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Protéger

The project "PROTEGER", for the promotion and development of bioengineering in Guadeloupe’s watercourses, aims to preserve the biodiversity of aquatic environments, while protecting property and people from the risks incurred during river floods or cyclonic events.

Cost of phase 2: €975,025. It is 65% financed by the European Union through its FEDER fund.

An innovative project in 4 phases

This large-scale project brings together all the stakeholders involved in the management and preservation of watercourses in Guadeloupe: the Guadeloupe Region, local authorities, Office de l’eau, State services, managers of natural areas, etc. The project will be carried out by a team of experts from Region Guadeloupe, the local authorities, the Water Office, the State services, natural area managers, etc.

Phase 1 —  2016 to 2018

Study of Guadeloupe's riparian areas

The first phase of the project "PROTEGER" aimed to characterize the forests bordering Guadeloupe watercourses, hitherto little known.

It was financed by the Guadeloupe National Park, Office de l'eau 971, the Guadeloupe Region and the Direction de l'Environnement, de l'Aménagement et du Logement (Department of Environment, Planning and Housing ) or DEAL, Guadeloupe.

First phase results allowed a typology of riparian areas in Guadeloupe to be drawn up and 12 types of riparian areas to be identified (study conducted by the Office National des Forêts). A set of species with high potential for their use in bioengineering works was also defined.

Phase 2 —  2019 to 2022

Species characterization and definition of bioengineering techniques

Phase 2 of the project aims at a more precise characterization of species and a definition of ecological engineering techniques that can be used on the banks of Guadeloupe's watercourses.

The mechanical properties of plant species preselected in phase 1 are studied in order to know their technical modalities of use in the structures. This research will also make it possible to know and control these species’ reproductive capacities and provide the technical elements necessary for their subsequent cultivation in the nursery.

In parallel with this research, pilot work sites will be carried out in watercourses in partnership with the Guadeloupe Region, the project owner of the works in the watercourses. They will enable the chosen species and techniques to be tested in real conditions.

Phase 3 

Transmission of knowledge

Phase 3 of the project will make it possible to train Guadeloupean stakeholders (companies, communities, etc.) in the use of bioengineering techniques in the Guadeloupe watercourses, via the development of a dedicated socio-economic system. Routine worksites will be implemented to ensure the sustainable evolution of practices, from civil engineering to bioengineering.

Phase 4 

Communication of results

Phase 4 will share and disseminate the information and knowledge developed during the first phases on a Caribbean-wide basis. A methodological guide for bioengineering applicable in the West Indies for watercourse works and maintenance will be produced.

Focus on the second phase of the project

Phase 2 of the project is funded

and by the three technical partners of the project:

The governance of this second phase is ensured on the one hand by a steering committee made up of water and biodiversity stakeholders in Guadeloupe, which proposes the project’s strategic orientations. On the other hand, a technical committee composed of the project’s four co-pilots (PNG, INRAE, UA) decides on the technical orientations: monitoring and progress of the research, publication of the results, continuation of the work, etc.

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