Paper short abstract:

This presentation focus on the littoral in the last three centuries. It addresses two main issues, how new perceptions and uses transformed the beach into a cultural landscape and how the impact of human actions is putting at risk this cultural and environmental heritage.

Paper long abstract:

The beach is now a much-sought destination during vacations. But, this is a 20th century phenomenon, since for centuries open coasts were feared empty places. It was only around the end of the 18th century, that perceptions changed and the European elites found a new utility to these spaces: sea-bathing. The elites brought civilization to the seaside and the beach was transformed into a cultural landscape.

Forts, lighthouses, marginal avenues, railways, casinos, hotels, houses, groynes, seawalls and other human infrastructures (and activities) are now part of the beach as much as their geological layers. This space is now a hybrid environment, a patchwork made of buildings, businesses, traditions, stories, memories, sand, rocks and salty water.

This presentation focus in the last three centuries perceptions and uses of the littoral. It analyses how different ideas and activities molded the beach as a cultural landscape and how human's global environmental changes are putting at risk this cultural and environmental heritage. It also points the relevancy of transdisciplinary work and public participation to find and support sustainable solutions for the future.