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Coastal Development
and Climate Change
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our last campaigns
Mardi 15 Février 2022
Castets, France
in progress
Lundi 08 Novembre 2021
Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands
in progress
Mardi 30 Mars 2021
San Sebastian, Spain
in progress
Mercredi 18 Novembre 2020
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
won
Mercredi 18 Novembre 2020
Tarragona, Spain
in progress
Jeudi 06 Août 2020
Martigues, France
in progress
Hauts-de-France, France
In 2011, the ‘Local Community Urban Development Plan' (PLUC) considered the reclassification of the wetland and dune area of Malo-les-Bains into a buildable area, despite the fact that it contains zones classified as ‘natural habitats of community interest'. Furthermore, this zone being part of the coastline should be protected by the law on Coastlines (‘loi Littoral'). It is also protected by the Ramsar Convention (ratified by France in 1989), whose objective is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”.
The local population quickly mobilised to oppose this project. The action group "Save the dune" (Sauvons la dune) was born in June 2011, and joined by the Keeper. Surfrider joined the battle, mainly by taking part in the public consultations in June 2011 and in the two clean-up operations of the dune, organised in order to make coastline users aware of the issue. On the 1st of October 2011, following a call for mobilisation launched by the action group and Surfrider, more than 400 people gathered to proclaim their unease with regards to the future of the dune at Malo-les-Bains.
In February 2012, the council voted on the PLUC, taking into account Surfrider's requests for amendments to the project. The entire site will be reclassified as an ‘NPT', a natural and agricultural zone where ecologically sensitive sites and landscapes are to be preserved and protected. In June 2012, the association ADELE who is a member of the action group, called for those who helped save the dune in Malo-les-Bains to come forward with ideas for a name.
more on the theme
Coastal Development
and Climate Change
Coastal erosion, rising water levels, maritime transport, offshore platforms: the health of our coasts and oceans is permanently under threat.
our values
PASSION
The passion for the oceans, the coastline and the pleasures animate everyone who supports Surfrider and guides the organization's action.
SHARING
Surfrider is rooted in the value of sharing and participation through inclusion and diversity.
RESPECT
Surfrider seeks a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
