Evaluate the development of the Sâane Valley territorial project

The Saâne Valley is a coastal Norman area crossed by a small river, subject to risks of flooding and marine submersion. The Conservatoire du Littoral, with the support of the Agence de l’Eau, leads a process to develop a new territorial project that envisions a desirable and viable future for this area, whose vulnerability increases due to the effects of climate change.

The evaluation of the public participation process involved in developing this territorial project is entrusted to Lisode, in partnership with the University of Exeter (responsible for conducting the evaluation on a parallel territory across the English Channel). To carry out this mission, Lisode was able to draw on its own expertise as well as that of the local citizens.

Citizens participated in large numbers to reflect on the principles and criteria that should guide such projects. Which stakeholders should be involved, at what stages, and with what objectives? What degree of influence should affected parties have in decision-making for the territory’s future? Citizens then had the opportunity to apply this collaboratively developed evaluation framework to their specific context. This framework, along with their recommendations, was directly incorporated into the final evaluation report of the project. Both the residents and the Conservatoire du Littoral adopted a more constructive approach, with the latter adapting its methods of citizen engagement for the ongoing process, thereby serving as a model for other territories soon to undertake similar initiatives.