Sustainable reconnection to the sea: what will happen to the Moëze-Oléron nature reserve and the surrounding wetlands in 2050?

Abstract

During the LIFE ADAPTO project, the partnership between the Conservatoire du littoral and the LPO aims to imagine the future of the Brouage wetland in the context of sea level rise, and more particularly the Moëze-Oléron natural reserve. Different coastline management scenarios have been tested. A totally innovative methods have been implemented which allowed to model the new possible landscapes, without scientific certainty. In case of total seawall erase, ecosystems would be more resilient with patrimonial habitats loss, while setting back the seawall from the coastline would create major malfunctions. Furthermore, new management ways of this area dedicated to nature protection have been conceived.