakwaters Photo 3 : Breakwaters and Tombolos infront of town infrastructures ( EIDMéditerranée) Photo 4 : Rock wall on the beach to fight erosion downstream of breakwaters 10. For Further Information: RESPONSE Specific report on Aquitaine and Languedoc Roussillon pilot regions 11. Contact: C.Vinchon (head of RESPONSE project for the French pilot regions) BRGM/ARN/ESL BP Orléans Cedex-France, c.vinchon@brgm.fr Y.Balouin (Coastal Engineer)BRGM/SGR/LRO, 1039, rue de Pinville MONTPELLIER, y.balouin@brgm.fr