Dike vegetation management: how to conciliate "GEMA" and "PI"

Abstract

Balance between river ecological management (GEMA) and flood risk control (PI) is not always easy to obtain especially when woody riparian vegetation is at stake. Sticking points often make their coexistence difficult to implement. Levees and flood control dams are obvious examples. Ecological functions and ecosystem services provided by vegetation no longer need to be demonstrated. The new "GEMAPI" legislation makes it compulsory to reconciliate management goals that may appear conflicting. The issue is the conservation of healthy functional ecosystems while guaranteeing the protection of the population and infrastructures from flooding risk.