Atlantic Network for Coastal Risk Management (ANCORIM)

Atlantic Europe is made up of 33 regions stretching across a coastline of 1,550 miles, home to around 70 million inhabitants. These regions are characterised by a strong identity, linked to their proximity to the ocean and displaying great natural and cultural diversity. They are also very vulnerable due to the pressures, of human and natural origin, that they are subjected to: urbanisation, coastal erosion, pollution, etc. The various risks are also potentially accentuated by the effects of climate change: an increased number of storms, flooding, etc.

In this context, the ANCORIM project aimed to strengthen the operational capacities of coastal decision-makers and managers in the Atlantic regions, with the aim of confronting coastal risks. To do this, it  created a network of the scientific and technical resources existing in the European Atlantic area and it provided tools to aid decision-making, and to promote examples of good practices in the various areas concerned. The project does not involve developing scientific research work but rather intensifies operational exchanges between the scientific community and decision-makers, with a view of improving the prevention and management of coastal risks. The project structure is based on three key issues: erosion and stability of the shoreline, coastal water quality impact on economic activities, and planning of urban and rural coastal areas.

Five case studies were implemented in order to find alternative solutions to the problems identified. Communication tools to support decision makers and strengthen collaboration among coastal managers and the scientific community were developed, contributing to a better management and prevention of coastal risks in the Atlantic area.

ANCORIM results were finally strengthened through the CORIMAT (Coastal Risks Management Atlantic Stakeholders Network), aimed at reinforcing a stakeholders' network for the prevention and management of coastal risks and providing public access to the ANCORIM resources (didactic tools, case studies, guidelines).