The Coast of the Bouches du Rhone covers 120 km and is characterized by calanques (steep-sided valleys formed within a karstic region) with urban and industrial areas, deltas and natural sandy beaches.

This pilot case will be implementing several tools and approaches (Indicators, LEAC (Land and Ecosystem Accounting), participatory approaches and socio-economic valuation to assist resource management. Up to date, the territorial diagnostic has been completed and the first round of interviews to stakeholders as participatory approach for mutual learning has taken place.

This particular case will explore the potential of the cost-benefits resulting from the LEAC analysis to decision making on coastal issues. The analysis will allow identifying the general integrity or ‘health of the ecosystems and issues (i.e. landscape quality) as well as identify hotspots, trends and patterns of changes of major concern. Another project partner, the University of Nottingham, is providing guidance using the LEAC tool to the stakeholders of the Bouche du Rhône.

The next few months will be dedicated to completing the work on the indicators and beginning the socioeconomic valuation of the area.

The case supervisors are Jean-François Cadiou, Ifremer, and Lisa Ernoul, Tour du Valat.