Human Pressures on Coastal Systems
Aix-Marseille University
Reference Teacher: Edward Anthony (CEREGE – AMU)
Teacher(s): Edward Anthony, Professor of Coastal Geomorphology, Aix-Marseille University (CEREGE)
Samuel Robert, CNRS Research Director, Geography, (ESPACE – AMU)
Anne Cadoret, Senior Lecturer in Social Geography of the Environment, TELEMMe (CNRS – AMU)
The course analyses the interactions between human activities and coastal systems, focusing on how coastal ecosystems are affected by urbanisation, tourism, maritime transport, and recreational activities. Students examine the environmental impacts of these pressures, including coastal erosion, habitat degradation, and disturbances to marine ecosystems.
One of the applied case studies concerns ecological mooring systems, which aim to reduce the environmental impact of recreational boating on sensitive marine habitats such as Posidonia seagrass beds. Traditional anchoring systems can damage these ecosystems, whereas ecological mooring technologies minimise seabed disturbance. This example demonstrates how technological solutions can support marine conservation policies and illustrates the role of innovation in the development of sustainable coastal management strategies.
This course is part of the COAST Master’s programme (Coastal Management and Vulnerabilities) within the Master’s degree in Geography, Planning, Environment and Development at Aix-Marseille University. The course examines the major human pressures affecting coastal systems, including coastal urbanisation, tourism development, maritime transport, recreational uses, and coastal infrastructure. It combines perspectives from coastal geomorphology, environmental geography, and territorial governance, with a focus on understanding how human activities interact with coastal dynamics and marine ecosystems. A key applied example presented in the course concerns ecological mooring systems, which are examined as coastal management tools and discussed in terms of their potential benefits and limitations.
MASTER COAST, M1 (Aix Marseille Université)
Students will learn to apply geographical and environmental analysis methods to real coastal management situations and evaluate management solutions aimed at reducing environmental pressures.
Students will develop the ability to analyse coastal management issues using geographical and environmental analytical frameworks through the examination of case studies discussed during the course.
Students will develop critical thinking skills enabling them to assess the effectiveness of coastal management strategies and technological innovations addressing environmental pressures.
Students will develop their ability to analyse and communicate complex coastal management issues through written reports, oral presentations, and case study discussions.
Students will strengthen their capacity to critically analyse scientific and policy materials, interpret environmental data, and develop autonomous learning skills through the examination of case studies and academic literature.
Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Geography or a related discipline (environmental studies, marine sciences, spatial planning, political science, law, or similar fields). Admission may be granted after review by the academic equivalence committee.
Teaching combines lectures, case study discussions, and the critical analysis of real-world coastal management situations. Students work with datasets using Excel, analyse policy and management cases based on videos and guided discussions, and engage in critical readings and discussions of scientific articles.
Assessment includes written assignments, case study analyses, and oral presentations.
The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human pressures affecting coastal systems and the tools used to manage them. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyse coastal pressures, understand their environmental impacts, and evaluate management strategies and technological solutions designed to reduce these pressures.
The expected learning outcomes can contribute to the achievements of the following goals: Goal 14: Life below water, Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 4: Quality Education
For continuing education applicants, enrolment is managed by the Continuing Education Office (UFR ALLSH).
https://allsh.univ-amu.fr/fr/formation/formation-continue
Applicants holding a degree from another discipline or seeking specific admission procedures may consult additional information at: https://allsh.univ-amu.fr/fr/formation/scolarite
If students are in initial training:
International students applying from outside France must follow the :
https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/candidature-enseignement-superieur-france
Applicants holding a Bachelor’s degree in Geography are eligible to apply for the Master’s programme. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in related fields such as marine sciences, earth sciences, spatial planning, political science, law, or engineering may also apply.
Applications are submitted through the national application platform MonMaster and are assessed based on the applicant’s academic record: https://www.monmaster.gouv.fr/master/universite-d-aix-marseille/geographie-amenagement-environnement-et-developpement-10
The course includes several thematic lectures addressing coastal urbanisation, tourism pressures, maritime activities, and environmental management.
One of the case studies concerns the implementation of ecological mooring systems designed to protect sensitive marine habitats such as Posidonia seagrass meadows. These systems represent an example of technological innovation aimed at reducing environmental pressures while maintaining recreational uses of coastal waters.
This example illustrates how blue technologies and scientific knowledge can contribute to the sustainable management of marine and coastal environments, in line with broader international objectives related to marine conservation and the development of blue knowledge. The course examines the development of ecological mooring areas (Zones de Mouillages et d’Équipements Légers – ZMEL) as a policy and technological response to these environmental pressures. Students analyse how these systems function technically and institutionally, including the design of anchoring devices that minimise seabed disturbance and the governance frameworks required for their implementation. Through this example, students explore how scientific knowledge, environmental regulations, and technological innovation interact in the management of coastal ecosystems.
The case study also highlights the role of public authorities, local stakeholders, and environmental institutions in balancing recreational uses of the sea with biodiversity protection. This applied example illustrates the broader objectives of blue knowledge and blue technology, demonstrating how innovative technologies and management strategies can reduce environmental pressures while maintaining sustainable uses of marine environments.
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- Moriconi-EbrardF., Dinard F., 2000. L’urbanisation du littoral méditerranéen, Mappemonde, (57) 32-36.
- Robert S., Fox D., BoulayG., GrandclementA., GarridoM., PasqualiniV., PrévostA., Schleyer-LindenmannA., TréméloML., 2019. A framework to analyseurban sprawl in the French Mediterranean coastal zone. Regional Environmental Change, (19) 2, 559-572.
- Robert S., MelinH. (dir.), 2016. Habiter le littoral. Enjeux contemporains. Presses universitaires de Provence et Presses Universitaires d’Aix-Marseille, 471 p.