Lydie Goeldner-Gianella

Perceptions and Attitudes Toward De-polderisation in Europe: A Comparison of Five Opinion Surveys in France and the UK

Abstract Western Europes de-polderisation policy was launched in the 1980s and has since spread along the coasts, especially in the UK, where it is governed by coastal defence objectives through “managed realignment” and environmental objectives that are predominant elsewhere. Various means of de-polderisation exist: through tidal gates, breaches, or sea dike removal. Although physical studies on de-polderisation should be continued, it is equally important to examine the social context, favouring or not, of marsh restoration because acceptance of any de-polderisation scheme largely depends on public opinion. The results of five opinion surveys carried out in France and the UK were thus compared and revealed diverging opinions or unexpected indifference toward de-polderisation. A profile of those opposed shows that they are relatively old and regularly frequent the de-polderised sites or live near them. “Negative” reactions, however, are also linked to a lack of knowledge about the marsh environment and of the effects of de-polderisation. Other explanations surface as well: that today coastal environments are quite simply viewed as “landscape,” the degree of human intervention in the implemented schemes, the physical and eustatic context, and the degree to which people are informed. Public knowledge could be improved and mentalities changed through better communication methods, especially on a local level. Furthermore, the creation of a “variables bank” capable of explaining public attitudes and perceptions more systematically would also improve “social management” of the de-polderisation policy.

Perception of the risk of tsunami in a context of high-level risk assessment and management: the case of the fjord Lyngen in Norway

BackgroundNorth Norway, the banks of the fjord Lyngen are highly exposed to a rockslide tsunami hazard. However, the local municipality believes that the coastal community is well-informed about the risk and ready to evacuate, should a warning be issued. Accordingly, the social survey we conducted in this municipality was a matter of exploring three main questions: is the Lyngen population well-informed about the tsunami risk in general and about the potential evacuation time in particular? Is the local population as confident as the local municipality hope? Is there enough information on the tsunami risk for tourists, given their growing number?.ResultsThe survey shows that the local population has a clear perception of the tsunami hazard, but that warning and evacuation conditions are not sufficiently well-known, despite the local and national communication work. Moreover confidence in the municipal authorities seems to be imperfect, although confidence concerning hazard surveillance is higher than confidence in the information provided on risk and management. As often, tourists are less informed on natural hazards or evacuation conditions.ConclusionsThe municipal authorities have to improve the information locally delivered. Authorities must also disseminate information to the tourists, especially on a possible evacuation during their stay, so as not to raise anxiety or trigger a decline in the areas touristic appeal.