The Vendée coastline, stretching over 250 kilometers, faces significant threats from marine submersion and coastal erosion. Recent projections by the Cerema, released in April 2024, indicate that by 2050, 319 homes and 33 commercial properties, including 6 campsites, will be affected by coastal retreat, with an estimated cost of €56 million.
Particularly vulnerable areas include low-lying regions such as Aiguillon la Presqu'île, which are protected only by sand dunes and dikes. The island of Noirmoutier is also at risk, with two-thirds of its territory below the highest water levels. Severe storms, like the one in 2010, have already caused considerable damage.
In contrast to marine submersion, which is classified as an unpredictable natural risk, coastal erosion is deemed a gradual and predictable phenomenon. This distinction has implications for funding, as only marine submersion currently qualifies for financial support from the Barnier Fund, established to assist property owners in mitigating natural risks.
The French government has shifted the responsibility of coastal defense to municipalities, prompting local leaders, such as Yannick Moreau, president of the National Association of Coastal Elected Officials, to advocate for a reevaluation of funding mechanisms. Proposals include increasing local taxes and exploring new funding sources to address the growing challenges posed by climate change and rising sea levels.
This situation highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to protect vulnerable coastal communities in Vendée.