The Shoreline between Nature and Society, a Changing Heritage - Vulnerability of Coastal Ecosystems and Adaptation - page 215

site of Agriate. The law about the reinforcement of the environmental
protection of 1995 has endorsed it in estuaries, so that the debate
around the future of large maritime ports is backed by its now
recognized authority.
It is a great success story; however, the initial challenge posed is
not a foregone conclusion. It could even be argued that it took a long
time for the Protection Agency to obtain the authority it deserved
among the local collectives with whom it had to negotiate the
acquisition of land that was considered as essential to the conservation
of the coastal natural and cultural heritage. Once the land was
acquired, the areas were to be restored and handed over to
municipalities or organizations. As it is steered by an administrative
council featuring State representatives and local authorities, the
Protection Agency is also a place for permanent dialogue. It appears to
be a small structure, only about 100 people in regional delegations
symbolically situated in the Corderie Royale of Rochefort-sur-Mer
(probably a hint at the great maritime policies advocated by Colvert
and a radiant State), it also features about 50 coastal guards recruited
by local collectives. Its information panels are inconspicuous but the
logo, the blue thistle that disappeared among the sand dunes at the end
of 1960, is still visible at the entrance of the offices under light
surveillance. The Protection Agency also involves scientific
engagement, a bookshop, a clever pedagogy and both savoir-faire and
publicization through various channels. Although the Protection
Agency was opposed and although it might have given the impression
of standing alone in the defense of coastlines, today it appears as the
perfect example of an effective and intelligent stakeholder within.
5.4.4.3.3. Marine-protected areas
Marine-protected areas have formed part for a few decades of the
framework for ocean management policies with the overarching aim
to secure a sustainable development of its activities. Of course, this
claim can be argued against along with the enterprise marine
conservation, as well as the conservation of all living species, fauna or
flora. Indeed, fauna and flora are interdependent. On the one hand,
scientists and nature lovers have noticed a progressive deterioration of
the quality of the water, with the various forms of pollution affecting