French coastal wetlands: In search of sustainability

While significant interest in coastal wetlands has existed for more than three decades in France, the protection of these areas and their opening to environmentally friendly tourism has only occurred recently, and in an adverse political context. It must be made clear that the current trend points towards the continuing loss of these habitats. They are seriously threatened by agricultural drainage, and the growth of harbours and tourism. But mudflats, salt marshes and coastal meadows are seen to be important for scientific research, notably in ornithology. After having first taken into account the totality of these threats, this paper presents the policies adopted by the French Government for the protection of wetlands, focusing on the advantages and failings of its system of wetlands protection. Interest in the protection of the wetlands is divided among the national government, local communities, private environmental organizations and private hunting clubs. The now protected wetlands of the French Atlantic coastline offers an example of the complexity of tourism development and the sustainable use of environmentally sensitive areas.