Effets des aménagements anciens

Effects of old developments

Professeur à l'Université des Sciences et Techniques de Lille

Abstract

A deeper and deeper knowledge of processes in all environmental fields enables us to better appreciate the direct or indirect, slow or rapid, beneficial or harmful consequences of river developments and thus enables us to take these consequences into account when planning projects or carrying out large hydraulic works. In the criticisms often made against new developments, it is often alleged that lighter techniques or practises, no longer used now, would have been more successful in providing a satisfactory balance between group interests and water requirements. Indeed, there may be lessons to be learned from old developments while still keeping in mind the scale of needs and technical possibilities.