Les politiques de protection des espaces naturels littoraux en France, l'exemple de la Bretagne

The French coastal natural spaces, often subject to marine and eolian erosion, undergo besides strong anthropogenic pressure (urbanization , industrialization, public pres sure and recreation developments). For about 10 years, with decentralization, many organisations , both public and private, and of varying competences, are acting together or independently for the protection of the environment. The division of power and the modest finances between these different actors bas sometimes resulted in complex structures. The "Conservatoire de l'Espace Littoral et des Rivages Lacustres" and the "Conseils Généraux" of Breton "départements" are now the principal actors in the current politics of coastal protection . According to the feelings and deparunental strategies, the coordination between the two k.inds of organ isations is more or less straight forward with regard to buying and rehabilitating tbreatened sites . Generally, the current managing of acquired sites, accompagnied by a technical aid and financial assistance of the department, is entrusted by the "communes" concerned . However, by the mere fact of their ressources or their very variable political orientations, the communes are not always ready to take on the task, particularly wben they consider that they don't receive sufficient aid. An eventual disengagement of the communes could impose real problems . Brittany constitutes a significant example of contrasts generated by the different political trends of "Conseils Généraux" and the resultant consequences for the protection of coastal natural spaces . Key-words France , Brittany, administrative framework, coastal management, natural spaces, coastal policy.