Abstract. Protective measures against torrential floods and ORZODQGV ¶ IORRGV have been set up since the 19 th century in mountainous areas. To help decide on maintenance of numerous existing structures, a better understanding of their objectives and technical functions is needed. Nevertheless, that remains tricky in torrent management context, due to several changes for more than 150 years, either in terms of natural torrential risk (e.g. land-use changes), scientific understanding of complex phenomena (e.g. hillslope-streambed coupling
Strategies for adapting to climate change are crucial to sustain human development while ensuring the supply of ecosystem services, especially in mid-altitude mountains. This paper presents main methodological developments and results of an inter-and transdisciplinary research that was applied to the Vercors massif in southeastern France. The approach linked regional climate projections with impacts on social-ecological systems, socio-economic activities, as well as adaptation capacities and management responses. We built on an extensive participatory process and an in-depth analysis of expert and local knowledge. This process provided a generic and transdisciplinary knowledge model together with an integrated framework for adaptation management (AMS-MAIA method). Our analyses showed that many adaptation practices were already underway in the study area, implicitly or explicitly, and highlight key functions and some relevant cross-sectoral insights for adaptation. The research also assisted in collecting information on climate sensitivity through social-ecological indicators across spatial units. It provided resources and a prototype of web-based tools to assist local communities in setting up cross-sectoral adaptation strategies. We offer an original method for governing adaptation based on management standards and continuous improvement, while 2 highlighting limitations of such formal and stringent approaches that require social and political license.
Abstract. In 1995, a law stated a common regulatory natural risk zoning for French municipalities through a land-use planning procedure called Risk Prevention Plan (PPR). In mountain valleys and especially within torrential watersheds, considering protective structures in those plans is an actual concern. Those protections do have an effect on phenomena and modify hazard and risk levels. This paper gives an overview on how torrential protective works are taken into account in present risk prevention plans. To carry out this study, 53 recent risk prevention plans over 11 French mountain departments were selected and analyzed through a common analysis grid. Torrential protection works are taken into account in more than one third of analyzed plans. Protections mostly considered are dikes, bank protections, check-dams and sediment traps. Modalities of integration of these structures vary from one plan to another, influencing both hazard and regulatory zoning. Results also show a wide range of practices between departments and even inside them. Conclusions brought out enhance knowledge about actual practices which were not sufficiently known so far. Findings and new additional recommendations will be included in a future PPR methodological guide exclusively suited for torrential context, which is currently still missing.
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