On 16 October 2026, the seminar “Le Devenir des Plages – The Future of Beaches” brought together 75 participants in Aix-en-Provence, France. Organised by François Sabatier and Sarah Thomas within the Erasmus+ TRACE project, with support from the OCEAN Institute at Aix-Marseille Université, the event provided a forum for dialogue between scientific research and coastal management practitioners.
As coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and environmental change increasingly affect beaches, the seminar aimed to share scientific knowledge and practical experience in order to better understand the evolution of Mediterranean beaches and support informed coastal management decisions.
Understanding Beach Dynamics and Anticipating Future Changes
The seminar explored complementary perspectives on beach evolution, from observing and understanding coastal processes to anticipating future changes and addressing the challenges of coastal management. Contributions highlighted the importance of scientific monitoring, geomorphological analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding how beaches respond to environmental pressures.
Researchers and specialists shared expertise on coastal geomorphology, sediment dynamics, shoreline evolution, and the environmental and societal challenges facing coastal areas.
Bringing Science and Coastal Stakeholders Together
The event welcomed a diverse audience, including representatives of local and regional authorities, consultancy firms, coastal practitioners, citizens, farmers, researchers, and students. This diversity encouraged exchanges between scientific knowledge and practical experience.
Discussions highlighted the importance of considering local needs, coastal uses, and territorial challenges when developing strategies for beach management and adaptation.
Building a Collective Approach to Coastal Adaptation
The seminar formed part of the Erasmus+ TRACE project, which promotes a better understanding of climate change impacts on geomorphological environments and encourages knowledge exchange between universities and relevant stakeholders.
The Future of Beaches helped strengthen connections between scientific research, professional expertise, and coastal management, while reinforcing the need for collaborative approaches to anticipate beach evolution, support decision-making, and improve the long-term resilience of Mediterranean coastal areas.
