Les conflits pour l'aménagement du Marais Poitevin, ou : à qui appartient le local ?

Farmer's organizations and environmentalists disagree with regard to reclamation projects in the Poitevin marshes. To explain this conflict between agriculture and environment it must be replaced in its local context : a crisis in the decision processes and use rights patterns which, until recently, have ruled the management of this ecological system. Two sets of criteria are combined in any land-use decision : production or conservation. Since no social use of space really fits in this dicotomy no social group can claim its use of land and water is superior to that of other groups. As types of land-use become more diversified, social conflicts are increased and are revealed within the government machinery.