From economy to ecology: Exploring territorial material flows through local economic structures

Territorial systems are increasingly shaped by globalization and the flow of resources. Analyzing these flows offers insights into resource use, environmental impacts, and pathways for sustainable development. The Economy-Wide Material Flow Analysis (EW-MFA), developed by Eurostat, provides a framework to quantify resource input and output. This study applies the EW-MFA framework to assess material flows across French territories at the NUTS3 level. Results show uneven distribution, with most territories remain highly material-intensive, except Paris and Ile-de-France. Flows reveal interdependence, influenced by geographical factors like border regions (e.g., Nord), logistics infrastructure (e.g., seaports), industry (production), and population (consumption). Border regions and seaports notably enhance flow dynamics. Territories are interconnected through local and international dependencies and influences, shaping their socioeconomic fabric. While flows determine territorial dynamics, territories can influence these flows, altering their trajectories and mitigating ecological impacts (e.g., wastes, CO2 emissions). This highlights the potential for proactive territorial policies to drive sustainable transitions.