Local perceptions of socio-ecological drivers and effects of coastal armoring: the case of Moorea, French Polynesia

This paper presents a transdisciplinary study focusing on the socio-ecological mechanisms at play in alteration of Moorea’s (French Polynesia) coastline. Building previous synthesizing results from monitoring efforts island’s coastline 1977 to 2018, we offer joint analysis scientific and local perceptions coastal changes impacts armoring Moorea. Drawing ecological ethnographic data (111 semi-structured interviews Moorea residents representatives authorities), analyze drivers invoked by near-shore modify their as well perceived effects artificialization marine biodiversity topography. We also address broader economic political contexts under which is being increasingly transformed. Overall, our highlights how increased erosion coupled poorly enforced regulations drive progressive through diversity private-based developments. discuss latter have, both for scientists residents, controversial community-wide economic, social, impacts.